December 4. 2013 USA Gymnastics Ann: President and CEO Steve Penny 132 E. Washington Street Suilc 700 [ndianapolis. IN 46204 Dear Mr. l'enlty' Gymnastics is my passion. I began the sport nt agc four and over the next Iwelvc years transformed into noljust an athlete. hui a gymnast. hose twelve years have shaped my life immeasurably and are a large part uiwhd 1 am, 1 have played the role of thleIe. spectator, reporter. tau, and couch throughout my life. have had the opportunity lo take in the run realm ntthe spun, as have experienced it in various capacities and environments. I began coaching gymnastics because 1 ivunted to share my love and fortlic spun with and help them to grow from it as have. I truly believe that this sport transforms lives for the beflcr and has endles' houndatic: ofimpaut on it: athletes It is my ourjab as coaches is lo make young athletes realize their full pulcnlial and strive to live up to that potential Unfortunately, my coaching experience the past two years opcned niy eycs to a very 'ide ol'the spor'l' a dark. unpleasant kind that I did nol think existed, It was aI ars USA. under the employment ofJohn and Cieddcn, that my view of gymnastics was upside down. was ecstatic when I was firsl asked by John Geddcn to work at Twistats. For almost two years I drove an hour to the and an hour home six days a week, just so I could work at what i thought was a gymnastics paradise. While i should have recugniml problems earlier. iny nptunislic nature and love tor high level talent kept me excusillg certain behaviors, Eventually though. I was pushed to the breaking point My morals and respect for the sport finally told me enough was enough 1 recognize that there tire many different styles ofcoaching to be respected. but also believe that certain boundaries must exist for oftlic athletes wc coach. can say with cenainty that John Gedden should nol be allowed Io coach gymnastics. I nm truly concerned for the well-being of the athletes under his care. He attaches and lives in a narcissistic manner, attempting to cuntrol others by means of fear and intimi have witnessed tilt: use and abuse of multiple gymnasls under cure and huve concL-ms their bodies, health, interests, and overall development. I huve chosen to spenk up nol out of bitter resentment, but rather out for the I love and the gymnasts that deserve to have a positive experience with this sport, I would like to present you with my experiences and allow you Io make your own on what is happening in Diniondale. Michignn' 022012 Level l0 gymnast--landed a double from on floor with straight legs, severely injuring her knee. Jolm responded with anger and frustration, telling -that she was a "Fucking idiot" and that it didn't look that bad. As she sat out and iced, John continued to make mde remarks or glances at-fnr the remainder ofthe night. 10120.2012 During tlte stattpicture, former Twistar and University otFtorida gymnast-- _and I were asked to kneel in the front as we were the short ones. was a gymnaSI for John that had returned afler college to help coach at the gym. I was kneeling in front or and was kneeling in front ofJohn. At this point John put his hand on_ head, turned it toward him to face his private areas and loudly remarked "Oh yeah, just like that (her nickname). As everyone had a little chuckle 1 round it inappropriate As- and had become good we were talking about the incident a few minutes aflerward, She said that although she was shocked. she was used to it as she had grown up in the and was raised with this behavior from John. Sadly, I knew exactly what she meant. While I probably would nol have tolerated that particular comment had it been drrected toward me, I have shrugged my shoulders at other very sexual remarks by John. He is not shy to make these same type orremarks the gymnasts he coaches either, Everyone is sort of accustomed to it and turns a blind in fear of what he may do it' we were to respond dilTerenIly. Saturday 10.2012 Level to gymnast--was having dimculties on hats and vault. John blatantly told her that it was because she was too fat. The only correction he would give her over and over was to lose weight. 1 watched her get continually upset for a few practices. Shortly afier, a Saturday morning came when- was not at practi . We were told by John that she went to the hospital because she had tmubles with mixing medications and were asked to remain quiet about the situation. As I did not feel it was my place to intervene lefi it to her parents, doctors, and John to handle the situation. I have since learned much more ofwhat happened from both-and her mother: -heggcd her parents not to go to practice that morning and not understan what was going on, they told her no, She then took pills and wrote a note In her parents telling them she loved them, The next thing she remcmbers rs her dad and the paramedicst in to shake her awake on the item. when asked why she did this, she responded "Coach" repeatedlyfi reponedly told them that the prevtous night at practice John had told her she would pay for what she did tomorrow (Saturday), which was why she did not want to go to practice. she told them that she took the pills because she just wanted it to all go away and she wanted to go to sleep. she was then sent to a hospital and in isolation fora few days Upon returning, a meeting