Hours after a public relations firm announced in a press release that former Missouri swim coach Greg Rhodenbaugh had been cleared of wrongdoing in a Title IX investigation, the University of Missouri publicly disputed the release, calling it “inaccurate.”
Rhodenbaugh had been on paid administrative leave since last fall. Reports said Rhodenbaugh was under a Title IX investigation based on his handling of female athletes and athletes with mental health concerns. Since November, the school has not responded to any of our requests for comment on the situation and would not confirm Rhodenbaugh’s status with the program, nor the status of a Title IX investigation.
Earlier today, PR firm Vox Populi Communications distributed a press release claiming that Rhodenbaugh had been “cleared of all Title IX charges” and that the University had officially closed the investigation. That release suggested that Missouri’s closing of the case came after Rhodenbaugh hired an attorney and told the University of his intent to file a lawsuit for defamation and termination without notice or cause.
The school finally responded to our requests today with a release of its own, calling the Vox Populi release “inaccurate” and saying it “mischaracterized the university’s Title IX investigation and conclusion.”
The school agrees that the investigation was closed, but disputes that Rhodenbaugh was cleared. The school says it did not issue a finding, and that when it terminated Rhodenbaugh’s contract, the investigation ended without a conclusion.
“Recently, the investigation was closed because the university exercised its right in Rhodenbaugh’s contract to terminate his employment,” the school says. “Therefore, due to the fact that he would no longer be an employee of the university, no final Title IX report would be issued.”
The school also disputes the claim in the Vox Populi release that Rhodenbaugh wasn’t able to defend himself during the investigation:
“Gregory A. Anderson, Rhodenbaugh’s attorney, also indicated the former coach did not have an opportunity to defend himself against numerous complaints,” the school says. “Rhodenbaugh was provided detailed information throughout the process and met with university officials on several occasions with the assistance of his attorney.”
Mizzou promoted associate head coach Andrew Grevers to interim head coach when Rhodenbaugh was first placed on administrative leave, then promoted him to permanent head coach back in May. Athletics director Jim Sterk commented on the move last month, saying that the program needed to “move on and have stability in leadership,” per the Columbia Missourian.
Full Missouri press release:
A press release issued by a public relations firm and the attorney of former swimming coach Greg Rhodenbaugh is inaccurate and mischaracterized the university’s Title IX investigation and conclusion, University of Missouri officials said.
On Monday, a press release claimed that Rhodenbaugh was “cleared of all Title IX charges.” This was inaccurate; the university did not issue a finding. Gregory A. Anderson, Rhodenbaugh’s attorney, also indicated the former coach did not have an opportunity to defend himself against numerous complaints. Rhodenbaugh was provided detailed information throughout the process and met with university officials on several occasions with the assistance of his attorney.
Last fall, the university suspended Rhodenbaugh from coaching over concerns about his team management practices, and the university initiated a Title IX investigation. Recently, the investigation was closed because the university exercised its right in Rhodenbaugh’s contract to terminate his employment. Therefore, due to the fact that he would no longer be an employee of the university, no final Title IX report would be issued.
“If an individual’s employment status ends and a Title IX investigation is currently ongoing, the investigation is typically closed,” said Andrea Hayes, assistant vice chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX. “This does not indicate that there was a finding that an individual was cleared.”
MU’s Title IX process is viewed by many as a model among higher education institutions around the country. The current process was developed after input from students, faculty and staff and dozens of university and outside law experts — including two, independent consultants. The process clearly allows any respondents to know the specific concerns and present evidence.
“We make sure that anyone involved in the investigation has an opportunity to review information we uncover as well as represent themselves before any decision is made,” Hayes said. “We also have an extensive appeals process that can be utilized when needed.”
And now he’s off to Dallas/SMU. Again! From an SMU press release (August 01, 2019):
“DALLAS (SMU) – Former SMU head coach and All-American Greg Rhodenbaugh returns to the Hilltop to lead the men’s swimming program, Athletics Director Rick Hart announced Thursday. Rhodenbaugh served as head coach during the 1988-89 season after serving as an assistant and swam for the Mustangs from 1980-84.”
As a former Mizzou FEMALE swimmer, I personally have firsthand experienced/witnessed what exactly went on behind the closed doors of NCAA D1 Swimming and Diving at Mizzou. My experience there of course varies from the next female swimmer (even those in my graduating class) under that “leadership”. Though many of you say these Title IX violations are due to Gay rights, in which it may very well be, however there are so many other issues when it came to Rody’s leadership at Mizzou. (And perhaps other comments I have not read piggyback from my experience.)
To begin, I do give Rody credit that if you had an issue he did have “open ears” and made time to listen to your… Read more »
Via Title IX
When does harassment create a hostile environment?
