Arizona gymnast suspended by USA Gymnastics over sexual misconduct
Jun 20, 2018, 8:09 PM | Updated: Jun 21, 2018, 1:44 pm
(Facebook/USA Gymnastics)
(Facebook/USA Gymnastics)
PHOENIX — An Arizona-based gymnast was suspended by USA Gymnastics on Wednesday pending a hearing on alleged sexual misconduct.
The USA Gymnastics website listed Gilbert native Alexander Naddour on its “Suspended Members” list.
The list is meant to identify those who are “currently under suspension” under orders imposed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport or under one of the organization’s bylaws.
Naddour was listed as being suspended from all conduct pending a hearing under the USA Gymnastics Bylaws 9.3 and 10.5.
Bylaw 9.3, according to the organization’s website, says the corporation “shall report and refer all allegations of sexual misconduct to the center,” which will “investigate such allegations or reports, issue any interim suspension or other measures pending the conclusion of the investigation and any hearing(s), make recommendations of sanctions or disciplinary action as a result of such investigation and fully adjudicate such matters.”
Bylaw 10.5 states that “interim measures may be imposed to ensure the safety and well-being of the gymnastics community or where an allegation is sufficiently serious that an Adverse Party’s continued participation could be detrimental to the sport or its reputation.”
The 27-year-old Naddour said in a tweet that he was not sure why he was suspended.
I have no idea what is happening or why, we are trying to contact safe sport for any information.
— Alex Naddour OLY (@Alex_Naddour) June 20, 2018
According to The Orange County Register, at least two allegations of sexual misconduct were made against Naddour.
The allegations dated back to 2012 and 2016. There were no details given.
“USA Gymnastics cannot comment publicly on membership matters unless an action taken involves a public result,” the organization said in a statement to the publication.
“The U.S. Center for SafeSport has the exclusive authority to handle sexual misconduct matters for the entire U.S. Olympic movement (including gymnastics).”
Naddour won the bronze medal on the pommel horse at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
