ProPublica, co-publishing alongside The Washington Post, has launched an ongoing public investigation targeting systemic failures in youth sports safety. The investigation exposes major loopholes that allow abusive coaches to continue working with children despite official sanctions.
Gaps in enforcement
Independent reporters identified multiple instances where major organizations, such as the Amateur Athletic Union, served as a haven for banned figures.
Investigative findings showed eight coaches continuing to work with young athletes under the AAU despite being blacklisted by SafeSport, an oversight body created by Congress.
The Richardson case
A central figure in the investigation is Texas volleyball coach Ryan Richardson. SafeSport ruled him “permanently ineligible” after finding he engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor but sports organizations failed to prevent him from coaching.
Following the investigative reports, Homeland Security Investigations opened a federal child exploitation probe.
Responses and denial
When suspended, Richardson publicly denied the allegations, telling a local news outlet that the complaints were an effort to “retaliate and defame someone’s character.”
He added that he “would never do anything to risk the physical or mental wellbeing of these strong young ladies.”
Meanwhile, the AAU stated it is “committed to protecting its athletes through comprehensive protection policies overseen by our Compliance Department.”
Call for public help
ProPublica is expanding its investigation asking parents and former athletes to share experiences regarding oversight lapses, parent manipulation and unmonitored sports programs.
