Post University Women's Hockey Abuse
The Post University Women's Hockey Team is under fire after allegations of abuse surfaced in early 2021. The allegations range from verbal abuse to physical assault, with some players even claiming they were forced to play through injuries. The university has launched an investigation into the matter, and the team's head coach has been placed on administrative leave.
The Allegations
The allegations against the Post University Women's Hockey Team first came to light in January 2021, when former players began speaking out on social media. They accused the team's head coach, Matti Uusitalo, of creating a toxic and abusive environment.
According to the players, Uusitalo frequently yelled at them and belittled them, both on and off the ice. Some players even claimed that Uusitalo physically assaulted them, including one player who said he slammed her into a wall during a game.
Other players claimed that they were forced to play through injuries, even when it was clear they were not fit to do so. One former player, Danielle Marquez, told ESPN that she played through a separated shoulder and a broken nose during her time on the team.
The Response
The university has said that it takes the allegations very seriously, and has launched an investigation into the matter. The team's head coach, Matti Uusitalo, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
In a statement, Post University President John L. Hopkins said, "We are deeply concerned about the allegations that have been made and are taking swift action to ensure that the safety and well-being of our student-athletes is our top priority."
The university has also hired an external investigator to look into the matter. The investigator is expected to take several weeks to complete the investigation.
The Aftermath
The allegations against the Post University Women's Hockey Team have sparked a larger conversation about abuse in sports. Many former athletes have come forward with their own stories of abuse, saying that it is far too common in the world of sports.
Several former Post University Women's Hockey players have spoken out in support of their teammates, saying that they too experienced abuse during their time on the team. One former player, Janelle Mchargue, told ESPN, "It was a culture of fear. We were there to play hockey, but we were also there to be abused."
As the investigation continues, many are calling for greater accountability in the world of sports. They say that coaches, universities, and sports organizations need to do more to protect athletes from abuse and create safe environments for them to compete in.
The Conclusion
The allegations against the Post University Women's Hockey Team are serious and concerning. The university has taken swift action to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of its student-athletes. However, the larger conversation about abuse in sports is far from over.
As athletes and sports organizations continue to speak out about abuse, it is clear that more needs to be done to create safe environments for athletes to compete in. It is up to all of us to hold coaches, universities, and sports organizations accountable for ensuring the safety and well-being of our student-athletes.
