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Post by Laura (Lori) on Feb 28, 2013 13:04:28 GMT -8
Exclusive: Speedskater Accuses Olympic Medalist of Alleged Sexual AbuseBy Mitch Teich / Lake Effect / Feb 28, 2013 A speedskater with Olympic ambitions has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse at the hands of a former teammate, more than a decade ago. Bridie Farrell, who trains at Milwaukee’s Pettit National Ice Center, says the sexual contact happened repeatedly over a period of several months in 1997 and 1998 in Saratoga Springs and Lake Placid, New York, and Marquette, Michigan.Read it all: www.wuwm.com/programs/lake_effect/lake_effect_segment.php?segmentid=10204
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2013 13:53:09 GMT -8
There is no response adequate enough to express everyone's concern over this situation, regardless of the time frame. Wishing you all the best.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2013 19:30:29 GMT -8
Well if I wasn’t totally disgusted before now, my disgust is off the charts. This young lady has had to deal with the scars of the crime that Andy Gabel allegedly committed against her for a long period of time, by herself . Statutory rape is a layman's term for a type of sexual assault in which the sexual contact is not necessarily by force, but is considered nonconsensual due to the age of the victim. For someone like Gabel, who took advantage of his authority over a minor, to not be held accountable for his alleged crime is inexcusable. Gabel needs to be banned from USS, USOC, ISU, etc. and needs to be fired from his commentator job with NBC during the Olympics.
Hopefully the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Safesport program has helped and continues to help prevent this from happening to any skater today. They need to take a good long look at their program to make sure it is functioning the way it was meant to function. If not, I’m afraid this story will be heard again and again. Could others be lurking in the shadows just waiting to tell their story?
My heart goes out to you Bridie. I know the courage it took to come forward. It is a part of the healing process. A very long process. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2013 20:28:31 GMT -8
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Post by mtnme on Mar 1, 2013 11:54:42 GMT -8
"U.S. Speedskating only became aware of these 15-year-old sexual misconduct allegations today when the story appeared in the media. Our current understanding is that it was not reported to anyone at U.S. Speedskating or the authorities at that time. We intend to look into this matter immediately to determine what action should be taken. We will not have any further comment on this matter until we have more facts."
Oh, paa-leeeaaase. Speedskating is a small, tight knit little community. Somebody knew. Somebody had to have suspected. I have a hard time believing that NO ONE who was in the vicinity at the time didn't see something a little off. They may have looked the other way as being none of their business, but the signs surely were there. And this wouldn't be the first time an inappropriate relationship occurred between skater and someone in authority. It's been documented, if not acted on.
...and with that, I am starting to feel a little sorry for Tamara C.
She could not possibly have known the full extent of the massive sh*t storms she would have to spin doctor EACH AND EVERY DAY when she signed on to work for USS. I wonder if she even herself believes the spin she spews anymore. Hey, she's just doing her 'yob'.
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Mar 2, 2013 15:17:55 GMT -8
The two most recent articles: US Speedskating eyeing sexual abuse allegationsBy Paul Newberry / Associated Press / March 1, 2013 The statute of limitations for a lawsuit has expired, Little said, so there are no plans to pursue legal action. He said Farrell decided to come forward because she wants to change the culture of Olympic sports in the U.S., something he described as a "good old boys network."
