All this business with Everest has gotten me thinking about how to respond when one of these public accusations comes out against a coach. It seems that large parts of the gymnastics community (or at least the portion that's active on social media) immediately chooses a side, and the results can get ugly. I remember when Nassar was first accused and there were tons of people rallying behind him, and the same happened with Geddert, Sharpe, Karolyi, even going back to when Korbut first accused Knysh I remember people belittling and dismissing her. I've seen enough abuse in gymnastics to automatically side with the accuser, but I've also heard from a few coaches on here that they've been threatened with false abuse accusations.
Basically I'd love to start a discussion about how we as a community can support the potential victims of abuse so they feel free to speak up, while not creating a culture where a single accusation can destroy a coach's career. Should we all just shut up until an investigation is done? Lend support to the accuser but not demonize the accused? If one of these accusations came about your child's coach (or if it already has) would/have you removed them from the gym or just rely on what you've personally witnessed? What are your thoughts?
Basically I'd love to start a discussion about how we as a community can support the potential victims of abuse so they feel free to speak up, while not creating a culture where a single accusation can destroy a coach's career. Should we all just shut up until an investigation is done? Lend support to the accuser but not demonize the accused? If one of these accusations came about your child's coach (or if it already has) would/have you removed them from the gym or just rely on what you've personally witnessed? What are your thoughts?