Speed Skating Canada fires head coach after former U.S. athletes claim inappropriate relationships
Posted Apr 20, 2018 2:58 pm.
Last Updated Apr 20, 2018 3:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
After an internal investigation and former athletes claiming inappropriate relationships, Speed Skating Canada has fired national team head coach Michael Crowe.
“Following a review of the investigation completed in mid-March, Speed Skating Canada has made the decision to part ways with Mr. Crowe,” the organization said in an email Friday. “Given confidentiality obligations, no further details will be provided on this matter.”
Crowe was placed on leave shortly before the 2018 Pyeongchang Games pending an internal investigation, with Speed Skating Canada CEO Susan Auch saying only that it had been because of concerns for its athletes and coaches.
He had been part of the national team since 2007, was named head coach in 2015 and was based in Calgary.
But allegations of his relationships stem back to his time with the U.S. national team, where he served as head coach from 1983 to 1991, and 1999 to 2006.
Former U.S. skater Chantal Cermak told Postmedia that she had a two-year affair with Crowe in the mid-1990s while he coached her.
Another ex-U.S. skater Eva Rodansky has said in past interviews that she was passed up for a spot on the 2006 U.S. national team because Crowe was having an affair with another skater and also told Postmedia that she was contacted by Auch last May.
While Speed Skating Canada has not addressed any of the specific complaints against Crowe, it did address the issue of ethics.
“Speed Skating Canada is committed to fostering and operating in a positive culture underscored by excellence, fairness, integrity and respect and this decision is based on our desire to foster and reinforce this culture,” the statement said.
“Our athletes, coaches, office staff and volunteers deserve and expect to train and compete in an atmosphere of security, respect and professionalism, sustaining the reputation of Speed Skating Canada. The management of Speed Skating Canada is committed to moving forward and rebuilding trust with its membership and community through open communication and responsive policies,”
660 NEWS is expecting to hear from Auch later on Friday.
