Peter Foley.Photo:Doug Pensinger/Getty
Doug Pensinger/Getty
Peter Foley, a longtime coach for the U.S. snowboarding team, has been suspended for 10 years following an investigation into sexual misconduct, according to U.S. Center for SafeSport’sonline disciplinary database.ESPNfirst reported the news Tuesday. A database for the U.S. Center for SafeSport shows that Foley, who had been the coach for the U.S. snowboarding team for 28 years, would be suspended following an 18-month investigation into his alleged sexual misconduct.
Foley, 58, had been accused of molesting former team members, among other sexual misconduct allegations including coercing women on the team to take naked photos, as well as crawling into bed with them, according tothe Associated Press.
A spokesperson for SafeSport said the organization could not comment about Foley’s suspension Wednesday morning. The organization’s database shows his suspension is “subject to appeal” and “not yet final.”
SafeSport’s database shows Foley’s ruling was issued Tuesday, and the longtime coach was directed to receive education and received a “no contact directive.”
Howard Jacobs, Foley’s attorney, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment about the former coach’s suspension or whether he’ll appeal the decision.
A spokesperson for U.S. Ski & Snowboard told PEOPLE on Wednesday that the organization was aware of SafeSport’s decision regarding Foley.“U.S. Ski & Snowboard strongly believes that there is no place in sport for abuse and misconduct, and we support the Center’s mission to end abuse on behalf of athletes everywhere,” the organization said in a statement. “U.S. Ski & Snowboard is and will remain an organization that prioritizes the safety, health and well-being of its athletes and staff.”
Peter Foley.Doug Pensinger/Getty
Foley and Kosglow have 10 days to appeal their suspensions.
Chythlook-Sifsof, a member of the 2010 U.S. Olympic team, accused Foley of making a sexually explicit comment towards her when she was a teen, and also alleged the coach had taken naked photos of several team members.
She and two other former U.S. Snowboard team members, Rosey Fletcher and Erin O’Malley, later sued Foley for sexual battery and assault, according toUSA Today.
Sigrid McCawley, an attorney representing Chythlook-Sifsof, Fletcher and O’Malley, told PEOPLE in a statement that SafeSport’s decision “represents progress and empowerment for all young athletes and their families because it sends a clear signal that those who abuse young athletes will be held to account.”
source: people.com