Harassment creates a hostile environment when it is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent that it interferes with or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school, including all activities and services.
I felt harassed by coach Rhody on many occasions. Every time I was pulled out of practice for meetings to be yelled out I missed out on participating in team functions and from vital training needed to get faster. Being blamed for things also made me feel isolated from my teammates. I missed out on many fun events due to belief that no one on the team liked me because I was told… Read more »
I’m just another neutral observer with no dog in the hunt. I have no doubt that you felt harassed. That feeling is, of course, subjective. For the basis of a Title IX action, before even considering whether a hostile environment existed, there would likely be an attempt to apply an objective standard of sorts, which would be whether or reasonable person considering all the circumstances as they existed would have felt harassed by the coach’s actions. Thus, you’d ask why did the coach do what he did and what actions or behaviors of yours was he responding to when he acted as he did? If he did the very same thing to 10 other swimmers and none of them felt… Read more »
We do have sports psychologists available and many of us did meet with them on a weekly basis. It was during individual meetings with Rhody when problems arose. He would ask why we weren’t performing well or putting in adequate effort. When anxiety and/or an injury was given as the reason he stated that we were simply making up excuses. These weren’t legitimate reasons in his mind for why we weren’t performing to his standards even when other coaches were telling us we were having a great practice. It was during this time that he told us we were simply seeking attention, that mental illness isn’t really a disease. He stated we needed to stop complaining and get back to… Read more »
Please excuse my ignorance because I do not have knowledge of any facts and I may be too simplistic, but if someone is injured or suffering from a mental health issue that is inhibiting the ability to swim to one’s potential, then should that person even be at practice, or if at practice working through the injury or issue, shouldn’t there be established protocols and procedures to ensure that the trainers/physicians and mental health experts are working with the coach to design the best road for recovery? Think about what has happened with regard to concussions and football players. The decision as to whether a player is fit to resume playing or practicing has been taken out the coach’s hands… Read more »
Ok so look, I’m a totally neutral observer, I’ve never met Greg, I’m not an NCAA coach, I don’t have anyone swimming for him….
Lots of accusations being thrown around. Seems like lots of people taking an opportunity for pot shots. But…I don’t actually see anything here that looks like a Title IX violation. If the allegations made in these comments are true, it just feels more like “Greg was a jerk sometimes,” but nothing that steps into the world of “Title IX violations.” I don’t think being mean to your swimmers is a Title IX violation is it?? Maybe being mean to your swimmers can get you fired, but Title IX investigations are pretty serious…am I missing a specific… Read more »
I dont know what athletes reported to title ix during their interviews, but i would assume not properly following protocol for when an accusation of assault occurs.
There was no assault component to this investigation.
Verbal assault
I’m not accusing him of assault. I’m saying following the mandated protocol of what a coach must do with information regarding an athlete being assaulted
Good assessment. And being a tough coach doesn’t equate to being mean either. Being a jerk is also subjective and the strong majority of the team doesn’t think he’s a jerk or mean. There s a reason that no Title IX conclusion was rendered after 9 months of waiting. But wait, did you know that all the interviews were finished by Jan 23 so what has Title IX been doing for the last 6 months? Hoping Rody would quit so they would not be liable for the mess they have created.
No, you are not missing anything. That’s why the investigation was still lingering after nine months and Title IX chose to shut it down. Title IX could have kept the investigation open even after he was terminated, but they chose to close it with no findings.
Turns out, “being mean” can, in some cases, be a Title IX violation, depending on the nature of it.
Here’s a document that lays out some examples, via Iowa State.
https://www.eoc.iastate.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/Reports/titleixfrequentlyaskedquestions_2%20(2).pdf
It’s insane to me how someone can have allegations against them, be investigated, get fired and come out more favorably in people’s eyes than before. Same kinda of thing happened on this site when Bob Bowman’s texts to Caroline Burckle were exposed, when Texas A&M swimmer Austin Van Overdam was accused of sexual abuse. People defend them where to the point where they come out looking like hero’s. I don’t think Greg Rhodenbaugh is as great as many of you believe.
Exactly! The school would not have fired him over female going on male intervals or his wife having a Bible study. It’s sad and pathetic that grown adults are ready to attack young athletes when they have no idea the whole story. I wish that the report would be published for public view
I hope the entire report gets out into the public also. I would love for the world to finally see the truth.
As his wife you only see his side of the story. You weren’t on deck. Feel free to take it to court…but beware of who might step forward with truths of their own
We are ready….
