SEXUAL ABUSE IS RAMPANT IN OLYMPIC SPORTS
We are a law firm that has been working to expose the rampant and systemic sexual abuse within Olympic sports for more than seventeen years. We have seen time and again the lengths the USOC will go through to conceal and protect coaches who sexually abuse athletes, particularly if those coaches produce athletes who win Olympic medals. We have also learned that the only way to truly fight this pervasive evil is to amplify the voices of those who choose to come forward. Sometimes the scale of the abuse or the tactics of these skilled predators don’t seem believable, until you are faced with overwhelming evidence. If you are a victim of abuse by your coach or anyone else, please know that you are not alone, and we believe you.
Jon Little has worked tirelessly to expose the rampant and systemic sexual abuse within Olympic Sports. Jon remains steadfast in his belief that publicizing these wrongdoings is one of the few effective remedies available to ordinary citizens.
Breaking News: Lawsuit filed against USA Swimming in the midst of Olympic Trials
Jon Little files lawsuit on behalf of Amanda Le.
Disturbing details demonstrate how USA Swimming works to keep sexual abuse quiet….just like USA Gymnastics.
“Swimming coach Joseph Bernal led Harvard University to seven league titles. He trained multiple Olympians, including a gold medalist. And he served on the coaching staff of the U.S. National Team in the 1980s.
He was also a "known child rapist," according to an explosive new lawsuit that blames USA Swimming and others for failing to protect one of his former athletes from sexual abuse.
USA Swimming quietly banned Bernal from the sport in 2016 for sexual misconduct, but the allegations that led to that decision have never been made public.
Now, the woman whose complaint led to the ban is speaking out for the first time. Her 33-page lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Boston, presents a devastating portrait of a legendary coach who brazenly abused his position of authority ― and others in the sport who allegedly allowed Bernal's misconduct to continue unchecked for years.”
Tony Cook, Indianapolis Star, June 17, 2024
Amanda Le Sues USA Swimming in the Midst of Olympic Swim Trials.
Jon was interviewed live on Fox 59 by award winning journalist Angela Ganote to discuss the disturbing lawsuit that sues USA Swimming for turning a blind eye to child abuse and exploitation.
There's another group of athletes who have spent countless hours training, and some say they too have been sexually assaulted by their coaches. The sport is Swimming.
Scores of women say they have been victimized and that Swimming officials don't do enough to protect them.
Sexual Abuse is Rampant in Swimming
Jon filed the very first sexual abuse case against USA Swimming, which was also the first sexual abuse case against an Olympic NGB. Since then, his entire practice has been dedicated to exposing sexual abuse within Olympic Sports, and holding the USOC for their complicity.
Indianapolis and USA Swimming go way back.
Jon moved to Indianapolis to fight USA Swimming when it was discovered Indiana high school swim coach Brian Hindson has been filming his high school athletes changing in locker rooms. Since then Jon has learned that Indianapolis became the amateur sports capital of the world for a reason—their willingness to turn a blind eye to the sexual abuse of athletes, and swimming was just the beginning.
Jon Little filed the first known sex abuse case against an Olympic NGB when he brought the first case against USA Swimming on behalf of Brooke Taflinger. Jon has since represented victims of 4 of the 6 banned swimming coaches in Indiana and knows how far reaching and rampant the sexual abuse in USA Swimming and Olympic sports is.
Exposing Sexual Abuse in USA Swimming
Together, Jon Little and Brooke Taflinger exposed the failures of USA Swimming in handling sexual abuse cases
Jon’s efforts have led to significant changes in how sexual abuse cases are managed within USA Swimming and other Olympic sports, bringing national attention to the issue and helping to implement better protective measures for athletes.
The First Lawyer and Plaintiff to sue USA Swimming for Sexual Abuse
Jon’s role in exposing sexual abuse in USA Swimming began in 2008, when he filed a landmark lawsuit challenging the organization’s handling of sex abuse complaints on behalf of Brooke Taflinger. As a Big Ten Champion and record holder, she was directly impacted by abuse from her coach. Brooke found out in 2008 that her high school swim coach had filmed her naked while changing as a minor athlete along with many other athletes. Knowing she needed an attorney she could trust to know the law while understanding high level athletics, she turned to Jon. Even though he was newly out of law school, Jon had the courage to take on the United States Olympic Committee—a powerful, multimillion dollar Congressional chartered agency.
