Demand Investigation into Penn State Women's Gymnastics & Athletics

Good luck, Hope you Remember Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s famous quote "If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you Ain't Black," translation, If You Don’t Vote for Me, ‘You Ain’t Black’, So you “Ain’t” Black if you Vote for Trump? That’s embarrassing and a slap in the face to all Black voters. Think about that, Before You Vote, and again Joe continues with another racist quote, “The reason I was able to stay sequestered in my home was because some Black Woman was able to stock the grocery shelf.” What a shame. Then he also said, in 1977, that non-"orderly" racial integration policies would cause His Children to "Grow Up in a Racial Jungle." Then again in 1975, he said, He Favored maintaining Segregation between Races, claiming it was Better for “Black Pride.” Question: Why are Black Americans giving the Racist Joe Biden a pass, and accepting his racist comments? Why?

I worked with them at Auburn University and filed complaints about the same abuse. Nothing was done and they were allowed to go to Penn State and continue their reign of terror!

Jeff & Rachelle, thank u 4 everything you brought to Penn State. Earning a PSU w. gymnastics spot under your reign was a true blessing. How I possibly delivered enough athletically to be recruited..especially by you guys is crazy. Living in such animosity can be difficult to be successful you know? However, I must say.. my home life was fabulous conditioning for PSU. Probably why I lasted so long. The games certainly kept me on my toes. I was broken in every way and I know you know it. To this day, I think about that meeting in your office. Finally, I’m truly alright now. I realized I don’t have to live with letting myself down, you guys do. Finally found and feel like the old me again but stronger. Really...owe it all to you. Especially you Jeff xoxo

How heartbreaking! The gymnastics programs were one of the best in the country for so many years. How can they possibly recruit quality gymnasts with this coach remaining?

Former Auburn gymnasts

The signs were there when the seniors quit. The university is culpable for allowing this to continue. How many times is Penn going to ignore the obvious?

I graduated from PSU in 1976 and later went on to coach women's gymnastics at Utah State University. I have some understanding of the demands on college gymnasts. Having your entire senior class not be a part of the program upon graduation should have started the alarm bells ringing. Sandy Barbour has done a disservice to Penn State, the gymnasts, and its alumni by burying her head in the sand. Jeff Thompson needs to go. If he was such a good coach why did Auburn let him go? The current Auburn coach, also a former assistant coach at Utah State has done a great job at Auburn. He has made their program competitive in the SEC, something that Thompson was unable to do, and has been able to recruit the Alabama athletes. years. I am embarrassed for PSU in how they have handled this situation. We have had enough bad publicity, we don't need more.

First, I am again as others so proud of Sam Brown and the numerous girls who have come forward about the horrendous abusive behavior and tactics of the Thompson's. It does take a lot of courage to do so and I only hope this story makes national news and shows what a Terrible School and Athletic Department Penn State really is. Second, I worked in the school districts as a sub in PA last year and know that the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearances (CY113) is mandatory for all employees at Penn State. This has to be renewed each year for school districts and at Penn State I think every 5 years. However, this was put into place because of the Sandusky Scandal (that PSU knew about and protected him for about 40 years), therefore, if any employee has abuse allegations brought forward it is TO BE REPORTED TO THE STATE. Again, PSU's Athletic Director and President have failed to report such abuse allegations to the Commonwealth of PA and thus they protect this horrific act. I am sure that Sam Brown's attorney is aware of this, but it was my understanding that these allegations must be reported and fully investigated by someone from the State and employees are NOT allowed to work and be around children while this investigation take place. Again, all of these clearances were put in place because of Penn State, and now they cannot even follow a law they helped by their criminal behavior come into effect in PA.

As a parent of a young gymnast, what these coaches are doing sickens me. So glad these girls got away from such a bad situation. These coaches are not giving the school or gymnastics a very good name. Sounds like to me it's one to stay far away from...

Wish I would take the Thompsons to China during spring break 2017 and show them how the coaches there train their athletes, starting at as early as 4 YEARS OLD! They belittle them and deal corporal punishment on a daily basis, and their body shaming and other emotional abuse is psychologically tantamount to their practices there. If Jeff follows his wife's suit and resigns, I hope both retire from gymnastics unless they learn some compassion! I can't imagine them treating even elementary school kids the same way as their college students!

As a former Penn State athlete this type of story disgusts me - people who use intimation and humiliation as coaching tactics have no place in Penn State athletics.

Fire Joe now!!!!!

I think it takes a lot of courage to stand up and tell your story. I admire these girls.

no one deserves this environment while pursuing a passion they love...

Those two need to be investigated ASAP

This behavior should not be tolerated in any sport at any level!

As an alumni, Class of 1985, it is imperative we get to the bottom of these allegations right away...

These coaches need to go. There is no room in NCAA for tyrant coaches such as these. I hope these girls receive the results they are striving for and oust these coaches who have no business even coaching these great women athletes.

College and athletics is handwork, but more importantly its about surrounding yourself with good people and having fun. The Thompson's have taken that away for their athletes, and it will forever affect these girls future with others.

Anything that drives athletes to lose their passion, to fall into depression, can not, and should not continue.