I like these odds. For every person testifying against GR their would be 20 who would testify in his favor and that is a fact. As for the Title 9 4 who filed a complaint the team swimmers know who they are. If the swimmers know you can bet the parents and coaches know who they are as well. Can you imagine the feelings in the stands and other team functions over this? Their are 58 swimmers and their parents who have lost so much including 80% of a very successful coaching staff.
more than 4 people came forward and there is no way to know who did and didn’t actually come forward. you may be surprised. the one person who I have heard most people talking shit about didn’t even come forward…he/she moved on
It was 4 who started the whole Title 9 inquiry. 4 out of 63 swimmers
How are you so sure…unless the girls came forward there’s no way to know how many started it. I’m not sure if this is the case or not. Fellow teammates may just be making assumptions because unless the girls told everyone they came forward everything should be private
girls from multiple years stepped forward… some guys also stepped forward
And the university received over 300 hundred letters from past and present swimmers in support of Coach Rhodenbaugh.
You are missing the point. The number who came forward defending him has no merit here…especially if it’s family friends or others who didn’t even swim for him. In any harassment case it only takes one person stepping forward to open the case. You’re wrong about the number 4 but even if it were only 1 he would have been investigated. Harassment is NEVER acceptable. Being nice to some just eliminate being mean to few. So back off of these brave women and men.
Spot on, Miz-zou-mess. The actions of a few impacted so many. The athletes who trained under Greg were robbed of a season with one of the premier IM coaches in the country. The fans won’t know the full potential of the mens team who arguably had the best season in the history of the program. How much better would they have been had the Head Coach been there to lead them the entire season? We’ll never know.
Or perhaps with Rhody gone the other coaches were actually able to give in a word for a change. Rhody always thought he was right, no matter what. It was his way or the highway.
Karma, Lisa.. you and your husband might of been good to some but were awful to so many athletes especially divers and females!! Greg was terrible to the the female coaches and the diving coach as well that you ran him out.. Are you not listening that some of these athletes were treated poorly because of them having mental issues or the fact that they are just female. You two only think about yourselves. I could go on and on but believe me karma has come to the both of you. You two have hurt and destroyed so many lives. I couldn’t be happier the truth is out and it shows how awful you two are.
It’s been said by more than a few here but it is kind of the point that no one knows the facts of this matter. And it would be a good idea for them to come to light sooner than later. Of course the confidentiality of the process and those who came forward must be respected. Yet there also needs to be some kind of report made so that Greg and others can get on with their lives. I hope the truth wins out.
There was no sexual component to this investigation. Do you know Rody?
Please close these comments.
The root of the Title IX investigation at UM is as follows:
Three women in the team did not like to go on “men’s intervals” at practice (as if numbers in a clock have genders). This was actually at the root of another recent coaches dismissal as well.
These women went to the Title IX contact in the athletic department and we know how it played out. Title IX contacts are paid to find “problems” not dismiss them so…
Rhody was suspended and now is on the outs. He cannot get another job until he is cleared of Title IX charges.
Hello, I am someone who came forward. This is a lie. The main reason I came forward is because I was treated so poorly that I almost killed myself. I had a plan and the only thing that stopped me was the support of fellow teammates and friends. Reporting a man for making women go on men’s intervals is laughable and absurd. Who would ever do that? You do not have enough information to be commenting things like this. I am one of MANY who came forward and my story is unfortunately not unique.
How many Anonymous commenters can we have in one post? C’mon man, be unique! Helps those who follow these things sort out who is on what side???
Nice idea, “Truther”! Why don’t you start with yourself? 🙂
You missed the point….. Different people posting under the same name.
Show me another post with ‘Truther’ and your opinion is valid. I use the same pseudonym anywhere on SwimSwam.
My opinion is my opinion, and that’s all it is. You have no merit to judge the validity of anyone else’s opinion except your own. But to the point: Why would anybody use a pseudonym on this site? It’s about swimming. Why the need to hide?
Because it’s a small community and the Rhody avengers are fierce. They don’t want to hear anything that doesn’t match their own experience and they belittle you for speaking up. Sort of a repeat experience.
I wonder how your complaint would stand up to cross-examination?
The proposed bill, introduced into the Missouri legislature “would guarantee those involved in complaints the right to an attorney at their own expense and the right to cross-examine witnesses. If the measure becomes law, the university decision maker could be questioned and kicked off the case if they are biased or have a conflict of interest.
The bill also would require that colleges “refrain from using the term ‘survivor’ or any other term that presumes guilt” before a final decision is reached.”
Soothsayer is correct also….
This is quite possibly the most ridiculous comment on this page.
Actually, there is truth in this….
You know very well Lisa that this was not the main complaint
It was the first complaint in the report, actually.
Lisa, I don’t want to step on your toes but I don’t think trying to defend yourself at 11:30 at night would be what your husband (or lawyer) would want you to do. Please let the people who are angry be angry, and take this time to be with your husband rather than giving them your attention on a public forum.