The USOC thought they could bury a young, solo lawyer in legal filings and tire him out, but they underestimated the mental fortitude of Jon. He sought mentorship of experienced lawyers who had successfully represented athletes against the USOC and NGBs before. Together, they showed America the systemic failures putting athletes at risk within USA Swimming by devising a media strategy that included having 20/20 do a segment on sexual abuse in USA Swimming, which can be viewed to the right.
It took years, but Brooke was awarded $2.5 million dollars in her lawsuit against Brian Hinson and USA Swimming. Together, their efforts have significantly contributed to raising awareness, seeking justice for victims, and advocating for reforms to protect athletes from sexual abuse within USA Swimming and other sports organizations.
Unfortunately the First Would Not be the Last
In 2011, Jon represented a 14-year-old swimmer seeking the removal of USA Swimming leadership and Indiana Swimming leadership claiming the sexual abuse of their daughter resulted from top officials refusing to investigate prior complaints against her swim coach. The victim was sexually abused by her swim coach, Christopher Wheat, at least three times in 2009, leading to his arrest and conviction. USA Swimming and Indiana Swimming had two separate opportunities to stop Wheat before he molested the young girl and potentially other young athletes.
One year prior to the first molestation, the victim’s mother notified Indiana Swimming about Wheat’s inappropriate sexual relationship with another minor female athlete. USA Swimming egregiously allowed Wheat to be hired as head coach around 2006; despite the fact he had resigned from the very same club five years prior following numerous complaints of sexually inappropriate behavior by his swimmers.
The Ongoing Fight against Sexual Abuse in Swimming
In recent years, Jon has represented Anna Strzempko and Sarah Ehekircher, both of whom were victims of sexual abuse by their swim coaches. Strzempko's case involved coach Randy Smith, who was accused of molesting her, leading to a settlement with USA Swimming. Ehekircher's case involved coach Scott MacFarland, with allegations of abuse dating back to the 1980s. Jon’s representation in these cases highlights his ongoing commitment to holding abusers and negligent organizations accountable for allowing the sexual abuse of athletes. Jon’s ongoing pursuit of justice continues to lead to significant changes, such as the removal of swim coach Ray Lawrence from the Carmel Clay Schools Hall of Fame following revelations of past abuse.
Currently, Jon Little is representing Amanda Le in an explosive lawsuit filed in the United States District Court in Massachusetts. Le is suing USA Swimming, New England Swimming, and others for allowing a known child predator, Joseph Bernal, to continue coaching. The lawsuit claims these organizations supported Bernal, enabling his abuse of young athletes, including Le. Jon’s continued dedication to justice in this case underscores his career-long commitment to protecting young athletes and ensuring organizations that turn a blind eye to sexual abuse of children are exposed and held accountable.
20/20-"The Coach's Secret"-Part 1
Part 2 of the 20/20 segment "The Coach's Secret"
Jon's client, Sarah Ehekircher, a former Colorado swimmer, recently sued USA Swimming and her former certified coach James Scott McFarland for sexual abuse that occurred more than 30 years ago, when she was fourteen.
In one of the most powerful and eloquent pieces written about sexual abuse in swimming, Rachel Sturtz writes about Jon’s client, Anna Strzempko, who was molested by her swim coach, Randy Smith. Click on the story to read the full article.
Click on a story to read more.
Indianapolis Turned a Blind Eye to Sex Abuse of Athletes for Years
Jon Little had been telling every official in Indianapolis at every level of government that has the power to protect children for years. But because of the corporate power of USA Gymnastics and Olympic sports over the Amateur Sports Capital of the World, Indianapolis turned a blind eye to the abuse occurring within and known to USA Gymnastics, allowing predators like Marvin Sharp and Larry Nassar to continue to abuse children for years. Without the complicity of Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics would not have been able to get away with hiding and protecting child molesters. But the powerful combined forces of the public justice system and journalism proved to be what was needed to finally expose what is the biggest sports sex abuse scandal in history. Sick of everyone ignoring the sex abuse rampant in USA Gymnastics, and everyone responsible for protecting these athletes turning a blind eye, Saeed & Little went to the media. While the rest is history, the full complicity and corruption isn’t even fully known.
