A Los Angeles-based gymnastics coach is under investigation for the second time in five years over allegations of inappropriate behavior involving young athletes. The investigation is being carried out by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and USA Gymnastics, and documents obtained by the Southern California News Group reveal that multiple parents have accused Colden Raisher, 35, of engaging in one-on-one texting with minor-aged girls he coaches at The Klub Gymnastics. Such behavior violates the policies of both organizations involved. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has decided to investigate Raisher after the case was referred to them by USA Gymnastics last month, stating that the nature of the allegations warrants their involvement. However, the Center declined the parents’ request to implement restrictions on Raisher’s contact with minor-aged athletes. The Klub Gymnastics has placed Raisher on paid leave pending the results of their own investigation. Raisher has not yet been informed of the investigation or the allegations against him. The use of texting and other electronic communication in such cases is often a means for predatory coaches to groom young athletes for inappropriate relationships. Policies by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and USA Gymnastics require that all electronic communications between adult participants and minor athletes must be open and transparent, and involve another adult participant. The Klub Gymnastics has a similar policy. It remains unclear whether the club’s employees were aware of the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s decision to launch an investigation. Raisher and the club’s owner, Mike Eschenbrenner, have not yet commented on the matter. The investigation is expected to take up to 12 weeks, and this is not the first time Raisher has faced allegations of inappropriate behavior. He was suspended by USA Gymnastics in 2018, but his suspension was not extended after a hearing panel found no reasonable cause to withhold or encumber his professional membership. Raisher denies any wrongdoing and claims that the allegations are retaliation for changing gyms a few months prior. He has not yet commented on the current investigation.
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