Utah suspends swim coach over abuse allegations
University of Utah swim coach Greg Winslow has been suspended because of allegations that he sexually abused a teenage girl he coached in Arizona six years ago.
Utah athletic director Chris Hill announced the suspension on Thursday of Winslow, who was in his sixth season as the Utes’ swim coach. Though no charges have been filed, Hill said he believes the allegations are serious enough to warrant the suspension pending further investigation.
Hill said his department first learned of the accusations on Wednesday night.
“With these types of things, you take everything seriously,” Hill said. “At the same time, there is a balance between reacting appropriately and reacting harshly. On suspension is the right thing to do right now because it hasn’t even been 24 hours.”
The Arizona State University Police Department released a statement on Thursday saying it investigated allegations that Winslow sexually abused a teenage girl in 2007 who was a member of a swim club coached by Winslow.
Campus police said the abuse occurred at an ASU swimming centre rented by the club and the club isn’t affiliated with the university.
The university said Winslow worked as an ASU assistant men’s swimming coach from 2003 to 2007. It was unclear whether Winslow was an ASU employee at the time. Police haven’t released the girl’s age.
Campus police said they turned over their investigative report to county prosecutors. Jerry Cobb, spokesman for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, said prosecutors will review the report to determine if charges will be filed.
Nobody answered a call at Winslow’s home when reporters called seeking comment.
Concussion Inc. first reported the allegations involving the unidentified teenage swimmer at an Arizona club. In a statement to the website, Winslow said, “These are extremely serious allegations, and if I am accused, I will certainly respond.”
University of Utah police were made aware of the ASU investigation in December, said University of Utah spokesman Keith Sterling. He said ASU police asked them to keep it confidential to avoid compromising the case.
“Our police department abided by that,” Sterling said. “That is why the university administration, nor the athletic department, was aware of this until it came to light last night on the Internet.”