was held with-. her parents, John and Geddert, and Nassar in which they were pressured to keep things quiet so that John would not lose his reputation. eventually left Twisters to train at Athletics in Grand Rapids until shejoined the Weslcm University Gymnastics team months later. John has since sent-correspondence and attempted to ruin her reputation with the coach ofWestem Michigan Univer . Her parents are currently seeking an anomey and want to take care of the situation. They made it clear to me that they felt John had pcrmanently tainted their daughter and pushed her It) nttempt to take her life, Her mother wants to "Take care orthis monster so that he can 't hurt anyone else mentally and physically", as she corresponded to me we texl message. SUMMER 2013 John was upset with me regarding a tall scheduling email he sent out, He had asked fora timely response in order to organize things in the best possihle manner. As 1 had to figure out my school schedule, carpooling, and various scheduling conflicts, I responded to him within two weeks. This made him very upset as he had wanted a more immediate response, In his he chose to approach me while 1 was was standing up on a high beam teaching the new compulsory routines to a group cryoung athletes around the ages oreight to ten. in front girls, he loudly yelled at me artd vented his calling me immature and irresponsible. He said that he was disappointed in me and could not helteve 1 would act as such I feel this was a very inappropriate method orcommunieatioir on his part. As a coach and authority figure it is dimculi for me to maintain respect within a group ofyouug athletes while being helittled by the owner ofthe facility. This situation cou|d have been handled in a much more enectivc manner SUMMER 20" Shortly after the previous incident, in which John was disappointed and extremely rude to me, he made an attempt to smnolh Ihc air in a very awkward manner. Just days after he had yelled at and belittled me. he chose to smooth things over by commenting on how my tight pants looked nice from behind, but he would prefer less clothing. He said the less clothing 1 wore to the gym, the better. Th - was just one ormany, many sexually harassing remarks H: ohen made me feel awkward in a sexual aspect and did not mind doing so with around, Being a married, Christian woman 1 round this very distasteful and certainly inappropriate in the workplace. The team girls would sometimes even come to me to let me know how long John had been staring at my backside. Flattery is one thing; inappropriate sexual cnnduct from your boss is another, Saturday 09.21.13 11 was the day ofaur annual Fall Mixer. l'he Fall Mixer is usually planned by members ofthe Booster Club and takes place at one ufthe gymnasl's houses, The We!" is planned as an opponunity for bonding atnong team coaches, gymnasts, and parents. Upon arriving at this year's Fall Mixer, 1 was greeted by a group ofsix to eight young athletes. As i got out ofmy car was immediately swarmed by the girls. saying "Hi we are so glad you're herell We have been waiting for you! John was drinking and driving!" 1 took a moment to collect myselfand asked the girls what they were referring to They led me over to John's Corvette and pointed to an open beer can in the middle console cup holder. [explained to the girls that he prohahlyyust went out to his car for something and set it there forgetting to bring it back in with him. To this they replied "No, it was there when he drove up and it was open!" [then glanced at it again, and although 1 could tell it was indeed a beer can, quieted Ihc girls telling them it was pmhablyjust rool beer. The rest ofthe nighl, however. bothered the Among the ten staff that attended, there were three or four of us that really engaged with the gymnasts and parents. John and atirong other staff, sat around the campfire drinking continuously and smoking cigars. We were able to get John up In join in one activity, but that was tt. While realize this is not illegal by any means, lJuSl feel it was not the right time or place for such things. 1 was stuck trying to defend John and other stati'to a few young athletes quesliuning with didn't know John and- smoked'." len year olds do not understand Ihe diflEmnce between smoking cigarettes and an occasional celebratory cigar. Perhaps the partying simply could have waited until atterthe team gathering when the stairwent on to mingle elsewhere. Tuesday 10.15.13 John told gymnast-- training level 8, to go in the level in locker room as he was upset with her for a assignment she had been doing, lle followed her into the locker room and shut the door, placing himselfand year old- the locker room alone. Afler a few minutes. both emerged from the locker rootn, as visibl it set and crying uncontrollably She then worked out with a level 4 group for the rest oftbe night. filold her teammates, grandmother, and me that while John was yelling her in the locker room he stepped on her toes, grabbed her by the arm, and threw her up against the wall. Clearly the only two people that know for absolute cenainty what occurred that night in the locker room are John Gedden and-- wbich creates a his word us. her word scenario. while 1 cannot be ccnain what took place in the room. I can be certain that 1 was and still am concerned about the events that night. i have watched John scream at. belittle. and punish almost every person in that at one point or another. He has done so in front of parents. gymnasts, coaches, and anyone that haiiciicd to he in the at the given time. Therefore, it struck me as particularly odd that he took into the locker room that night to punish her rather than simply doing so out in the as he does with every other situation that arises. One of the older level 10 gymnasts that carpool with who has been with Twistars for quite a few years.