"They see their coaches sleeping with girls," Little said. "When they become a coach. ... (they) get access to sexual relationships with young, fit teenage girls — and it's just part of the culture. Everybody thinks that's OK."Read it all: www.gazette.com/sports/gabel-151675-abuse-little.html ------------------------- Olympian Andy Gabel apologizes for alleged sexual misconductBy Philip Hersh and Jared S. Hopkins / Tribune reporters / 9:52 a.m. CST, March 2, 2013 "Almost two decades ago I displayed poor judgment in a brief, inappropriate relationship with a female teammate," Gabel told the Tribune. "It did not include sex, however I know what happened was wrong, and I make no excuses for my behavior. I apologize to her, and I am sorry for bringing negative attention to the sport that I love."Read it all: www.chicagotribune.com/sports/international/chi-olympian-apologizes-for-alleged-sexual-misconduct-20130301,0,4713075.story |
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Post by mtnme on Mar 2, 2013 17:09:18 GMT -8
Farrell grateful for Gabel apology but wants him out of all sports
Allegations of sexual misconduct spurring further investigation from US Speedskating
By Philip Hersh, Chicago Tribune reporter
7:08 p.m. CST, March 2, 2013
Bridie Farrell, whose
allegations of sexual misconduct by three-time Olympic speedskater Andy
Gabel more than a decade ago came to light last week, said Saturday she
appreciated Gabel's "honesty in coming forward" to apologize for his
actions. She also wants him banned from further association with any sports. "The
apology is appreciated, but it doesn't negate the action or the
repercussions that need to take place," Farrell told the Tribune in a
telephone interview.
"Mr. Gabel and others like
him need to be removed and banned from coaching, officiating, serving on
the board or being members of individual sports halls of fame." [/div
Read the rest here:
chicago tribune
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2013 18:12:01 GMT -8
Ditto, Bridie. Andy is currently listed on the USS website under the Hall of Fame Committee.
NBC Sports should also end his contract serving as the voice of short track speed skating at the Olympics. He also does play X play for ISU when there are events in North America.
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Mar 3, 2013 21:20:06 GMT -8
Ask, and ye shall receive... I'm sad for Bridie that this happened to her, but I'm happy to see that Andy stepped up and took responsibility AND the consequences, sparing either of them or their families further stress and heartache - and laying the groundwork for positive change... Speedskater Andy Gabel resigns after apology for alleged sexual misconductBy Jared S. Hopkins / Tribune Reporter / 2:50 p.m. CST, March 3, 2013 Gabel, who won an Olympic silver medal in 1994, resigned from his positions as International Skating Union short-track committee chairman and as a member of the US Speedskating's Hall of Fame committee, USS spokeswoman Tamara Castellano confirmed. The federation's board of directors was scheduled to vote Monday to determine whether Gabel, a former federation board president, would remain on the Hall of Fame committee.Read it all: www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-andy-gabel-speedskating-resigns-20130303,0,4560076.story |
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Post by Joyce on Mar 4, 2013 5:49:21 GMT -8
I agree Lori, I credit Andy for making the right decision in a timely manner, and minimizing negative fallout. I am hoping this prompts a sea change in USS. Now is the time for deep relection and to put aside the egos and politics that have been nothing but a plague in USS history. It is a time for others to step down and allow sound organization and values to replace long-time patronage.
As for Bridie - look at the impact one individual with courage and fortitude can achieve!
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Mar 4, 2013 11:57:16 GMT -8
Bridie Farrell: "I Think the World Has Changed" Following Andy Gabel's ResignationMitch Teich / WUWM Radio / March 4, 2013 ...she believes that she has already made a difference. “I feel I changed the world in a very huge way for a lot of people that will never even know. I mean, it’s truly one of the most amazing feelings I’ve ever had.”Read it all: www.wuwm.com/programs/lake_effect/lake_effect_segment.php?segmentid=10216
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Post by sk8er on Mar 4, 2013 12:07:34 GMT -8
Apologies won't undo the emotional harm that results from sexual abuse. I've seen this in my own family....a young woman's self confidence is undermined, she may doubt her ability to assess men and their motives, she may struggle to believe that she is worthy of a good man and a healthy relationship etc. Not to say this occurs in every case but this hits too close to home for me not to speak out. I certainly wish Bridie the very best. Our late dear friend Susan Blakney was a big supporter of Bridie and would very proud to see her moving on and continuing her efforts in long track.
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Post by mtnme on Mar 8, 2013 20:53:01 GMT -8
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2013 7:21:12 GMT -8
When I read about Farrell's allegations against Gabel I knew there would be more. Now we wait to see just how many more. So sad for these women.
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Post by Laura (Lori) on Apr 17, 2013 11:14:15 GMT -8
Because this topic has generated a lot of conversation, I have moved it off Bridie's thread and onto a thread of its own here on the Hot Topics Board.
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