A Fair Process for US Athletes
It's time for this conversation . . .
Do you think it’s fair for an athlete facing an allegation to be denied the right to a hearing addressing the allegation for months or even years- under a suspension that essentially ruins their careers ?
Is it acceptable for an athlete’s reputation and career to be destroyed before they have the opportunity to present their side of the story or provide exculpatory evidence?
Should SafeSport representatives be allowed to misrepresent the only hearing offered - solely to make a plea to have the suspension lifted—one that comes at a cost to the accused—where the presumption is that the allegations are true, and the accused is not permitted to testify or defend themselves?
How can SafeSport justify a system where athletes’ careers are often destroyed by allegations, when 42% of cases that undergo independent judicial review are overturned—yet SafeSport itself faces no legal accountability for the damage it causes ?
A Troubling Landmark SafeSport Case that calls for further examination into what the Center is and how it might be causing more harm.
The suggestion that the discussion of false allegation is dangerous for victims of sexual violence runs counter to crucial trends in the training of professionals working in criminal justice, medicine and other specialist fields where the risks associated with poor professional decision-making and work practice are widely recognized.
The impact of error that give rise to false accusations has led to it being recognized as a cause of miscarriage of justice.
Indeed, exonoration data from North America suggest that false and misleading forensic evidence, official misconduct, perjury on false allegations, mistaken witness identification and false confessions are a contributory cause of wrongful conviction in sexual assault, child abuse and other criminal cases.
Chapters
Introduction
Timeline
Effects of Cyberbullying
Mistranslation of translated-to-English screenshots shared online by complainant and PR team of French article behind paywall. This misled the public into thinking there was a criminal investigation when this was not stated on the French article.
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Facts About SafeSport That Many May Not Know
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SafeSport is a private corporation. Despite its authority over athlete safety, it is not a government agency.
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SafeSport has exclusive, independent authority to investigate and discipline athletes for abuse allegations.
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Athletes can be suspended based on a single allegation, without a full investigation. Investigations can take months or even years while the athlete remains suspended and publicly named.
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SafeSport offers a post-suspension hearing, but it does not address the allegation itself. The athlete cannot present testimony or exculpatory evidence—only make a plea to lift the suspension.
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The hearing standard presumes guilt. The process operates under a rebuttable presumption that the allegation is true, shifting the burden onto the athlete to disprove it. The appeal costs $3,000 plus legal fees.
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There are multiple lawsuits challenging SafeSport’s practices. A federal complaint and at least ten active lawsuits allege due process violations and other misconduct.
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SafeSport’s policies do not guarantee the right to be heard, a requirement under the congressional bill that granted them their authority.
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SafeSport claims no liability in court. As a private entity, the organization argues it is not responsible for harm caused by its disciplinary process, exploiting a legal loophole.
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42% of SafeSport results are overturned on appeal when held up to third party judicial scrutiny at a cost of $5200.00.
A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to trusted by anybody.
Thomas Payne
Petition for a Fair Process and Lifting Unparalleled Suspension
GoFund Me to help Vanya with Legal Fees
Goals of the Advocacy Campaign:
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Demand Accountability: Urge SafeSport to expedite the investigation and address concerns regarding procedural abuse and the smear campaign initiated by the complainant.
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Challenge Unjust Suspensions: Call for the immediate lifting of an unprecedented and unjustified suspension, which raises serious concerns about potential corruption.
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Promote Fair Reform: Advocate for SafeSport reforms to ensure a fair and transparent process that protects athletes from unnecessary harm and wrongful allegations.