- - had a response to the situation that [found interesting as well. That night during our carpool home, lht: girls were talking amongst themselves about the situation, when asked-if she thought John actually did what-had described, -responded with don't know, but he used to step on our toes so we couldn't run away from him when he was mad." Tuesday 11.05.13 This was the day that I planned to give John my notice and let him know that 1 would be leaving Twistarst I had originally planned to offer him eight weeks ifnecessary and thought that we could discuss an end date. Upon being hired I had signed an agreement stating that ill did not give eiytt week notice. I would be billed for certain trainings and various items. I sent John a text message asking to talk to him for a few minutes afier practice He responded telling me that before practice was better. When got to the he motioned for me to talk to him in the downstairs stair mom. I asked him if he was sure he wanted to do it hefnre practice and in the stat? room rather than upstairs in the etfiee. He asked me ifit was earth shattering news, to I responded no. but it is important and I think the office may be a better place to talk. He said no. that he wanted to talk then and there. 1 began with '1 have been financially tor a few months and it is just getting too hard to make this work. I know you are aware ofall the ear problems I have had. I just put $400 on my car and it is already making noises and needs looked at again. [also share a car with-(my husband) and the 60 mile commute 6 days a week on top of both ofour school schedules is becoming extremely difficult. I appreciate everything you and have done for me and I am so thankful for the opportunities you have provided me, but unfortunately I am no longer able to do this. This has not been an easy decision. and ofcourse leaving the girls has been the hardest part of it, but 1 have to he able to pay my bills." John was immediately upset and angry. He said that he did not understand how 1 could leave in the middle or the season I explained to him that I was trying to let him know as soon as possible, before competition season began. also said I wanted to let him know before he sent me to the Karulyi Ranch, instead of taking the opportunity to go to [he ranch and Ihen tumlng around and leaving Twisters (he had asked me the previous week if] wanted to go to TOPS National Team Camp December 57). He only replied with "This is why ask everyone in April what their plans are forthe season. Did you not learn anything from -leaving in the middle urthe season? This is net a mature, responsible choice you are making, How can you just spit on the team and leave us high and dry in the middle orthe season? what do you think am supposed to do? I cannot believe you would be so selfish and think only about yourself." He then walked out ofthc stafi' leaving Ihe conversation. and did nol speak to me the rest of the night. Afier work the following text messages took place between John and I: -1 would like to be the mic to tell the orthenr know yet I wanted you to know first. ,but i would appreciate it eould hear it from me John-No But 1 expect you to keep it quiet until 1 can figure out a plan -No as in they are not allowed to hear it from me? John~Yes --Why7 John~l do not want to text discuss this. . . But the answer is obvious. I would like to continue our conversation tomorrow - Okay sounds have no problem with waiting to tell them until you can figure something out 1 just wanted them to hear it from me is all but we can continue the conversation tomorrow Thursday 11.07.13 Upon arriving at the I went to John's office to continue ourdiscussion. 1 had hoped that we could go over nrore details as to when my last day would be and how the girls would find out, John started with saying that he was still trying to wrap his head around how lthought that leaving in the middle ofthe season was a mature, responsible choice. He assured me that I would not be allowed to tell them, that he would tell them. He said will tell them you are leaving them, quitting on them, and abandoning them. That will he the end of the story. I do not want some big sob fest." Afier about five minutes of belittling me and acting in rage. he said I was dismissed and to get downstairs and coach. As I walked downstairs. Icalled my mother crying. My mother advised me to pick an end date that worked for me. She said that at this point I did not need to give him eight weeks: two weeks would be fine as I had attempted twice to discuss details professionally to which he did not cooperate. At this pointed lexled lohn that my last day would be November 26, giving him exactly three weeks from the day I had told him. He came downstairs as I was putting my stanshirt on and calming myselfto coach. I then told him