Former San Jose State University sports medicine director Scott Shaw has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing four female athletes during physical therapy sessions, as announced by prosecutors this week. Shaw, 56, initially faced six misdemeanor counts of abusing his authority in a recent federal trial, but a hung jury led to a plea deal. He has now pleaded guilty to two of the charges to avoid retrial. Shaw could face up to one year in prison for each count and $200,000 in fines.
Prosecutor Patrick Robbins commented on the plea deal, stating that Shaw has acknowledged his guilt and the conduct that led to the charges against him. The hope is that this guilty plea and conviction bring some solace to his victims. The focus now shifts to sentencing, which will bring this matter to a conclusion.
Shaw served as sports medicine director at San Jose State University from 2008 to 2020, following two years as associate director. According to USA Today, Shaw was first accused in 2009 by 17 swimmers and divers, but the university cleared him of all wrongdoing. It was only after the repeated reports from the university’s swim coach, Sage Hopkins, that the case was reopened in December 2019.
Testimony from eight former athletes revealed that Shaw fondled their breasts, groins, and buttocks without consent or any explanation for his supposed treatments. Shaw never documented these treatments. The university ultimately settled alleged Title IX violations with the Justice Department in 2021 and reportedly paid over $7 million to 30 of Shaw’s accusers.
Shaw is set to face his sentencing trial in November. For help and support regarding sexual assault, individuals can visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline by RAINN or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website.
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