Latest news with #Leander
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Rape scandal at Britain's most prestigious rowing club
Leander Club, which supplied more than half of Team GB's rowers at the Paris Olympics, has been accused of failing to properly investigate allegations of rape and harassment. Telegraph Sport has learnt of three separate incidents involving male rowers who allegedly raped female squad members at the esteemed Henley-based club over the past five years. It can be revealed: A male squad member was accused of raping a female squad member in 2022 and was allowed to continue rowing. A second male athlete was suspended and later excluded after being accused of harassing a female squad member before being readmitted on appeal. He was later accused of rape by another female Leander rower. A third man was alleged to have raped a female member in 2019 while a member at Leander, with his victim then forced to spend a two-week training camp with him. A toxic culture of sexism and misogyny has pervaded the club for years, with a senior member making sexually explicit jokes in an after-dinner speech at Leander's annual dinner in 2023. Female rowers wore white ribbons and pink vests in a protest in plain sight against what was described as 'the worst-kept secret in British rowing'. Concerns from female squad members, which were supported by more than a dozen of the men's rowing team, that sexual assault allegations were not being taken seriously were said to have been repeatedly ignored or dismissed by the Leander committee. A rape allegation against one man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was reported to the club in April 2023 following an incident on a team night out. After a Leander social in 2022, the man was accused of sexually assaulting a female club member, who was 18 years old at the time, at a flat in Henley. Thames Valley Police confirmed to Telegraph Sport that the woman reported the rape allegation after informing Leander in April 2023, and several conversations took place between police and the alleged victim. The woman did not meet officers in person to give a statement and the complaint was later withdrawn at the request of the alleged victim, who said that she had decided to 'stop the whole thing' because she found the process stressful and traumatising. At the time, the accused was allowed to continue training and sharing facilities with the women's team at the clubhouse and on socials. He denies the allegations. Then, on October 24, 2023, a letter seen by Telegraph Sport and signed by 33 athletes – roughly half of Leander's squad that season – raised concerns to the club committee regarding the conduct of the individual. Eighteen female and 15 male members cited 'multiple, serious allegations' against the man and requested Leander 'investigate these allegations as a matter of urgency and take appropriate action for the safety and wellbeing of other athletes'. Athletes were particularly concerned that no obvious action had been taken regarding an investigation and that the accused had been able to 'train, eat and socialise in the same room as the victim', making them 'deeply uncomfortable in his presence'. The club responded on November 6, 2023, fewer than two weeks after concerns were raised, by informing athletes that an investigation by chairman Pete Bridge and welfare representative Keith Settle had been concluded and the matter would not progress to a disciplinary hearing because of 'insufficient evidence'. It is understood that one male witness volunteered to give evidence as part of the investigation into the rape allegation and sent a statement about what he saw that night to Leander. Several other women also submitted accounts as evidence, but it is understood that none of them were spoken to in the two weeks between sending the letter and the club closing the investigation. 'Once that happened, everyone was pretty pissed off,' said one female member who wished to remain anonymous. The alleged victim subsequently left Leander and no longer rows for the club. At around the same time Leander received a complaint about a second male rower, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, accusing him of harassment towards a female member and former partner. The man was accused of shouting at the woman in public places and intentionally cornering her at the club in places like the gym. Witnesses told Telegraph Sport about one incident where the man was 'visibly trying to corner her and wouldn't leave her alone' in front of other members. 'We do a lot of training on static bikes and he would wait until she would get on the bike and then start talking to her. He would force her to talk to him.' Another witness reported seeing the man shouting across the club at the woman. The man admitted harassing the woman and he was suspended by Leander before being thrown out of the club. However, an independent appeal panel ruled in his favour and permitted his return. Telegraph Sport understands that the woman who was subjected to harassment was then approached by another female rower who accused the man of previously raping her. It is understood that this allegation was never brought to the club or police and it is also understood that the man denies the allegation. Following his return to the club, the entire women's rowing team were addressed by the committee in a meeting, in which it is claimed that