U.S. Center for SafeSport Permanently Bans Sean Hutchison

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Sean Hutchison, the former coach of Olympian Ariana Kukors Smith, has been permanently banned by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, according to reports by USA Today and the Orange County Register.

The investigation confirmed that Hutchison began his grooming of Kukors Smith when she was a teenager by requesting nude photos of her and asking her questions regarding whether or not she was wearing underwear.

According to the Orange County Register, the Safe Sport’s confidential Notice of Director’s Decision explained,

“After a thorough investigation the U.S. Center for Safe Sport’s Response and Resolution Office finds, by a preponderance of the evidence that Responding Party Sean Hutchison violated the applicable policies as outlined in more detail in the Investigation Report, by digitally penetrating a minor, receiving oral sexual contact with a minor, and engaging in sexual intercourse all with an athlete whom he coached.”

Earlier this year, Kukors Smith came forward with allegations that Hutchison began grooming her for a sexual relationship from the age of 13 and had a sexual relationship with her from the age of 16 until 24.

Following the allegations, Kukors Smith filed a civil suit in May against Hutchison, USA Swimming, Mark Schubert, Aquatic Management Group Inc., and King Aquatic Club. The complaint for damages in the suit include sexual abuse of a minor, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

More information about Hutchison’s ban and the Safe Sport findings can be found at USA Today or the Orange County Register.

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Ashley Long

5 years ago

Gemma McKeon

MK Mahoney

5 years ago

Sean Hutchinson what were you thinking? People please learn from the sins of others…

Hmm...

5 years ago

Slimeball

Charlie Lownes

5 years ago

It’s a disease “normal” people don’t do this. We need to change the stigma of association with abuse (on this team or in this LSC…) to a stigma of cover up. We need to praise those who shine a light and reject those who abuse and ignore!