U.S. soccer president tells CNN more misconduct cases reported to USADA
Tuesday, May 02, 2018
(CNN) — U.S. Soccer President and CEO Dan Flynn says the fallout from sexual harassment and misconduct cases across the sport has resulted in more than the 30 cases announced to the USADA but that number continues to rise.
A total of 27 cases were reported to the drug antidoping agency last week, including six more cases the day it was announced, Flynn told CNN on Tuesday.
Flynn told CNN: “We are continuing our investigation to learn of any possible new cases as this case number hits 30 with four active cases in the last week. And we are continuing to review all cases we have in our system with help from our partners, our partners at USADA and the Department of Education.”
Flynn said Wednesday he is “encouraged that more women are coming forward with allegations against players and we are working to support them as they go through the process of coming forward.”
The first case reported to USADA last week involved USF’s midfielder Lauren Barnes, who claims she was sexually assaulted by former U.S. star DeAndre Yedlin at a U.S. youth soccer camp years ago. USADA’s investigation is ongoing. Flynn told CNN all players accused of sexual misconduct should expect “to be dealt with fairly and appropriately.”
Flynn told CNN the school system — where the cases are typically more difficult to investigate due to the statute of limitations — is working with USADA to find ways to expedite the process.
The school system said Barnes’ story “was reported through her family and school, and was investigated to determine if there was an appropriate course of action.”
“In this case, the school found it was appropriate to handle the case internally within the soccer family and does not believe that the allegations impacted the soccer program or the student’s athletic goals,” the school system said in a statement the Friday after the release of the results of the investigation. “The administration’s decision to handle the case internally was based on a desire to treat the student in an appropriate manner and to ensure the highest integrity for the student and the soccer family.”
Flynn says US Soccer has already addressed the issue of player conduct with the US Soccer National Team Development Program.