Demand Investigation into Penn State Women's Gymnastics & Athletics

I myself went through a hostile environment through competitive gymnastics and it has lead to Major Depressive Disorder

We recently saw the article and my husband sent it to HBO sports. Have not heard anything back.

Correction from my above posting regarding my niece and calorie intake. They allowed 1,000 calories daily, not 500.. Still not enough for such strenuous workouts.

My daughter was a PSU gymnast and the bonds that were formed during that time with her teammates and coaches are unbreakable. I am so thankful that Steve Shepherd and Jess Bastardi treated their gymnasts with respect and dignity.

Why did the entire recruitment class of 2012 leave? They were all the first recruits from the Thompson's. They were abused and controlled the most. PSU where were you when the all needed you? You were WELL AWARE OF THE SITUATION.

As an educational institution, PSU has a duty to uphold the highest standards of integrity in a search for the truth. The legacy of all those connected with Gymnastics at this State University are in jeopardy if the truth is not sought and discovered. The lack of investigation by those in power contributes to the culture of emotional abuse (and at times physical abuse) these athletes may be suffering under. The lack of transparency and degree of conflict and demeaning behaviors goes higher than only the coaches in the gym. The administration has a duty to prudently investigate all concerns, not just of present student - athletes but past gymnasts and former coaches as well. Rise above this Penn State- your students-athlete and reputation are worth it.

I had no idea the horrors that existed in this gymnastic program until my niece who was on the team and on scholarship explained to me. She started and excelled in gymnastics at a very young age and always wanted to be a gymnast at PSU. Surprisingly I got a call from her saying she was passing out at practice due to the low 500 calorie daily diet and long rigorous work outs. As a pediatric nurse I was appalled at this regimen. I understood why she was not embracing her college experience that she was ever so excited to start. I was also saddened to hear that she loathed tumbling the very thing that she had always adored. I pray that other gymnasts at PSU don't have to go through the nightmare. It was very heartbreaking to be so far away and have my niece in such peril. Parents be warned!

I followed Penn State gymnastics and went to all the home meets when Steve Shepherd was the coach. That team was a family and they all supported each other as it should be. Things sure have changed since he has left. To have that many girls drop out should be a red flag right away!

Former Auburn Gymnast under the Thompsons. I am glad somebody has spoken up - It needs to stop!

Something has to be done.

As an educational institution, PSU has a duty to uphold the highest standards of integrity in a search for the truth. The legacy of all those connected with Gymnastics at this State University are in jeopardy if the truth is not sought and discovered. The lack of investigation by those in power contributes to the culture of emotional abuse (and at times physical abuse) these athletes may be suffering under. The lack of transparency and degree of conflict and demeaning behaviors goes higher than only the coaches in the gym. The administration has a duty to prudently investigate all concerns, not just of present student - athletes but past gymnasts and former coaches as well. Rise above this Penn State- your students-athlete and reputation are worth it. It's a big country but because of a shared love for our sport it is always easy to feel at home. Finding commonalities and not differences has been easy over four decades.

I witnessed the same behavior at Auburn. Check Auburn's retention of gymnasts under the Thompsons.

These serious allegations

This type of behavior by gymnastics coaches has gone on for decades and needs to end now.

Penn State must adhere to the highest standard of conduct by it's educators/coaches. They are under scrutiny for past failures.

10 years ago Featured

There are way too many allegations from too many different young women to ignore this. And it needs to be taken into account that almost all of the 2012 scholarship athletes quit the team rather than continue in a sport they worked all of their lives to be at the top.

As a former Auburn gymnast, I am sick knowing that countless number of gymnast year after year are being mentally and emotionally destroyed. As a former gymnast of the Thompson's, we strive for perfection and give over and above...all to be beat down and destroyed by Jeff and Rachelle. The damage they did to me is endless. Time to put a stop to their manipulation, destructive behavior and abuse! Enough is enough! Be careful administration of Penn State...they are good talkers and know how to sell themselves!

This petition is needed to protect these girls. This is yet, another, huge blow, to PSU sports... gymnastics being the heart of our family. My two daughters were under Coach Jeff and Rachelle's guidance at their camp last year. They will not step foot into that camp again, until this is looked into, and action is taken. One too many complaints to turn a blind eye. Jeff and Rachelle...... I am truly, truly disheartened by this. You have an AMAZING team..... and you need to, (yes) coach them hard to be the best they can be... but nurture them as well. A gymnast has a natural drive and determination and is so goal oriented. I get hard coaching and I don't mind that.... but there is a fine line between that and abuse. Get is straight PSU and make it right for the sake of this program and the girls that work hard to go after their dream!!!

Auburn former gymnast

This is horrifying, and I cannot believe it has been allowed to go on as long as it has.