The subject of degrading initiations in sport has been at the heart of the news in recent weeks in Quebec and, if junior hockey has been scalded by allegations leading to the departure of the commissioner of the QMJHL, Gilles Courteau, another case little edifying is talked about in the United States.
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• Read also: QMJHL: Gilles Courteau resigns, Mario Cecchini will replace him
Thus, the Harvard University Crimson and more particularly its trainer Katey Stone, a well-known figure in the NCAA, find themselves in trouble. In a long text published on Friday, the site The Athletic referred to rather questionable activities organized over the years by the one who has accumulated more than 500 victories since his arrival behind the bench in 1994-1995.
In particular, it is about the “Naked Skates” which would have taken place annually from 2005 until now. As the name of the ritual suggests, the participants were stripped naked and were asked to perform slides on the ice rink, causing them burns from the ice and bleeding breasts. Also, during the week devoted to initiations, the more experienced players asked the recruits to insert condoms on bananas, to simulate orgasms and acts showing their sexual orientation. Some drank excessively, even though they were under the legal age.
The same source, who says he spoke with more than 30 female hockey players or members of the program from the past two decades, however clarified that on the surface there does not appear to be a connection between these events and Stone, 56. . On the other hand, one hockey player specified that the instructor reminded them that there is absolutely nothing unknown to her mind that was going on in the club’s entourage.
Lots of complaints
Also, the trainer would have a lot of “skeletons in the closet”. The Boston Globe reported on Jan. 27 that 16 skaters accused Stone of misconduct and insensitivity to mental health issues. There was also talk of undue pressure on injured athletes to encourage them to return to play quickly, as well as a devaluing of bodies.
In addition, the pilot would have affirmed in front of two players of aboriginal ancestry that there were “too many chiefs and not enough Indians” during a meeting held on March 5, 2022. The main concerned informed the program management, which elected to keep her in the position, as confirmed in July of the same year by the director of athletic service, Erin McDermott.
In arena, the Crimson also struggled, finishing the 2022-23 season with just seven wins in 31 games.