in the downstairs staff room that my last day would be the 26. He turned to look at me and angrily said "That is not eight weeks!" I told him I was aware ofthe agreement I had signed, was choosing to give him three weeks based on our two prior conversations, and asked him to please itemize a bill for whatever items would be deducted from my paycheck He then screamed "Ifyou are only giving three weeks then get oul now! Gel out oimy want you gone I asked him irhe was sure that was what he wanted and he replied alnrmatively. I gathered my belongings and began to leave, As I was walking out, he stopped me, At this point we were directly in front ofthe floor exercise where the team girls were stretching and warming up. Approximately two feet from the floor, with all the girls watching as was crying, he motioned loudly to a nearby staffmember "Hold up. - I want you to be a witness She is quitting her job and just walking out on her job. You are a ess ofthis." To this replied are going to be a wimess orthe simation I feel you should know the full truth. I gave John my three week notice as i am financially unable to continue at Twistars. at which point he kicked me out and asked me to leave his now. He has also questioned my character and told me I am irresponsible and immature for leaving. I am now leaving to respect his wishes." As I walked to the door John yelled want it on my desk. in writing. Ionight."At this point I went up to tile otnce, got a pen and paper, and began documenting the scenario, I had planned on making a copy to take with me and leaving the letter on his desk. Before I could finish writing. he came upstaits and motioned for me to come in his ofi'lce. He then said that he was trying to make this go smoothly. I let him know that I had wanted to leave on good terms from the start but his actions were making that impossible and had conveyed otherwise. He then replied need you to stay tonight- is gone. [want you to stay yourthree weeks. Short orbuying you a new car what can I do to make you stay." I asked him if he meant stay for three weeks. eight weeks. or permanently to which he responded eiytt weeks. Afler what had gone dew and the way he handled the situation I told him that was not in the cards anymore. He responded with "That says a lot, I ask you what I can do to help and you say nothing. That says a lot about your character. I have been nothing but good to you and you don't care at all about me or this program. You are hurting hundreds of people." I told John that I care a geal deal about the athletes and their families, but that I did not care about what he thougtt of me, I said to him that once he questioned my character, called me immature. irresponsible. and a bad role model I had lost all respect for him and this was why I no longer cared what he thought of me. I said he was entitled to feel however he wanted. but I was comfonable with who I was. I told him I would stay the three weeks' although he hadjust kicked me ouL but only out of care and eoncem for the girls. I then went downstairs, calmed down. and returned to work. When leaving that day I wanted to make sure he wanted me to come back the next day, as I was unsure if he was just keeping me around that night because we were short a team staff member. He said don't know. I guess yeah, plan on coming tomorrow." At this point I felt completely unsure as to whether he would have me continue for three weeks or simply call me one day and say you're done, do not come in. For this reason, I chose to tell the girls myself. I had built a very strong relationship with the girls and felt that they deserved to hear it from me. I thought that ifhe was to not have me come in one day and simply tell them that lefi with no explanation, they would be extmmely hurt and feel much more abandoned. That night and the following day I broke the news to the girls. I simply told them that I could no longer coach in Lansing because it was too difficult financially, especially sharing one car with my husband. I let them know that I needed to find a job closer to home so I could alTord to pay my bills, I told them it was not an easy decision and the hardest part was leaving them. I reassured them it had nothing to do with them and that I wanted to stay in their lives. I asked them not to talk about it around the at practice, because John was not happy that was leaving and I did not want them to get in trouble. I said I planned on my last day being November 26, but that he may ask me to leave sooner. They understood fairly well, as most of them had seen him kick me out of the the day before. That was all the information I gave them. They did well with not talking about it at the and trying to keep their emotions in tact in following practices, as I am sure they did not want to get in trouble either. Neither John nor spoke to me for the next week, but I continued to come to work and ?gured that I would simply ?nish my three weeks if allowed, out of respect for the girls. Saturday 11.16.13 Upon noticing that my paycheck was substantially less than what I had expected, I sent a text inquiring about the amount. John was now out of town at the Karolyi Ranch, so I sent the text to instead while I was on my way to the gym. She responded, informing me that deductions had already been taken for my decision to give three weeks