Robert Allen Garner, known as Bob, was accused raping a 15 year old girl, his gymnast in the late 80's and early 90's. He is still running his own gym, Garner's Gymnastics in Hixon, TN. Not only is he still coaching, but he is the
CONTACT PERSON for the AAU State Championships, which will be held at his gym. Although he is on
USAG's permanently ineligible list, he continues to coach in an AAU gym.
Over the past few years, more and more of these stories are coming out. Most recently, the story of Doug Boger was released. 40 and 50 year old survivors are sharing stories of
graphically violent attacks that took place decades ago. Boger continued to coach until at least 2010, not because these women were unable to speak out, but because society and the gymnastics world didn't, and wouldn't support them. Doug was acquitted over 20 years earlier in 1982 on charges of Child Abuse when two girls came forward.
We have to support the survivors in the gymnastics community. We have to believe them when they come forward. And we have to refuse to support the men and women who hurt young gymnasts. I have little doubt that false allegations do occur, but would you rather make an unfortunate mistake that ruins a reputation, or leave your child, or any child for that matter in the care of someone violating him/her?
To stop this cycle, we have to step up, as both the gymnastics community and as a society.
(The crisis counselor in me is about to come out, so bear with me.)
If all of the recent allegations of sexual assaults in gyms have reinstated challenging feelings for you, talk to someone. A friend, a teammate, or call a hotline. Find someone to process with if this is challenging for you.
Are you not required to have a criminal record check to work with kids in the US?
ReplyDeleteI also can't believe the statue of limitations in place. So what if it happened over 20/30 years, if he is accused of committing this crime it should be investigated and if he is charged, there should be a justice system which can try him for the crime.
Same problem recently with the hockey coach in Canada. Ridiculous. Helping no one.
I think it depends on the state. The problem would be that gyms are private institutions, which reduces control states have. (Similar to the fact that in some states, corporal punishment is banned in public schools, but allowed in private schools). I'm not saying this is right, obviously.
DeleteAnd this makes me sick.
And some employers require background checks and drug tests for secretarial positions (not around kids...)! That we wouldn't require more for those working with kids...
Just adopt the UK policy; we get high level background checks if we work with kids, or old age pensioners.. We have to get a new one done every 2/5 years depending.. this works for public and private institutions and for volunteers as well.. I'm 19 and already had to have 5 background checks (i work with kids a lot)..
ReplyDeleteThis is sickening; if they are found guilty of charges against children they shouldnt be allowed to work with children ever again. But then, surely the parents could have done a simple google and found out? Why would you put your kids in that gym?!
Unfortunately UK policy doesn't help against those not caught or convicted.
DeleteUnfortunately UK policy doesn't help against those not caught or convicted.
Deletethanks for this post bekah - really insightful and so important to take seriously.
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the game on this post, but I just tweeted it. I'm from TN where he was, when he was banned. I had no idea what he was currently doing as I stay on the USAG side of things...Anyway, thanks so much! This stuff has to be publicized for people to be aware! I'd love to hear what his current gym parents think if they even have a clue!
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