The U.S. Center for SafeSport has administratively closed its investigation on swim coach Brian Bolster after allegations of misconduct landed on the organization’s disciplinary database last month.
Following allegations of misconduct, Bolster was added to the SafeSport disciplinary database on February 16, facing temporary restrictions within USA Swimming.
On March 30, SafeSport lifted all measures and sanctions on Bolster.
SwimSwam spoke to the original accuser in the case, who wished to remain anonymous. He says that the case was administratively closed because the behavior he alleged was not a violation of SafeSport policies at the time.
Bolster’s lawyer says that the accusations stem from the 1990s, are false, and were fully investigated by the police and District Attorney’s office at the time of the original accusation. He also says that the case was declined for prosecution in either 2015 or 2016. Bolster’s lawyer also believes that the original accuser didn’t file the report to SafeSport.
Bolster’s lawyer also said that the accuser was not hired by Bolster for an assistant coaching job and made the accusations ‘years later’.”
Bolster is no longer listed in the SafeSport disciplinary database.
Bolster is the founder, head coach and CEO of Osprey Aquatics, based in San Jose, California, and has been leading the team dating back to 1996. He is known for having developed the Bolster Swim Paddle.
SwimSwam has reached out to SafeSport for additional comment.
It’s sad that anyone can accuse anyone else with no proof or corroboration and the accused is marked at that point. Sometimes there are ulterior motives. Be wary of labeling someone before the investigation is complete. A false accusation still hurts a persons reputation.