one senior individual said: 'It's so inconvenient that you all have problems with this, it's not my problem if you have a bad break-up.' One female rower told Telegraph Sport: 'I assumed people in power would care if we went to them and told them we felt unsafe. But the club was like, 'Just leave us alone.'' The readmission of the individual accused of harassment and rape prompted a furious reaction among female members. The women's team boycotted training at Leander for a week, before deciding to stop wearing the traditional white vests of the club and instead wear pink kit as a form of protest and show of solidarity with team-mates. The move was against what they perceived as the club's preferential treatment of the two male rowers – in what appears to be rowing's 'Me Too' moment – making their point in plain sight by competing in an alternative pink strip throughout last year's regatta season. The women's team also staged a training boycott, with the support of the men's squad, when they were forced to share facilities. Several male members joined them in wearing the white ribbons in protest. 'We designed our own Leander kit so we didn't have to wear the same kit as him. It was the only compromise Leander would allow,' a source said. The women also started to wear white ribbons on their vests throughout the 2024 regatta season, in a sign of solidarity with victims of sexual abuse and rape. 'We stopped wearing the traditional Leander strip. We had these white ribbons,' the source added. Word spread quickly throughout the rowing community and the female members at Leander received support from other crews, including Oxford and Cambridge Universities, who displayed their support by wearing white ribbons in solidarity. 'A lot of other clubs joined in and wore white ribbons during June and July last year. I mean, this is the worst-kept secret in British rowing. This is not going to be news to anyone that rows. If anyone has been in contact with a woman who rows at Leander they will know this story. It was an ongoing experience for all of us.' The individual, who denied the rape allegation, eventually left the club during the 2024 season. While investigating the 2023 allegations, Telegraph Sport was told of a third individual, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who was accused of rape in 2020 by another female member of the club. The alleged victim took the allegation to the club, but just two days later she was told to attend a two-week training camp with the man where they were forced to stay in the same building. Rowers who have been a part of Leander within the past five years are aware of all allegations, which have become 'common knowledge', and yet, at the end-of-season dinner in November 2023, several attendees were stunned by the after-dinner speech given by a veteran member. The individual, who has been a member of Leander for more than three decades and has served in multiple leadership positions, was alleged to have made multiple sexual remarks and indirect references to his penis in a speech that took place just days after the club closed its investigation into the athlete accused of rape in 2022. In response to Telegraph Sport's investigation, Leander said: 'Leander Club takes seriously all issues relating to the safeguarding of our athletes. We have strict procedures in place to carefully examine any formal complaints and regularly review our club disciplinary processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, treating our athletes fairly and with respect. 'In addition to an updated code of conduct, we have partnered with a specialist external provider to ensure members of the club know without doubt the standards we expect and the ways to highlight any individual misconduct. When issues are raised, we will continue to take immediate action where necessary to protect the welfare of our athletes. Mr Bridge, the Leander chairman, added: 'The athletes in our squads are at the heart of this club. When safeguarding issues arise, as with any organisation, there is a strict and confidential process that is followed to protect those involved. We continually review our safeguarding measures and have updated these in line with our ambition to ensure rowing is inclusive and accessible for the next wave of athletes pursuing their dreams of international sporting success.' A British Rowing spokesperson said: 'We are not able to comment on individual safeguarding concerns and processes conducted at clubs owing to their confidential nature. 'As such there is a very limited amount that we can say when we are approached in connection with issues that fall into this category. What we are able to say categorically is that the safety of people taking part in our sport is the very first item of importance on our agenda. We investigate anything reported to us fully and comprehensively, as you would expect and as it is our remit to do. This would have been the case if sufficient information had been raised with us to conduct an investigation in respect of the raised allegations. 