Suspended Cal Swim Coach Teri McKeever Supported by Letter Campaign
A group of 48 people have sent letters to the University of California in support of suspended swim coach Teri McKeever.
Among that number is Olympic swimmer and retired swim coach Jill Sterkel, reports the Orange County Register. Sterkel is returning the favor for McKeever’s support of her during the 1990s, when an illness forced her to take a leave from coaching the University of Texas women’s swim team.
Lawyers for McKeever provided examples of 17 letters to the Register, the latest salvo in a public-relations battle as the University of California appears near a verdict on McKeever. The letters were addressed to Cal athletic director Jim Knowlton and the university’s counsel.
McKeever was placed on paid administrative leave in May after allegations of bullying, mental and psychological abuse and creating a hostile work environment were reported. More than 40 former and current swimmers, assistant coaches, parents and former Cal employees came forth with allegations or corroboration that McKeever bullied and embarrassed swimmers publicly, using highly private details and medical information to pressure athletes recovering from injuries or dealing with mental health struggles or eating disorders. That treatment led to swimmers contemplating or attempting suicide.
- Report: Allegations of Verbal Abuse, Bullying Levied at Cal Coach Teri McKeever; Cal Releases Statement
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The reporting has been at odds with McKeever’s image, in 29 years in Berkeley, as a pioneer for women in swimming. She won four NCAA titles and was the first woman to serve as the head coach of a U.S. Olympic swim team, in 2012. She was an assistant on three other occasions. Her representation has alleged gender bias in her treatment in this case.
A SafeSport investigation has also been opened into McKeever’s conduct. She was signed to a two-year contract extension in January 2020 and is under contract through April 30, 2024.
Reporting from the SF Gate indicates that the University of California has completed its inquiry. However, the university will only produce a public report if McKeever is found to have, “committed a serious policy violation.” The transparency of such a report was one of the stipulations demanded by those who brought the complaint against McKeever. The university replied to SF Gate the paper that termination of McKeever’s employment would not guarantee a public report.
In addition to Sterkel, one of the supporting letters provided to the Register was by long-time Princeton coach Susan Teeter. (Crucially, both Sterkel and Teeter admit to not reading the content of allegations against McKeever, Sterkel calling herself “like a foreigner almost” to swimming in general.)
“Teri McKeever is no monster,” Teeter wrote. “There is not a coach in any sport, male or female, that hasn’t uttered a word or words they wish they could reframe, but nothing like what these women are accusing Teri of saying. Might she have said something in a private meeting once, yes, but on a daily basis and as a bullying mantra, I would bet my house and reputation on the answer being no.”
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Have not seen Missy Franklin publicly support, did I miss it?
To Susan Teeter – thank you for your continuous perpetuation of abuse towards young women, by women. You should be ashamed. You may like Teri as a person and only seen the good. And that is wonderful for you, and I would concede that Teri does exist. But, that Teri is the Teri YOU know. I acknowledge others have also have positive experiences with this person. But, you also cannot discount the other side, as YOU did not experience the harm and trauma she caused others. So, how dare you attempt to downplay the significance of many young women’s traumatic experiences. Experience, by the way, that led to suicidal thoughts, hours of therapy and medical bills, and loss of opportunities due to lingering symptoms from her abuse. Be mindful before you assert an opinion in the future.