This Coach Is Banned From Working With Kids. Why Is He Still Coaching?

A volleyball coach in Pharr, Texas, is continuing to train teenage girls despite being declared permanently ineligible by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. ProPublica reports that Ryan Richardson, head of the Texas Fierce Elite club, was banned following substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor, as well as physical abuse and bullying. While the governing body for the sport is required by law to ensure banned coaches do not work with athletes, Richardson has continued to lead practices and promote his club on social media. The investigation by ProPublica and The Washington Post suggests these failures highlight systemic flaws in the oversight meant to protect youth and Olympic athletes.

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