A Los Angeles-based gymnastics coach, Colden Raisher, is currently under investigation for the second time in five years regarding allegations of inappropriate behavior involving young athletes. The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and USA Gymnastics, according to confidential documents obtained by the Southern California News Group.
The investigation was initiated after multiple parents accused Raisher of engaging in one-on-one texting with minor-aged girls he coaches at The Klub Gymnastics, located in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake area. Such behavior is in violation of the U.S. Center for SafeSport and USA Gymnastics policies, as well as the club’s own policies.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport has taken over the case after it was referred by USA Gymnastics last month. However, the Center declined parents’ request to implement restrictions that would prevent Raisher from having unsupervised contact with minor-aged athletes. As a result, Raisher has been placed on paid leave by The Klub Gymnastics pending the outcome of the club’s own investigation.
Texting and other electronic communication are widely recognized as potential avenues for predatory coaches to groom young athletes for inappropriate relationships. Both the U.S. Center for SafeSport and USA Gymnastics have policies in place that require all one-on-one electronic communications between adult participants and minor athletes to be open and transparent, involving another adult participant.
Raisher and The Klub Gymnastics have not responded to requests for comment. Raisher’s attorney, Russell Prince, stated that he has not yet had the opportunity to review any possible text messages. He also emphasized that if any messages exist, they may not violate the one-on-one communication policy.
The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear where the initial complaint was filed. Raisher’s attorney has reached out to USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport to determine the jurisdiction of the matter and the assigned investigator. The release of any text messages publicly would likely be subject to federal confidentiality statutes.
