Arizona gymnast cleared by US Center for SafeSport after misconduct claims
Dec 16, 2018, 2:00 PM
(Instagram Photo)
(Instagram Photo)
PHOENIX — Arizona gymnast Alex Naddour announced on Instagram that he has been cleared by the U.S. Center for Safesport following an investigation into sexual misconduct claims made against him.
Naddour, a Gilbert native, said he is free to be involved with USA Gymnastics again after being removed from the the organization’s “Suspended Members” list.
“I wanted everyone to know that the US Center for Safesport completed its investigation and I have been reinstated to coach and compete through both the Center and USAG,” he said in the post.
“Out of respect to all parties involved, I will have no further comment on the matter.”
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.”
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.
When Naddour found out he was added to list, he tweeted on June 20 that he had “no idea what is happening or why.”
Naddour won the bronze medal on the pommel horse at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
There are no Arizona gymnasts currently on the suspension list.
