"Kentucky Fires Coaches After Cheerleading Team's Hazing, Public Nudity and More
The University of Kentucky fired head cheerleading coach Jomo Thompson and three assistant coaches after a three-month investigation uncovered a lack of oversight regarding inappropriate and lewd behavior by members of the squad in off-campus events...
The investigation found cheerleaders participated in hazing activities, alcohol use and public nudity during Thompson's tenure. Assistants Ben Head, Spencer Clan and Kelsey LaCroix were also fired, and program adviser T. Lynn Williamson retired after learning of the investigation.
According to the investigation, cheerleaders performed basket tosses while either topless or bottomless at the direction of other squad members during a team retreat at Lake Cumberland. Coaches were aware of the situation but did not step in.
Coaches also allowed cheerleading alumni to bring alcohol to the retreat, which was consumed by some squad members who were riding on boats and/or partially naked. According to the release, "several squad members became so intoxicated they needed medical treatment." It is not stated whether anyone drinking was underage.
At a cheerleading camp in Tennessee, squad members instructed their teammates to "perform lewd chants and wear outfits that did not include underwear."
The investigation did not find any evidence of sexual assault or misconduct.
Thompson had been Kentucky's cheerleading coach since 2002. Kentucky has won 24 national championships in the last 35 years and is considered the premier cheerleading program in the country. "
Bleacher Report: https://apple.news/AIn8KmNLTTNGOLiQh4JwGFw
The University of Kentucky fired head cheerleading coach Jomo Thompson and three assistant coaches after a three-month investigation uncovered a lack of oversight regarding inappropriate and lewd behavior by members of the squad in off-campus events...
The investigation found cheerleaders participated in hazing activities, alcohol use and public nudity during Thompson's tenure. Assistants Ben Head, Spencer Clan and Kelsey LaCroix were also fired, and program adviser T. Lynn Williamson retired after learning of the investigation.
According to the investigation, cheerleaders performed basket tosses while either topless or bottomless at the direction of other squad members during a team retreat at Lake Cumberland. Coaches were aware of the situation but did not step in.
Coaches also allowed cheerleading alumni to bring alcohol to the retreat, which was consumed by some squad members who were riding on boats and/or partially naked. According to the release, "several squad members became so intoxicated they needed medical treatment." It is not stated whether anyone drinking was underage.
At a cheerleading camp in Tennessee, squad members instructed their teammates to "perform lewd chants and wear outfits that did not include underwear."
The investigation did not find any evidence of sexual assault or misconduct.
Thompson had been Kentucky's cheerleading coach since 2002. Kentucky has won 24 national championships in the last 35 years and is considered the premier cheerleading program in the country. "
Bleacher Report: https://apple.news/AIn8KmNLTTNGOLiQh4JwGFw