The Indianapolis Star Out of Balance Expose changed everything and nothing, as sex abuse is still rampant in Olympic sports.
Mark Alesia was on the team of reporters from the IndyStar that broke the USA Gymnastics Scandal after Jon and Jessica from Saeed & Little tipped them off.
Exposing Sexual Abuse in USA Gymnastics
Jon Little and his colleague Jessica Wegg were key figures in exposing the rampant sexual abuse within USA Gymnastics, playing a crucial role in bringing these issues to light and advocating for the victims.
Unearthing the Truth
Jon was aware of files containing numerous sexual abuse complaints against coaches within USA Gymnastics, which is headquartered in Indianapolis. Despite his efforts to alert everyone in Indianapolis about the sexual abuse of children within USA Gymnastics, it wasn't until he began working on a specific case in Georgia that he had a chance to expose the the gravity of the situation. This case became a critical point in shedding light on the pervasiveness of the largest sexual abuse scandal in sports history when the filings in this case were made public.
Turning to the Media
Frustrated by the lack of action from authorities and sports organizations, Jon’s colleague Jessica took a bold step by informing an IndyStar reporter about the ongoing case in Georgia. Her disclosure to the media was instrumental and led to the investigative reporting by the Indianapolis Star, which ultimately exposed widespread abuse, including that of Larry Nassar, and led to the downfall of key figures within USA Gymnastics.
Legal Advocacy and Bankruptcy Proceedings
In April 2019, Jon filed a new lawsuit that sought to provide help for potentially thousands of abused gymnasts at the hands of Marvin Sharp, who had committed suicide shortly before the scandal broke, emphasizing the widespread nature of the problem and the need for systemic change within USA Gymnastics. His actions were pivotal in pushing for accountability and reform, ensuring the voices of the survivors were finally heard.
Throughout the legal battles, Jon continued to represent numerous victims of sexual abuse. His advocacy extended to the USA Gymnastics bankruptcy proceedings, where he called out other lawyers for their greed and focus on their own financial gains over the victims' needs. Jon’s dedication was evident as he fought for a fair resolution that prioritized the survivors' interests.
Supporting Survivors, Exposing Institutional Abuse
Jon’s work in exposing and addressing sexual abuse within USA Gymnastics has been monumental. His relentless pursuit of justice and commitment to representing victims have brought about significant changes and helped to create a safer environment for athletes within USOC sanctioned sports. Through his efforts, Jon has demonstrated the combined power of legal advocacy and journalism in exposing and challenging institutional failures and supporting survivors.
Who is Marvin Sharp?
To read more about Marvin and his role in the USA Gymnastics Scandal, click on the story above, and read more below.
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Marvin Sharp was bullet point number one of the coaches files in the IndyStar expose that led to USA Gymnastics fall. If anyone in Indianapolis cared about the systemic sexual abuse of children that they all were very well aware of, the USA Gymnastics scandal would have broke in 2015, when Marvin was arrested, and USA Gymnastics admitted to receiving a complaint about Marvin's inappropriate sexual behavior towards children in 2010 and failed to report it. This was also while they were trying to keep everyone quiet about Larry Nassar, including his many victims and their parents.
Indianapolis coach of Olympic gymnasts charged with child molesting, sexual misconductA blind eye to sex abuse: How USA Gymnastics failed to report cases
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Conveniently, Marvin Sharp committed suicide--though under suspicious circumstances. Despite vowing to investigate this type of sexual abuse, no one from Indianapolis investigated USA Gymnastics and they were continuing to keep the Larry Nassar scandal quiet.
