Former San Jose State trainer Scott Shaw pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two federal charges for groping female athletes, 14 years after a group of Spartan swimmers aired sexual assault allegations to no avail.
In 2010, an internal investigation by SJSU’s human resources department determined that Shaw’s treatment was legitimate “trigger point” therapy despite complaints by 17 swimmers the year prior. The concerns surrounded inappropriate touching of the breasts, areola, and buttocks for shoulder and back injuries.
“It’s a little bit maddening to go through a whole trial, and 12 years of this person vehemently denying everything, then all of a sudden he shows up and admits to that,” said former SJSU swimmer Caitlin Macky, who was the first to speak out against Shaw in 2009 and testified against him during this year’s trial that was declared a mistrial two weeks ago. “Everyone called us liars for so long. It does feel better that it’s out there and it’s public record.”
Swim coach Sage Hopkins compiled the accounts into a file nearly 300 pages long and notified campus police in 2009, but no charges were brought against Shaw. Hopkins later sent the file to SJSU’s Title IX office in 2018 and the school reopened the investigation the following year.
Shaw remained with the Spartans until 2020, when he voluntarily left and started collecting a state pension. He faces a maximum of two years in prison — one for each misdemeanor count — at his sentencing hearing on Nov. 14. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division only brought six charges involving four athletes from within the five-year statute of limitations.
Hopkins said he hopes this case “highlights some concerns with the judicial system in terms of statute of limitations for sexual violence against women. I’m hopeful that at some point, that system will be changed to better protect the women of our society.”
- Related: Sage Hopkins on Enduring the 10+ Year Investigation of Scott Shaw: ‘Quitting Never Crossed My Mind’
“Those who were harmed by the actions of Scott Shaw shouldered a burden for years and patiently waited for their day in court,” SJSU said in a statement. “We hope they feel some vindication in this result. The university is committed to preventing sexual misconduct and will be vigilant in protecting our campus community.”
SJSU has paid more than $5 million in settlements to more than two dozen victims and hired a new university president, athletic director, and head of its Title IX office since the scandal resurfaced a few years ago.
Sad this guy will only get 2 years. The athletes showed a lot of strength not letting this go. Feel horrible for them and also greatly respect their courage
Sage deserves much respect from this situation. Sticking up for his athletes at all cost. We all would like to think we would have done the same but the truth is many have folded in the past when their career/job was on the line in similar situations.
Sage Hopkins deserves so much respect from this situation. Standing up for his athletes at all cost. We would all like to think we would do the same but when it comes down to it, many have folded when in a similar position and career was on the line.
Was this an athletic trainer with the school? The word trainer is very vague and could be used for a number of professionals who work within an athletic department & with athletes.
A question I find equally important is how it is possible that the AD who was actively trying to cover the whole story up – lands a new job as Deputy AD at Southern Utah?
Ah, the old boys’ network thrives in athletic departments
Except the former AD at SJSU who oversaw the debacle and is now at Southern Utah was a female. So, the ladies network at work here.
So what did anyone do between 2009 and 2018?
Have a watch of Sage’s interview. It gives a much greater insight into the years of Sage fighting for his athletes
https://swimswam.com/sage-hopkins-on-enduring-the-10-year-investigation-of-scott-shaw/