Phoenix gymnastics coach cleared after sexual misconduct hearing
Jul 23, 2018, 7:28 AM | Updated: 3:54 pm
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — A Phoenix gymnastics coach has been reinstated after a brief suspension by the sport’s governing body to investigate sexual misconduct allegations.
The Arizona Sunrays posted on social media Saturday that the suspension of owner-instructor Daniel Witenstein had been lifted. He had been barred from coaching or being at the facility since July 10, pending a hearing.
The hearing was Saturday.
USA Gymnastics had said the suspension was based on its bylaw concerning sexual misconduct.
SafeSport, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing abuse of U.S. Olympic and Paralympics athletes, was to remove Witenstein’s name from the list of suspended, the Sunrays wrote on Facebook.
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“I am deeply grateful for all the support shown to me by family, friends, neighbors, past and present members of the Arizona Sunrays family and the entire gymnastics community,” Witenstein said in a statement.
The post went on to say that Witenstein, who graduated from Arizona State University, would resume his regular responsibilities immediately.
“I can’t wait to get back to work,” he said in the statement.
Witenstein has owned the Sunrays since 1990. The alleged incident that prompted the hearing was in 1986.
The day before the hearing, the coach said in a statement, “It is my hope that the situation will be investigated, properly handled and ultimately resolved in a timely manner.”
Olympic medalist Alex Naddour of Gilbert remained on the suspended list. The gymnast faces sexual misconduct allegations.
