Australian coach cited for harassment in US
Australian golf coach Stuart Deane has been named in a University of Texas Arlington report for allegedly sexually harassing some of his female athletes through inappropriate comments.
Professional golfer Deane, who once won $US1 million ($A1.4 million) from Donald Trump in an exhibition match in 2006, resigned as the university’s golf director before an investigation into the harassment claims was completed in October.
The Title IX probe was launched in August when a former player emailed the university’s president detailing allegations of sexual harassment and Deane was placed on administrative leave a day later.
The allegations against Deane included potential violations of university policy, potential Title IX misconduct, potential NCAA infractions and alleged unprofessional conduct.
In a statement given to the Australian Associated Press by UTA, the investigation found: “Deane violated university policies regarding alcohol, was responsible for sexual harassment or unwelcome sexual comments and engaged in unprofessional conduct.”
Deane resigned on October 6, prior to the conclusion of UTA’s investigation.
His alleged misconduct was first reported by the university’s newspaper, The Shorthorn, which obtained the university report in a Freedom of Information Act request.
According to the report, one former female athlete reported she transferred to another university because she was offended by a comment made by Deane.
“The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to the safety, security and wellbeing of all UTA students,” UTA president Vistasp Karbhari said in a statement on Monday.
“When presented these serious allegations, the university immediately initiated an investigation and took measures to protect our students, immediately placing Stuart Deane on administrative leave that included separation from the team and initiated a full investigation.
“The university also offered all complainants and students involved counselling and resources to assist them.”
In response, Deane’s lawyer Rogge Dunn submitted 14 affidavits refuting the claims of UTA’s investigation.
“This is a classic witch hunt by a disgruntled player attacking a coach,” Dunn said.
Dunn said his client was evaluating his legal options.
Deane, from Brisbane, made 14 career appearances on the US PGA Tour, making the cut twice.
US-based golfer Deane famously collected $US1 million from Trump in a made-for-television event held on a Caribbean island a decade before the businessman was elected as US President.
In 2006, holding no status on the PGA Tour or its second tier, he progressed through 54 holes of qualifying to win a sudden-death, nine-hole shootout at the Trump Million Dollar Invitational in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
– AAP