Olympic Gymnastics Coach Accused of Molestation Found Dead in Jail
Indianapolis gymnastics coach Marvin Sharp died of suffocation
Jail guards in charge of former gymnastics coach falsified records in death investigation
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And during the Marvin Sharp investigation, the head of the child abuse department with IMPD was going into overdrive to help cover for his dear friend Steve Penny--the CEO of USA Gymnastics. And then when the USA Gymnastics scandal finally broke, the head of the Indianapolis FBI also went into over drive to protect Penny....which is consistent with how every other official who knew about the child abuse within USA Gymnastics reacted. Indianapolis became the amateur sports capital of the world on the back of USA Gymnastics choosing Indianapolis as its headquarters in 1982.
As evidence mounted, IMPD child abuse investigator defended USA Gymnastics
Steve Penny Asked F.B.I. to Help Protect U.S.A. Gymnastics’ Image During Sex Abuse Case
Jon Little has extended his legal advocacy beyond swimming and gymnastics, playing a pivotal role in addressing and exposing sexual abuse within the entire USOC. His work has been instrumental in seeking justice for victims and pushing for systemic changes within these sports.
Exposing Sexual Abuse in USA Diving
Learning that sexual abuse is rampant in every sport, Jon Little played a crucial role in exposing and addressing sexual abuse within USA Diving. His legal work has been a driving force behind significant lawsuits aimed at holding the organization accountable for its failures to protect young athletes.
Key Contributions:
Class-Action Lawsuit Against USA Diving: In 2018, Jon represented former divers in a class-action lawsuit against USA Diving. The lawsuit accused the organization of ignoring or obstructing inquiries into allegations that coach Will Bohonyi sexually abused divers. Bohonyi, who had been employed by the Ohio State University Diving Club, was fired in 2014 after the allegations came to light. Despite this, the lawsuit revealed that USA Diving's response was delayed, as Bohonyi was not banned until six months after the university's investigation.
Impact of the Lawsuit: The case against USA Diving highlighted systemic issues within USA Diving and underscored the need for better protection and support for athletes. The legal action was part of a broader effort by Jon to challenge institutional failures and advocate for the rights and safety of athletes. Most importantly the lawsuit led to Bohonyi’s arrest and criminal conviction, ensuring he would not be able to harm another athlete.
Jon’s dedication to combating institutional sex abuse extends beyond USA Diving, encompassing significant cases against other major sports organizations. His work continues to be vital in promoting accountability and ensuring safer environments for athletes.
…. and USA Tennis, too
One of Jon’s notable cases involves representing Adrienne Jensen, who was abused by her tennis coach, Rex Haultain. The abuse began when Jensen was a teenager training at a renowned tennis academy. Despite numerous complaints and clear signs of inappropriate behavior, the sport’s governing bodies failed to act promptly.
Haultain was eventually convicted and deported, but not before causing significant harm. Jon’s efforts in this case underscored the systemic failures within USA Tennis to safeguard young athletes from predatory coaches.
… and USA Fencing
Similarly, Jon played an important role in addressing sexual abuse within USA Fencing. He represented athletes in lawsuits that revealed how the organization failed to take appropriate action against coaches accused of sexual misconduct. These cases brought to light the broader issue of how governing bodies in various sports mishandle abuse allegations, often protecting perpetrators instead of supporting victims.
Jon was instrumental in the case against William Becker and Joseph Pipkin. Pipkin had previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault in North Carolina, yet he was allowed to continue coaching in Phoenix. Jon’s legal work resulted in Pipkin being banned from coaching, protecting future victims of abuse while highlighting the systemic failures within USA Fencing to protect its athletes from known offenders. Jon’s goal is to stop all forms of abuse in sports by holding coaches and institutions accountable, ensuring they are found liable in a court of law.
… and USA Taekwondo
Jon’s impact extends to Taekwondo too. Jon has represented athletes who were subjected to horrific abuse by prominent figures within the organization. One of the most significant cases involves allegations against Steven Lopez, a celebrated taekwondo athlete, and his brother Jean Lopez, a long-time coach. Multiple women filed a lawsuit accusing the Lopez brothers of rape, forced labor, and sex trafficking. The lawsuit claims that USA Taekwondo and the U.S. Olympic Committee were complicit, knowingly allowing the abuse to continue due to the commercial benefits brought by the Lopez family’s success in the sport.