'Our priority is to ensure all our members have a safe experience within our club network. We strongly encourage any members with concerns to speak up and report them to their Club Welfare Officer or our governance team at safeguarding@ Your voice matters.' The revelations at Leander come just one month after British Rowing were forced to address 'bullying' allegations and fears of a 'toxic' environment at Oxford Brookes University Rowing Club, the country's second-most successful high-performance rowing centre. Oxford Brookes were accused of coaching practices that included a 'toughness sheet', which ranked athletes by their weight, with criticism that included 'put down the pies', and the 'jiggle test' where rowers were made to jump in front of a mirror to determine whether they needed to lose weight. An independently commissioned report was handed to Oxford Brookes in April this year, with the club now looking to address concerns among its rowers, but the two scandals in close proximity have raised serious questions around British rowing's culture as a sport for all. An Oxford Brookes statement read: 'Respect and inclusion are central to our university culture. As soon as concerns were raised about coaching practices at Oxford Brookes University Boat Club, we launched an independent investigation. 'We have since received the investigation report and taken steps to address the issues raised, including leadership changes and targeted training. We are proud of our high-performance rowers and remain committed to all members of the Boat Club, and we appreciate the continued support and guidance of British Rowing.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
ITV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- ITV News
Women at Leander Club, British rowing's 'medal factory', walked out over personal safety fears
ITV News has spoken to a dozen elite women rowers, many current or former members of the Leander Club. If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can email us in-confidence at sportsinvestigations@ Britain's most prestigious rowing club – the home of many legendary Olympians - has been accused of ignoring the safety fears of its own female rowers, leading them to refuse to train with their male teammates. ITV News has learned of two investigations carried out by the Leander Club, both involving allegations against two of its male athletes. One was accused of a serious sexual assault in 2022, the other was investigated for harassment last year. The alleged victims were female rowers at Leander. Both men deny the allegations. The club's athletes won 16 golds at last week's European Championships, to add to the 21 medals Leander rowers brought home from the Paris Olympics. The fall-out at the club, which takes on 20 to 30 new athletes every year as members and boasts a host of Olympic champions as alumni, became so toxic that last season female rowers staged a walkout. In the first case the club found ''insufficient evidence'' to launch a full disciplinary process, but it was after the second investigation, when the rower accused of harassment was allowed to return to the club, after a short expulsion that was overturned on appeal, that female rowers mounted their boycott. In addition to refusing to use the club's gym at the same time as male members, they wore white ribbons on their kit to support the fight against abuse and violence against women in the sport. It was also a protest symbol about the club's handling of both investigations. ITV News has spoken to a dozen elite women rowers, who have asked to remain anonymous. 'It's really triggering,' said one Leander rower, about breaking away from the men. ''We didn't even want there to be men in the gym at the same time as us. "We didn't want to represent the same club as people who've been accused of things like that. ''We wanted to say, 'we're not okay with it, we stand together as a squad'... and will not stay silent.'' In a letter sent to Leander's committee in October 2023, 33 athletes, both male and female, called on the club to investigate multiple allegations against one of their male teammates, including the serious sexual assault. The document, which has been seen by ITV News, also claimed that in the aftermath of the allegations the man was ''permitted to train, eat and socialise in the same room as the victim, as well as other members of the women's squad". "All concerned were deeply uncomfortable in his presence.'' The segregation first took place last season. While that stance has now been relaxed, one female rower told us concerns still exist to this day. 'We were failed by the very system that was supposed to protect us,'' she said. 'Anyone with talent is protected in the system,' claimed another athlete. ''People think [rowing] is elitist and it's privileged…If you have enough money, enough status, if you're good enough at sport, it's okay."That's what all that says. And it also says to all the people it won't be taken seriously. It doesn't matter... and it's really upsetting.'' A witness, who volunteered to give evidence to the investigation into the serious sexual assault, sent a statement to Leander about what he saw on the night of the alleged offence. ITV News understands he was not contacted or spoken to about any of the details in his statement. Responding to the athletes' letter, the club explained why no further action would be taken against the first male rower accused.'We recognise that there are certain very serious allegations contained in the accounts received,'' he wrote. "But there is simply insufficient evidence to allow the matter to be taken further in a situation where the protagonist's evidence is fundamentally different.' The club also confirmed it had informed both the police and British Rowing