University of Idaho investigating after players accuse volleyball coach of abuse
The University of Idaho has hired an “outside investigative team” to explore “climate and culture concerns” surrounding its volleyball program under coach Chris Gonzalez, according to a statement released Thursday by the school.
The announcement came less than a week after The Orange County Register published a story in which six Idaho players on the 2023 roster, three former players and a university employee accused Gonzalez of physical, mental and verbal abuse.
Gonzalez, a former “rising star” in volleyball circles in Southern California, according to the Register, has been the coach in Moscow the past two seasons. The team has struggled in that time, compiling a 5-51 record, including a 1-27 mark in 2023. During his tenure, Gonzalez allegedly created a hostile team environment in which players have been targeted for body shaming, forced to play through injuries and regularly deprived of food on road trips, according to the story.
“The University of Idaho is deeply concerned about the allegations brought by some members of the women’s volleyball team against their coach, Chris Gonzalez,” U of I’s statement reads. “As a result, an investigation started in November around legal issues and has been expanded to include climate and culture concerns. The start of the investigation was delayed at the request of those who filed the complaints, in order to finish the season.
“An outside investigative team is doing the investigation, in which Coach Gonzalez is fully cooperating. While they have been asked to expedite the investigation, we also do not want to forgo quality for speed. Our goal is to ensure we understand the concerns, act on any findings and work to rebuild an effective and supportive volleyball culture.”
Gonzalez was accused of pushing two different players to the ground in separate practice incidents, according to the Register’s story, which granted anonymity to sources. Other accusations include targeting specific players for daily bullying, weight shaming and racially insensitive remarks.
According to the Register, nearly two-thirds of the players who have been on Idaho rosters since Gonzalez was hired have left the program.
The Orange County Register said it provided Gonzalez with a list of the accusations from current and former Vandals, and he responded that “these allegations are unfounded, displaced, and dishonest.”
This story was originally published January 5, 2024 at 2:50 PM.