In the lawsuit, it is alleged that despite numerous complaints and warnings about the Lopez brothers, USA Taekwondo prioritized their athletic achievements over the safety of young athletes. This case has (again) highlighted the many systemic sexual abuse issues within Olympic sports organizations, where the welfare of athletes is often overlooked in favor of winning medals and securing financial gains.
Click on a story to learn more.
Jon Little's Battle with SafeSport
Jon Little is an outspoken critic of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the organization established to handle and investigate allegations of abuse within Olympic sports. Jon, known for his zealous representation of athletes, has consistently pointed out the significant flaws within SafeSport's structure and operations, comparing it to reporting abuse the sexual abuse of your priest directly to the diocese itself. The Center for SafeSport exists to protect the USOC from liability, often at the expense of athletes.
SafeSport's Structural Issues
SafeSport was created in response to the sexual abuse Jon exposed in USA Swimming, with the noble intention of addressing abuse in Olympic sports and maintaining a safe environment for athletes. However, the organization has been overwhelmed by the volume of complaints it receives—now up to 8,000 annually, far surpassing the initial 2,700 per year it was designed for. This surge in reports has highlighted both how rampant sexual abuse is within Olympic sports, but also the inadequacy of SafeSport’s resources and the inefficiencies in its investigative processes.
Jon regularly points out that SafeSport’s funding model inherently compromises its effectiveness. A significant portion of its budget comes from the very organizations it is supposed to regulate, leading to potential conflicts of interest. Jon has pointed out that this setup is akin to a local diocese handling complaints against its priests, inherently limiting the organization's impartiality and effectiveness.
Inadequate Response and Accountability
Despite the good intentions behind its establishment, SafeSport has struggled to keep up with the sheer volume of cases. Reports indicate that only a small fraction of the complaints result in formal resolutions, with many cases being "administratively closed" without any findings or sanctions. This backlog and the slow pace of investigations have drawn sharp criticism from athletes and advocates, who argue that delayed justice can be as damaging as the abuse itself.
Jon’s involvement has been crucial in bringing these issues to light and SafeSport has responded by attacking Jon personally.
Legislative and Organizational Changes
The criticisms have not gone unnoticed. There have been calls for significant reforms within SafeSport, including from former U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, who emphasized that SafeSport lacks the necessary resources to promptly address the volume of complaints it receives. Moreover, the U.S. women’s World Cup team has also lobbied Congress for reforms, highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction with how SafeSport handles cases.
Jon continues to advocate for these changes, pushing for a more transparent, adequately funded, and independent body that can effectively address and prevent abuse in sports. His persistent pursuit of justice for athletes has not only exposed the flaws within SafeSport but has also paved the way for potential reforms that could create a safer environment for all athletes.
SafeSport protects the USOC at the expense of victims
Jon has personally witnessed SafeSport sabotage criminal complaints and investigations of multiple coaches, and that’s why he advises athletes who have been abused to call the local police first, and only call SafeSport when advised by the police to do so. Because this goes against the USOC’s policy of reporting sexual abuse directly to SafeSport (the organization designed to protect the USOC from liability), the USOC and SafeSport have tried to paint Jon as a danger to athletes rather than the fierce defender he is. The most solid advice Jon can give anyone who has been abused by their coaches is to go straight to the police and a lawyer who specializes in institutional sex abuse cases. Further, if you know of ANY child being abused, you have a legal obligation in the majority of states to report the abuse DIRECTLY to authorities. Failure to do so can result in prison.
Jon’s Broader Impact
Jon Little’s impact on USA Swimming and other sports organizations underscores his commitment to athlete welfare. His efforts have sparked critical conversations about governance, transparency, and accountability in sports.
Jon’s dedication to empowering athletes and holding sports institutions accountable continues to inspire many within the athletic community. His legal battles and advocacy efforts underscore the importance of prioritizing athletes' voices and ensuring their safety and well-being in every aspect of sports governance. He is committed to continuing to expose sexual abuse within sports and work to ensure a safe environment for athletes to chase their athletic pursuits.
Report Sports Abuse
If you or someone you know have been abused while participating in sports, please let us know. Whether we can help you file your own case, or your statements can support other victims of abuse, your voice is always powerful.