about the allegation, had facilitated a meeting between the police and the complainant and had provided her with professional counselling. The complainant herself said she did have several phone conversations with the police, but did not meet officers in person to give a statement. For mental health reasons she said she had to "stop the whole thing". That's when Leander dropped their investigation, although they said the accused rower had been reminded of his responsibilities under the club's code of conduct. The rower accused of harassment was initially expelled by Leander, but he was reinstated after winning an appeal against his sanction, when the case was heard by an independent panel. British Rowing, which won eight Olympic medals in Paris, has recently been handed £25m of government funding in the build-up to the Los Angeles Games. Last month, in relation to an investigation at another high-performance rowing centre, the governing body said that ''creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone in the rowing community" was its priority. The allegations surrounding Oxford Brookes University Boat Club centred on its coaching practices and claims that the club fostered a culture of ''bullying'' and a ''toxic'' environment. A leaked 'toughness sheet' ranked rowers at the club with insulting comments such as 'put down the pies' and 'watching you row is like watching paint dry". Sources close to the Oxford Brookes club told ITV News that this was "just the tip of the iceberg". Other allegations include the use of the so-called 'jiggle test', where athletes were made to jump in front of a mirror to determine if they needed to lose weight. 'If it jiggled, it had to go,' one former rower recalled. The national governing body revealed to ITV News that it has 'worked extensively with both Oxford Brookes University Boat Club and Leander Club to understand and address these concerns". In a statement, Oxford Brookes University said: 'Respect and inclusion are central to our university culture. As soon as concerns were raised about coaching practices at Oxford Brookes University Boat Club, we launched an independent investigation. 'We have since received the investigation report and taken steps to address the issues raised, including leadership changes and targeted training. We are proud of our high-performance rowers and remain committed to all members of the Boat Club, and we appreciate the continued support and guidance of British Rowing.' Leander Club told ITV News it ''takes seriously all issues relating to the safeguarding of our athletes. We have strict procedures in place to carefully examine any formal complaints and regularly review our club disciplinary processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, treating our athletes fairly and with respect. "In addition to an updated code of conduct we have partnered with a specialist external provider to ensure members of the club know without doubt the standards we expect and the ways to highlight any individual misconduct. When issues are raised, we will continue to take immediate action where necessary to protect the welfare of our athletes.'' The club's chairman added: 'The athletes in our squads are at the heart of this club. When safeguarding issues arise, as with any organisation, there is a strict and confidential process that is followed to protect those involved. We continually review our safeguarding measures and have updated these in line with our ambition to ensure rowing is inclusive and accessible for the next wave of athletes pursuing their dreams of international sporting success.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Nonverbal boy found in Leander: sheriff
The Brief Nonverbal boy found in Leander neighborhood Boy is approximately 7-10 years old Sheriff's office says to call 911 if you recognize him LEANDER, Texas - The Williamson County Sheriff's Office is trying to identify a child found in a Leander neighborhood Monday afternoon. What we know WCSO shared the alert on Facebook at around 5:18 p.m. May 26. WCSO says that the boy is nonverbal and approximately between seven and 10 years old. The boy was found in the Larkspur neighborhood of Leander. What you can do If you recognize the boy, WCSO says to call 911. The Source Information in this report comes from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Texas teacher slept with student who she saw as ‘little brother': Cops
A high school student teacher in Texas allegedly admitted having sex with a male student whom she thought of as a 'little brother,' authorities allege. Darian Christine Rogers, 22, met the boy at a grocery store where they both worked prior to her job at Rouse High School in Leander, Texas, KTBC reported. Rogers, who began working at the high school as a student teacher in January, was reported to authorities in April by another student who claimed she had 'personal knowledge' of a staffer in a sexual relationship with a minor, according to court paperwork seen by the outlet. She also claimed Rogers was 'engaging in sexual relationships with several of her co-workers,' who were also allegedly students in the district. The student then provided a voicemail from a woman – identified as Rogers by Williamson County Sheriff's Office – where she allegedly admitted to sending explicit photos to a 17-year-old boy. The alleged victim denied the relationship to police until text messages found