instead of eight. I told her that I was under the impression that I would know what the deductions were going to be before they were taken out and that I would get a bill for them prior to them being taken out of my paycheck. I also asked whether or not there would be further deductions. She did not respond as to whether or not there would be further deductions. At this point in time I realized that I was driving two hours every day and not even certain if I would be given an adequate paycheck. As I had stressed in my decision to leave, I was struggling ?nancially. I thought that a?er attempting various times to professionally put in my notice with John and returning to work for him ?ve minutes after he had disturbingly kicked me out, that perhaps he would have the decency to treat me with similar respect. I should have known better. At this point I was reassured by both of my parents that I no longer owed them anything. I had tried to make this a smooth, professional resignation and in turn was treated very poorly and unprofessionally. By clearly showing me that they did not want to handle this situation in a professional matter, I thought it was no longer necessary to give them my time and loyalty. Based on the actions and behaviors of the Gedderts the past week and a half, I realized that I should be prepared for the worst. Not knowing whether or not my paycheck would be held, I turned around and drove back home. I could no longer drive 120 miles a day and give my time and efforts for people that had treated me so unfairly and may not even pay me for my remaining work. My parents advised me to end contact with the Gedderts so I would no longer be harassed. Although it was shortly after practice had started, I sent a text less than an hour after I had planned on being there letting her know that I would not be in. I then stopped any and all texting to John and Tuesday 11.19.13 I received this text from John: ?Whoops you missed it by a couple But then again I would expect nothing less from the immature and irresponsible. Very couldn't even be respectful enough to keep your self? centered excuses to yourself as requested. What a shame but very typical of the entitlement generation? At this point I decided it was best to block John and from acebook as well, as I had noticed a post pertaining to me. If they wished to contact me from here on, it would need to be by email. Wednesday 11.20.13 I received a copy of an email from John that was addressed to ?Twistars Girls Team Members.? John had put together an email addressing my departure and sent it to all of the team parents. The email was pure libel and told a story that could not be further from the truth. He used quotations to quote me directly with things I never said. Through libel, slander, and complete defamation of character he degraded me to the entire team. He had no trouble, however, using false information to make himself look better. John Geddert has since instructed many of the team parents that they are not to let their children see me in groups. He told them he would prefer they shut me out completely, but if they must keep in contact group setting. Some of the parents planned a going away dinner for me and then cancelled it, telling me that they were afraid ofwhat he would do to their girls itthey were to socialize with me in a group setting. He continues to put fear into not only the gymnasts, but their families as well. I have no eontmL nor do 1 wish to, over what each family decides is best for their gymnast. Ido not want the girls to have to choose between John and myselfor be involved in any ofthe drama. Sharing these accounts with you is not meant in any way to resolve the drama or problems between myself. the athletes. the Geddens. or anyone else. 1 am sharing these accounts with you because I know that what goes on behind closed doors at Geddens Twisms USA should not be allowed. As both a gymnast and coach 1 have been a very proud member of USA Gymnastics for many years. The program and all its entities have put our country at the lop ofthis spon, I was a Region Five national competitor from America in Ann Arbor, Michigan. i spent nine years attending the University of Michigan Women's Gymnastics Camp and grew up with close ties to the University ofMichigan Women's Program. spent rouryears attending lntemational Gymnastics Camp in 1 have coached in three different slates al various levels. I may nol be the Olympic Head Coach, but I have seen my fair share have had the opportunity to he coached by, and to coach among some nt'thc nation's finest coaches. I have been exposed to numerous coaching styles, techniques, and personalities. Each has instilled and conlinuously reaflinned my faith and pride in USA Gymnastics. John Gedden is the exception. He is a ticking time bomb and a poor representation or what USA Gymnastics stands for. It would be a shame for one individual to ruin the prestige of USA gymnastics; a program that athletes, coaches. and supporters across the country work hard to represent with integrity and honor. I appreciate yonrtirnt: and consideration in this matter. Please feel fm: to contact me with questions or for copies ofany texts/emails that you may wish to see regarding this situation. Again. 1 am proud and grateful to be a member or such an outstanding organization. Thank you,