ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix gymnastics coach cleared after sexual misconduct hearing

Jul 23, 2018, 7:28 AM | Updated: 3:54 pm

(Facebook Photo)...

(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.

“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.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Ruben Gallego...

KTAR.com

Democrat Ruben Gallego projected to beat Kari Lake, become Arizona’s next US senator

Democrat Ruben Gallego was projected to defeat Republican Kari Lake and become Arizona's next U.S. senator on Monday night.

5 hours ago

The five Maricopa County Board of Supervisors seats were up for grabs during the 2024 election....

KTAR.com

1 Maricopa County supervisor race could be headed to a recount

The contest to fill Republican Bill Gates’ seat on the powerful Maricopa County Board of Supervisors could be heading to a recount.

5 hours ago

The eastbound lanes of I-10 are closed at Warner Road due to a car crash according, to the Arizona ...

Roxanne De La Rosa

I-10 eastbound lanes closed at Warner Road

The eastbound lanes of I-10 are closed at Warner Road due to a car crash according, to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

6 hours ago

Buckeye Police traffic officer completes 3-week course...

Aaron Schmidt

Buckeye officer completes motorcycle training as department reestablishes motor unit

Dante Herron, a Buckeye Police traffic officer, completed his certification to become part of the department's new motorcycle unit, authorities said.

7 hours ago

A pregnant woman's unborn baby died after being involved in a multiple vehicle crash Sunday afterno...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Crash leaves pregnant woman’s unborn baby dead in Phoenix

A pregnant woman's unborn baby died after being involved in a multiple vehicle crash Sunday afternoon, according to authorities.

8 hours ago

Arizona's 6th Congressional District 2024 election updates...

KTAR.com

Republican Juan Ciscomani neck and neck with Democrat Kirsten Engel in race for Arizona’s CD6

The race between Republican U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Democratic challenger Kirsten Engel in Arizona's 6th Congressional District remains too close to call.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DISC Desert Institute for Spine Care

The best methods to make your back pain disappear for good

Are you struggling with back pain that will not go away?

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics – Providing Comprehensive, Thorough and Unrushed Healthcare to the Valley Community

With so many options for healthcare in the Valley, why should you choose a clinic that has graduate medical students integrated into the patient experience?

...

Dr. Shanyn Lancaster, Family & Sports Medicine physician, Midwestern University Comprehensive Care Clinic – Central Phoenix

Exercise is truly your best medicine

“You never slow down, you never grow old”. – Tom Petty

Phoenix gymnastics coach cleared after sexual misconduct hearing