I agree with my fellow anonymous friend. Rhody called me fat and told me I would never be successful. He knew I had anxiety and yet on multiple occasions he called me into his office to yell at me and blame me for things I didn’t even do. I too considered suicide on multiple occasions, especially after learning that two girls on the team were texting mean things about others on the team, including myself. While rhody was offered signs of proof he reiterated the fact that mental illness is fake. The only reason I didn’t harm myself, or worse commit suicide, is because my family called me daily expressing their love for me. I left the program feeing like… Read more »
There were so many things that were proven to be wrong with the way this investigation was handled. The accusations were opinion based, and yes opinions are valid, but I’m sorry but those things are going to be experienced no matter where you go. This is college athletics and I’m sorry you weren’t able to get your way all the time and people didn’t fall to their knees for you every time.
As far as the Bible study thing, that is not related to rhody. It is something his wife held, and it is no different than another person holding a bible study. She did it because people asked for it to be done. The topics discussed were chosen… Read more »
BRAVO
Hey, Id like to say that I came forward and nothing I said had to do with bible study. It’s been brought up here a lot but it wasn’t even that big a part of the investigation. I never expected the coaches to fall to their knees for me, but I did expect basic human decency and mutual respect, and I did not get that from Greg. At all. It’s awesome if you did.
Thank you! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 This is perfect!
I did go to a counselor instead of Rody. That’s a no brainer. But when Rody tells me at least once a week my depression is not really or my anxiety is made up then what am I suppose to do?? Please tell me? Because I would love to know. You are right Rody should not have been handling it. But you know what he did? He inserted himself into everything that was none of his business.
The trainer may tell him that this athlete needs to rest their injury. Rody threatens to kick them off the team for not practicing.
A girl almost comments suicide? Rody told her that she needs to prey the gay away and… Read more »
Given this statement by Anonymous2, why is this not about a First Amendment issue as well? Quite frankly, as a swimmer I would have been offended if the coach’s wife held bible study at the coach’s home, especially if I wasn’t a Christian. I would have definitely felt excluded. Given that Mizzou is a public institution, I would say this almost (maybe actually does) cross the line between separation of church and state, but I’m not a lawyer. Definitely inappropriate and shows a lack of sensitivity.
To be clear: “as a swimmer, I would have been offended if…” – the constitution doesn’t protect you from being offended.
As for the “freedom of religion” case, I have an opinion on it, but I’m not a lawyer either. We’ve got a few regular commenters that are lawyers – I’ll ask them if any want to parse this. The “freedom of religion” argument, however, I don’t believe has anything to do with the Title IX case.
I asked a lawyer, he generally agreed that it’s probably not a constitutional issue – unless there’s a smoking gun threat or undue pressure to attend.
He brought up the point that Urban Meyer had his athletes over to his house for Bible study regularly. If nobody could find a way to ding Urban Meyer for that (and I’m sure many would have tried), it’s unlikely they’d be able to pin it on Rhodenbaugh. I think the courts traditionally place a fairly high standard on that sort of thing.
That makes sense, you would have to prove that students were forced to attend by the coach/school. I wasn’t trying to say the being offended means that you have a legal case, however, which is a separate issue. I was only pointing out how a non-Christian teammate might feel. It doesn’t seem to me a smart thing to do and could be a potentially divisive.
Absent the undue pressure to attend, the First Amendment right to free speech would protect the actions. The State can only restrict the content of speech under very narrow circumstances. DLSWIM is advocating for regulation of content. Look at it this way, if swimmers gathered at the coach’s house to discuss model cars because they were model car enthusiasts, would anyone complain? Absent other circumstances, most likely no. So if they meet to discuss the Bible and all other circumstances are the same and you object, you are objecting to the content of the speech in a private setting. That speech would be protected.
Let’s set a few things straight here.
First, opinions are valid because they are people’s thoughts and experiences. Everything is always going to be a “he said she said” because that’s just how life goes.
Second, Christianity isn’t supposed to be about making people believe something! It’s supposed to be accepting each other who they are. But when there are topics and discussions at Bible study that don’t even relate to the Bible and the message it brings that’s where a line should be drawn. I don’t need to be told that if read 50 Shades of Grey and go see the movies that I will be committing sin. I am a grown adult and I can make… Read more »
I 100% agree with you. First, If you are going to hold a bible study, go for it, you are free to do as you choose. But you cannot and should not force your opinions on anyone. These should be meant for open discussion, support and acceptance of each other. The truth of Jesus is loving everyone for who they are, despite differences.
Second, I watched my friend who was directly effected by his actions and the toll it took on them. Nobody should have to go through the struggle they (or anyone else) had been put through. Your job as a coach is to help a person grow as more than just an athlete, not tear them down… Read more »