Update: The Washington Post has released what appears to be a scanned version of the non-disclosure agreement in question. See that document here. Note that the complaints are not fully executed, but the settlement is on pages 11 and 12.
The Washington Post is reporting that Rick Curl, one of the founders of the hugely-successful Curl Burke Swim Club, is being called in front of a USA Swimming Emergency Hearing involving a former swimmer of his in the 80’s named Kelley Currin (then Kelley Davies).
From the Post:
USA Swimming has requested an emergency disciplinary hearing against prominent Washington area swimming coach Rick Curl for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a teen swimmer and then paying her and her parents to keep quiet as part of a settlement.
Read the full story from the Post here, who claims to have received a copy of a non-disclosure agreement where Curl paid $150,000 to Davies and her family in exchange for them not speaking publicly on the topic or press charges.
The statute of limitations on statutory rape in Virginia, presuming it would be a misdemeanor charge, is one year. In Virginia, however, because of the age difference, these offenses would be likely prosecuted as class 4 and class 6 felonies, which have no statute of limitations. Any legal statutes of limitations do not preclude USA Swimming from taking action if they decide there is merit to the accusations. It would also not preclude civil action, pending the exact terms of the non-disclosure agreement and whether or not they would be upheld.
Curl Burke, the largest satelite club team in the country, has now had two interactions with USA Swimming emergency hearings this summer; in June, former coach Noah Rucker was arrested for alleged transgressions against a former female swimmer of his as well.
You people need to get a life. Why don’t you focus on whats happening in your life and worry about your own family. I knew Kelly 20 years ago and she was a great person. I have no reason to beleve she would make this up but this is America. This last time I checked you are innocent until proven guilty. Granted it looks bad but give it a rest. People like Bob Allrad and Gloria Allred make their living by exploiting victims and getting their names in the paper. The truth will come out and justice will be served one way or the other. Let the process run its course and keep your mouth shut when you don’t know… Read more »
I swam for the team in the 80’s although Jeff King was my coach through most of it. The whole story is very sad. However, I will pass no judgement on any of the parties involved. Instead, I wish to remind people that the world was a very different place in the 80’s. In the previous decade it was not altogether uncommon to hear of 14 and 15 y.o. girls becoming pregnant, dropping out of school, and marrying their boyfriend who may have been a senior in high school, a freshman in college or sometimes a man much older. I even recall seeing parents set their daughters up with older men much the same way other cultures have arranged marriages.… Read more »
Swim Parent,
If allegations are true, it is Rick Curl’s club, so hopefull the team may remain but the name should go away. Let’s be careful not to make this a CUBU/RMSC argument. We should all support each other at a time like this. Swimming needs as many positive comments as possible at a time like this.
Protecting the children or the revenue stream?
http://www.gazette.net/article/20120727/NEWS/707279603/1010/curl-burke-tries-to-distance-club-from-allegations&template=gazette
If the allegations are true, then hopefully justice will be served on the 1 person who committed the crime, not the entire swim team full of dedicated kids who love the sport.
It really seems that a LOT of people from other teams besides Curl Burke have this SANCTIMONIOUS attitude like this could never happen in their club. Did you see the part in the post article where RMSC founder was told by Currin about this? Quit acting like Curl is the only team this could happen to and; therefore, must be crushed. Everyone knows Curl is the best club and many people are using this as an opportunity to try to get rid of it.
This can… Read more »
Swim Parent,
We don’t do justice if you carelessly repeat untruths about the good swim coaches. It is important to single out the predators. It is almost as important to praise the good people in swimming. We wouldn’t all be commenting without them and their contributions. Paris Jacobs met her husband Dan Jacobs when she was 23 and a coach.
The person in charge of USAS in 1986 was Ray Essick not Chuck Weilgus. Weilgus is a swimming outsider and had no idea who Curl was in 1986. As to those press releases allegedly quoting Currin, it’s classic Allard-speak. If Allard and his publicity firm (splash) had any interest in getting rid of pedophile coaches instead of tooting their own horns at the expense of USAS they’d advise Currin (Davies) to testify at the Board of Review. That’s was good attorneys do!
For what it’s worth, Curl’s lawyer at the time, Mike Mason, is currently a Circuit Court Judge in Montgomery County
Unbelievable…
FYI
Here is a link to an excellent article that highlights the history and USA Swimming’s corruption and dirty tactics.
http://www.momsteam.com/poisoned-waters-sex-abuse-by-male-coaches-of-female-swimmers-continues-despite-USA-Swimming-efforts
FYI
San Jose Mercury News
Monday, July 23, 2012
Today, Penn State University was handed an unprecedented punishment by the NCAA for its role in the Joe Paterno – Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal. This week, the Olympic Games begin in London featuring a USA Swimming team tarnished by the largest child molestation scandal in United States sports history.
With more than 50 coaches already banned for life for sexually molesting minor swimmers and many more still coaching at local swim clubs, not a single individual or board member at USA Swimming has been held accountable.
It is time for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to step in and clean house at USA Swimming by demanding the… Read more »
Splash, while respecting Braden’s request, let’s understand one is entitled to defend his or herself before being condemed by one and all. I am neither defending Rick Curl nor am I questioning Mrs Currin, but reserve judgement until all facts are revealed by all parties.
To make a blanket statement regarding the current USA Swimming leadership about actions that occurred three decades ago would be akin to blaming Robert Allard and current attorneys for misdeeds of anyone in the law thirty years ago. While justice should be served, so must due process.
When your postings stray from the specific case being discussed and goes to all of the cases Robert Allard is involved in, it makes one think that… Read more »
Thanks, Coach….and well said. I agree that it is an extremely sad situation and I don’t know what the truth is. It is horrible all around. However, the timing of the release of this “news” on the eve of the Olympics is sad as well….and makes me wonder, if after 30 years that others are trying to profit…..whether fame or money.
Really? There is a “right’ and ” wrong” time to talk about sexual abuse ? Your comments are a reflection of the culture that makes it difficult for victims to speak out.
Not at all. A victim should speak as soon as they are able. I am very concerned about the victim…extremely concerned. And hope that her speaking out will bring some justice. In fact, so sad that the coach was able to keep coaching all those years. Ick!
I am certainly a fan of a great sport and will continue to be….but “Curl/Burke family”???…I’m ashamed that I was ever associated with such a “family”… lead by a self-admitted child rapist. Certainly no the type of “family” that I want my daughters to ever be a part of.