He expressed a desire for it to impact Title IX regulations not just in Maryland, but also in other areas, and expressed a hope for continued oversight and scrutiny of any structural changes that occur.
Earlier this week, he came across the Justice Department’s report on social media. He described it as “very thorough.” While most of the information did not shock him, the possibility of Cradock having abused minors was not something he had previously encountered.
“Heartache came from that realization, as it damaged my sense of self as a competitive swimmer,” he explained. “Was I sought after to swim or to suffer abuse?”
During an interview, he expressed that he doesn’t believe there can truly be closure until there is tangible change. He stated that the current situation is just a mere statement and there needs to be something concrete that demonstrates a change for him to feel a difference.
The report from the Justice Department stated that the Head Coach, being well-liked and admired by the University community, was given preferential treatment despite exhibiting behaviors that should have raised concerns about the environment he fostered for student athletes. As a successful coach, the Head Coach held a prominent position at the University.
The man swimming stated that the workplace was “discrediting, contradictory, and distant.” He also mentioned speaking to employees from the university’s Office of the General Counsel without being informed of their position.
The former sports players are optimistic that the required modifications outlined in the proposed settlement between the college and the Department of Justice will result in a more positive experience for future students at UMBC. The male swimmer expressed a desire for less staff turnover in the Title IX office and a more visible physical presence.
The report on Title IX, conducted by federal investigators, revealed that the university was aware of potential instances of sex discrimination as early as 2015, but did not take necessary steps to investigate former head coach Chad Cradock’s alleged sexual misconduct until November 2020. Cradock later resigned and died by suicide in March 2021.
He mentioned that his teammates considered certain behaviors as normal, but he personally found them strange or unacceptable.
The report from the Department of Justice also condemned the manner in which the university’s Title IX office handled the student-athletes.
Valerie Sheares Ashby, the President of UMBC, issued an apology to students on Monday and acknowledged the university’s accountability for the lack of protection they faced. Vanessa, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the university, expressed empathy towards individuals like Sheares Ashby who were not present during the abuse. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, the former President of UMBC, retired in 2022.
“The reason I spoke out and filed a complaint was because I felt like I was being set up for a career filled with abuse,” stated the former male swimmer, who now feels validated in speaking up.
Despite the conclusion of the inquiry, a former UMBC swimmer victimized by Cradock expressed that it does not mark the end of their suffering.
Baltimore Sun refrains from disclosing the identities of sexual assault survivors unless given permission. Vanessa has consented to being identified by her first name.
“This is so much bigger than just the six of us who came forward. This goes back to 2015 that they could substantiate,” said Vanessa, a female swimmer. “It’s very validating. Hopefully, people will just start to realize that they should believe anyone that comes forward.”
The findings of both the university’s external investigators and the Justice Department revealed that Cradock showed preferential treatment towards the men’s swim team while neglecting the women’s team. The report stated that Cradock sexually assaulted male swimmers and discouraged female swimmers from reporting incidents of dating violence or assault to Title IX authorities.
As he was being recruited as a swimmer for UMBC, he recalled being thrilled that Cradock seemed to have a positive impression of him.
Several ex-athletes from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County claim that the recent report from the U.S. Department of Justice validating their sexual harassment and assault allegations against their former coach has been a long-awaited victory after three years.
In an interview, she expressed her desire for individuals such as Chad who were too afraid to take responsibility and admit their mistakes, not be wrongly blamed for the actions of others.
According to interviews, swimmers are still struggling with the repercussions of the mistreatment. A male swimmer expressed his sorrow over the wasted years dedicated to the sport and disclosed that the resulting PTSD has also diminished his desire for other interests.
The male swimmer stated that the toxic and unfriendly atmosphere he endured seemed to have been supported by Chad. He hopes that as the swim team moves forward, there will be individuals who were not involved in this situation.
According to the report, the university’s inaction in preventing activities such as inviting students for sleepovers, using their locker rooms instead of employee ones, and allowing a male student-athlete to live in the coach’s home, enabled the coach to sexually assault and discriminate against student-athletes.
After Cradock passed away, certain members of the team accused the swimmers who had come forward about him of being the cause of his death. The male swimmer who spoke to The Sun expressed concern that he could potentially face physical harm from his teammates during that period.
The male swimmer expressed feeling trapped in a hostile and toxic environment that wouldn’t allow him to move on because swimming was such a huge part of his identity.
