Complaints of hazing, drug use and sexual abuse from a former Western Kentucky swimmer prompted a police investigation into the program that has led to a five-year suspension of the university’s swimming and diving program, WKU announced Tuesday.
“This is a very difficult and unfortunate decision on many levels,” WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said in a release. “While many in the program have represented WKU with distinction, the overall findings of a consistent pattern of disappointing conduct is troubling and not acceptable at WKU.”
According to the WKU student newspaper, police obtained a search warrant for a home near campus after Collin Craig came forward with his allegations. Police reportedly found beer kegs, drug paraphernalia and photos that allegedly detail sexual assault.
After the police investigation ended in February, the university conducted it’s own Title IX investigation that found head coach Bruce Marchionda knew of the culture within the program.
"Specifically, the violations include hazing, underage alcohol consumption, and abuse, including engagement of perspective student athletes on recruiting visits to campus,” WKU President Dr. Gary Ransdell said in a letter to faculty and staff. “Additionally, the investigations found that coaches were aware of this pervasive culture and failed to sufficiently eliminate inappropriate behavior within these teams."
Marchionda's, associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Brian Thomas' and head diving coach Chelsea Ale’s employment will be terminated June 30.
Current student-athletes in the program will be allowed to transfer, Stewart said. If they choose to stay, their scholarships will be honored through their senior years as long as they “remain in good academic and university standing.”