In response to a report made to it, SS has conducted an investigation of the allegation of misconduct and found the allegation credible.
You still seem to think that the fact that you think you have a “feel” for his character puts you in a position to second guess the results of the SS investigation, and to attempt to call out those of us discussing the suspension as a lunch
(lynch!) mob. (Too cute to edit out the “lunch mob”.)
Almost everything about a SS investigation is kept confidential by SS. None of us, including you, is privy to the facts of the case, so you have no legitimate basis for saying SS is “overreaching”.
A three year suspension is a huge deal. No one is minimizing the impact on his life.
He does not have the right to a jury, but he does have the right to independent arbitration. If he doesn’t take up the option to appeal, the “subject to appeal” annotation will drop off.
But as you have repeatedly admitted - you have NO knowledge of what has gone on and barely know TS - and even that was many years ago and not in any way a sustained, close association of any kind. And yet you “know” that he is being “hung” and also “know” that SS has not conducted a complete and intensive investigation.
I can play this game. I have been to Spruce Meadows International and Masters tournaments many, many times over the past 35 years. As I worked in the breed halls and announced demonstrations etc. in the outdoor rings, I had an exhibitors pass. So at the end of some very long days I could hang out with friends in the exhibitors’ pub. I was elbow to elbow with top international riders. That surely means I got a feel for all of them, right?
I was sitting in that pub late one afternoon when some US grooms and 1 rider were having an unhappy and animated discussion about - GUESS WHO - George Morris. They were expressing concerns about good old George’s antics… the kind of stuff everyone knew about but few dared to say anything about. Something had apparently happened that made the young male groom very uncomfortable and the others were very supportive of him… but there was no SS then. There was just one young guy’s concerns vs. the arrogant Mr. Morris… and everyone looked the other way in public… how dare anyone question the Great Man?! NO ONE.
DUH - to be mocked and sneered at. Because we cannot possibly be important enough to be allowed to have an opinion unless it is one that condemns SS and praises anyone they have investigated.
ETA: All that aside - I support SafeSport. I used to be an AA in dressage and hunter. I packed into the back country. I started Standardbreds. I worked on the backside with TBs as well. I have worked in a variety of disciplines and show barns. I have probably foaled out over 150 mares over the years. That may be a low estimate. I have managed training, boarding and breeding farms - as I am doing right now. I am a therapeutic riding instructor in my “spare” time. I used to be a horse show announcer - I should get back into that again because I was damn good at it. I have not been able to do that for a few years.
I am sure none of that matters.
ETA2: That one conversation about The Great Man was… early 90s? But there were many more conversations like that through the years…
What part of what he did do you not understand? Sleeping with a 25 year old employee/working student isn’t illegal so would not go before a judge and jury. Sleeping with a 25 year old employee/working student is against the Safe Sport rules that the member of USEF agreed to abide by when he joined USEF as a private club.
As part of his membership he agrees to the terms of that membership and is subject to the enforcement of those terms. Just like drugging a horse and going to a rated show is not against state laws (other than CA) it is still against USEF rules. Being a pro and showing in AA classes is not illegal but is against the rules of the private club. Both of these things that are not illegal may get you sanctioned by USEF but won’t get you in front of a judge or jury. This is no different just that the investigation and sanctions are done by Safe Sport not but USEF but USEF needs to abide by them as an NGO.
When I was growing up, my sister and I were friends with a couple of girls in our age groups who lived up the street. They had, by agreement of seemingly every kid in the neighborhood, the Best Daddy Ever. The one who could tell stories in funny voices and who played fun games with all of the kids at the neighborhood pool. Who piled everyone in the back of the pickup and took them for ice cream. Other moms wished their husbands were that good with kids.
When I was in college I, and so many other people, were astonished when the family shattered. The Best Daddy Ever had a violent dark side that beat and tormented his daughters. The younger one got involved with drugs, ran away and got married at 16, out of state. The older one lives in the UK and has nothing to do with her family.
Just because you know someone professionally does not mean you truly know them.
When a child hits young adulthood, parents get anxiety sending that child off to college. It’s such a big time in a new adults life. When a child ages out and opts for a WS position instead of college, it’s an equally huge step for the parents.
These young adults in WS positions are entrusted by parents just as colleges are. The “kids” might be adults, but never ever should they be involved with the college professor or the barn manager/trainer.
In the case of TS, if he is indeed 70 years old & married. There is ZERO reason for him to have gotten involved with a young adult. To me it seems like it would be a situation that only he had something to gain from.
My niece is 23 & in college presently. Her family would be livid if she was taken advantage of by a 65 yr old married man, employer. I just couldn’t imagine.
Also wanted to say KS & BN have been strangely quiet this time around.
I’ll go … as I outed myself a couple of years ago on the Me,too thread. I am Sarah Hochschwender. I survived an attack as a teenager by a man who I named then. I choose not to now. He had a son and I wish not to … visit the sins. I have been a mandated reporter within the structure of safe sport and my experience was impeccable. I won’t bother giving you my “Pedigree“, it’s not germane to the question.
I do have to ask you though? Why are you here? And why do you find it impossible to put this book down and walk out of the room? You seem a bit obsessed.
What part of what he did do you not understand? Sleeping with a 25 year old employee/working student isn’t illegal so would not go before a judge and jury. Sleeping with a 25 year old employee/working student is against the Safe Sport rules that the member of USEF agreed to abide by when he joined USEF as a private club.
As part of his membership he agrees to the terms of that membership and is subject to the enforcement of those terms. Just like drugging a horse and going to a rated show is not against state laws (other than CA) it is still against USEF rules. Being a pro and showing in AA classes is not illegal but is against the rules of the private club. Both of these things that are not illegal may get you sanctioned by USEF but won’t get you in front of a judge or jury. This is no different just that the investigation and sanctions are done by Safe Sport not but USEF but USEF needs to abide by them as an NGO.[/QUOTE
Well I wasn’t smart enough at the beginning of COTH to hide behind a screen name. I am Missy Roades 53 yr old R judge. I was sexually assaulted by an R judge when I was sixteen. When I was finally able to talk about after he died, I was told I must have imagined it, that he was such a nice guy and a great horseman so it couldn’t have happened
I’m Peggy Kline. The combination of my screen name and Evil Chem Prof will probably tell you exactly who I am, at least professionally. I’ve been involved with horses for 61 years, riding and competing in multiple disciplines (HJ, dressage, eventing) from the local to the USEF level. I’ve kept horses at boarding stables, training facilities, and backyards. I’ve worked as a groom. I’ve held the leadrope while a vet euthanized two of my horses. I’ve managed local horse shows. I was quoted in an OC Register article on Safe Sport earlier this year.
I’d like to say that you have used every crummy trick in the book here to insinuate, prevaricate, reared a smokescreen and ultimately “ out” yourself. Most of us have seen this game here. This isn’t Diva. This is a community. Use of forum names is not an indicator of truthfulness or veracity. Speaking for myself, I don’t really care who you are, I know what you are.