on his phone allegedly showed him and Rogers discussing the Plan B contraceptive pill. Rogers initially insisted they were not having sex, even telling police their relationship was that of a 'big sister and little brother.' However, she was arrested after cops confronted her with the text evidence. Rogers allegedly admitted the pair only had sex 'one time' in his truck in a parking lot near the grocery store where they both worked, the affidavit read. Rogers allegedly warned the student via text to avoid 'inappropriate comments' in front of school staff as she was interviewing for a position there, the affidavit noted. Detectives also allegedly found a video of Rogers taking the Plan B pill and a screenshot of the receipt on her phone. Another text between Rogers and a friend allegedly described a previous sexual relationship between her and another minor, who was a student in the Leander Independent School District at the time. Florida teacher allegedly had sex with student hours before arrest: Cops Wisconsin high school teacher accused of having sex with student in parking lot Scream mask orgy teacher's hubby allegedly threatened boys Rouse High School principal Vincent Hawkins sent a letter to students' families on Friday following Rogers' arrest. 'The individual was not a Leander ISD or Rouse High School employee and was immediately removed from campus once the district was made aware of the situation,' according to the outlet. 'Any accusations of misconduct did not happen on our campus, during school hours, or at any school-sponsored event.' Rogers was released from Williamson County Jail on Saturday on a $20,000 bond. She has been charged with second-degree felony improper relationship between an educator and a student, arrest records show. She is due in court on June 4.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Concern grows after Leander ISD announces job cuts and school vouchers move past Senate
The Brief Leander ISD plans to cut more than 200 jobs due to a lack of state funding Parents and educators are now worried LEANDER, Texas - Leander ISD plans to cut more than 200 jobs because of a lack of state funding. That has parents and educators worried. What they're saying Parents, both off-camera and on-camera, described Leander ISD's decision on Wednesday to cut 215 positions in the next school year as "disappointing." "All the teachers and people who have to lose their jobs, it's really unfortunate because they are here for the kids," said Saba Hernandez, a Leander ISD parent. Most of the frustrations heard from families were directed at lawmakers, especially after the state left $4.5 billion in its budget surplus last legislative session. "I just think it's wrong that they are withholding the money from the public schools, and I believe that they should give the money that is owed to the public schools from the governor," said Hernandez. What we know Leander ISD's decision to cut positions, including more than 150 teachers, counselors, and administrative roles, comes as it tries to overcome a $34 million budget deficit. "Leander is not alone," said Clay Robison, a spokesperson for the Texas State Teachers Association. "Many districts around the state are dealing with budget shortfalls, they're cutting staff, they're cutting programs, they are increasing class sizes because the governor and tax legislature did not adequately fund public education." Robison worries the senate's decision to pass school vouchers on Wednesday could lead to more schools cutting jobs. "If this voucher bill passes, it will make their finances worse," said Robison. The law would allocate at least $10,000 a year in public tax money to families who want to send their children to private schools. By 2030, it could cost the state $4.5 billion, but proponents argue it is worth every penny. "Government-mandated schools cannot meet the unique needs of every student," said Governor Greg Abbott in his State of the State address. "But Texas can provide families with choices to meet those needs." If school choice becomes law, Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said the district could lose out on more state funding again. "We get funded by average daily attendance, so any student that chooses not to attend school in Leander ISD means that we get less state funding," said Gearing. State Rep John Bucy, whose district includes Leander, plans to vote against the bill. "We're going to fight it with every measure that we can," said Bucy. "After hearing about $34 million in cuts to Leander ISD in shortfall, we have 34 million more reasons to fight these vouchers." FOX 7 Austin also reached out to state reps Terry Wilson and Caroline Harris Davila but did not hear back. Some parents said they hope others will vote no, too. "It's really not going to help," said Hernandez. "The people who can't afford a private school anyway, it's going to pretty much go to the parents who already are enrolling their kids in public school and just helping them out and taking funds away from public schools." Leander ISD is working to find other jobs in the district for its employees whose jobs will no longer exist at the end of the school year. Altogether, these cuts could save the district almost $17 million. SB 2, the school voucher bill, could get its first House Committee hearing as soon as next week. The Source Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Lauren Rangel
