PHOENIX, Arizona, June 23. SWIMMING World Magazine received copies of a document verifying that USA Swimming did give a positive recommendation for former national team director Everett Uchiyama's employment with the Country Club of Colorado after being placed on USA Swimming's Suspended for Life list.
Swimming World reported USA Swimming's earlier claims of not being aware of any positive recommendations for Uchiyama to the Country Club of Colorado who hired him as thier aquatic director.
Uchiyama's name was placed on the "Banned List" Jan. 31, 2006, days after he suddenly resigned his position within USA Swimming. The list first became public this year on May 25th.
Documents reveal that a reference call was made to Pat Hogan, club development director for USA Swimming, on December 22, 2006. Pat Hogan was recorded as saying Uchiyama was "Fantastic – most popular employee in the organization." And that his initiative was "Outstanding".
The documents indicate that Hogan said Uchiyama's reason for leaving was a "Personal Choice". When asked in the document whether Hogan would rehire Uchiyama, the document indicates a "Yes" answer including the following note: "(I was not his supervisor)". Uchiyama reported directly to Chuck Wielgus, Executive Director for USA Swimming.
Uchiyama was banned for violating a section in the code of conduct that forbids "any sexual conduct, advance or other inappropriate sexually oriented behavior or action directed towards an athlete by a coach." The provision also prohibits "any nonconsensual physical sexual conduct, or pattern of unwelcome advances or other sexual harassment in connection with or incidental to a USA Swimming-related activity."
Swimming World has made a call to USA Swimming for a response and will report as more information comes forward.