Gymnastics Abuse Scandal Unfolds

The Stow Independent newspaper today reported additional details and made connections in this case that appear not to be reported elsewhere. Specifically, the articles said that:

• Leslie King, Media Relations Director for USA Gymnastics, confirmed that in 1998 Infante was banned for life and was not permitted to participate in any USAG sanctioned meets. As recently as December 2006, a gymnastics judge from Massachusetts saw Infante participating at a sanctioned meet directed by DiTullio and demanded he be removed.

• Court documents in Connecticut make allegations that DiTullio engaged in sexual activity with a 17 year old gymnast.

• In 1993, there are witnesses that allege DiTullio gave "hickeys" to gymnasts. According to the documents, an employee confronted DiTullio, he admitted he caused the marks, and shortly thereafter fired the employee.<

• On the Five Star Gymnastics door there is a written statement by DiTullio saying he has no connection with Five Star Gymnastics Overnight Camp. However, the Five Star Gymnastics' own website states he is director of this camp.

• Records indicate the female gymnast whose wrists and ankles were handcuffed was between 12 and 13 years old at the time the picture was taken in 2006.

• Another written statement by DiTullio said authorities have "confused two different men with the same first name as well as the name of similarly named gymnastics programs."

My concern now is that DiTullio not coach any children until this investigation is concluded and a judgement about his guilt or innocence is made. It has been reported that he has voluntarily removed himself from working with children and will be doing administrative work.

If someone thinks that sexual incidents with a 17 year old is not so bad since it's "almost legal"–DiTullio is 53–consider that it's not just an issue of age. DiTullio is a person in authority who has considerable influence in children's lives. Many of these kids spend upwards of 20 hours at gym per week. Often they come home from school, go to gym, go to bed. They may see more of their coach than their parents. Also, it's often true that a 17 year old gymnast started at the gym when she was quite a bit younger. She might feel comfortable with or even develop an infatuation for her coach. It's the coaches responsibility to respect the boundary between what is right and what is wrong. Abuse of authority is common and reprehensible whether it occurs with a 17 year old or even an adult. As to the other "evidence" like the images on the web I say this: even if there is some context that explains things like handcuffing a 12-13 year old girl, it still doesn't meet the smell test. We are designed as humans to rationalize our experiences. Whole societies can get brainwashed into thinking something is right when in fact it is very very wrong. Just look at World War II Germany.

While I am acutely sensitive to child abuse, especially child sexual abuse, I did not ever wish for this to happen. My family was a member of the Five Star "family." We trusted DiTullio. Indeed the Five Star Mission as quoted from their website is: (1) to encourage each child to grow emotionally and physically, (2) to help each child express themselves through gymnastics, (3) to foster acceptance of self and others, and (4) to make each child's day brighter through positive reinforcement. The disconnect between the mission and the allegations emerging in this case could not be more dramatic.

I am saddened by the lives that are being affected and the damage this will cause to our close community. I hope our town and its neighbors can come together and stand united in protecting our children.

Related Posts:

• Explanation for Pictures Emerges (11/30/2007)
• The Role of the Media in Abuse Scandals (11/29/2007)
• Gymnastics Abuse Scandal Unfolds (11/28/2007)
• Sad News Comes to Stow (11/26/2007)