Fencer Curtis McDowald has been formally suspended after allegations of misconduct were brought to light. Alongside the accusations, the U.S. fencer also got his team disqualified by the Pan-Am Senior Championships.
In consequence for the incidences, the U.S. Center for SafeSport declared that McDowald has been suspended, effective starting Nov. 3. The athlete will be unable to participate in any event sanctioned by USA Fencing, immediately barring him from being a present member of the organization.
USA Fencing released a statement regarding SafeSport’s, an independent body established by Congress, verdict.
“Once we became aware of the allegations, we immediately informed the U.S. Center for SafeSport, who exercised their ability to take jurisdictional control of the case and upheld our temporary measures,” expressed USA Fencing, as detailed by USA Today. “We take the safety and integrity of our sport seriously and will cooperate fully with the inquiry while maintaining the confidentiality of the involved parties. We also encourage anyone who has been harmed in sport to come forward, and we will support them to the fullest extent of our abilities.’’
To maintain confidentiality on the allegations, SafeSport offered no additional information on the matter, nor determined to the public on how long the suspension will last. McDowald also refused to comment on his current status with the team.
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Source: Black Enterprise
