In a virtual forum on Tuesday, the U.S. Center for SafeSport CEO Ju’Riese Colon announced several policy changes in the wake of the arrest of Jason Krasley, a former investigator charged with rape and sex trafficking. Krasley had previously been fired from the center in November after being arrested for allegedly stealing drug money.
The shocking revelation of severe misconduct by an individual tasked with investigating abuse claims has rocked the SafeSport center, prompting an internal review and swift reforms. “I’m still very angry about this. I’m disappointed and sad,” Colon expressed during the forum titled “The State of SafeSport”. She emphasized that this unprecedented situation has spurred the center to reevaluate its screening and hiring practices.
Strengthening Background Checks and Hiring Practices
Moving forward, CEO Ju’Riese Colon herself will be directly involved in interviewing job candidates, signaling the gravity of ensuring only individuals of the highest integrity join the SafeSport team. The center has also reached out to additional background check providers and reference screeners to identify areas for improvement in their already robust vetting process.
Currently, SafeSport’s background checks include social media screenings, reference checks, and multiple interviews. However, the decentralized nature of the organization, with staff across 32 states, each with unique employment laws, poses challenges in implementing universal best practices. An external audit has been commissioned to review cases Krasley was involved with and determine if any need to be reopened.
Implementing a Morals Clause
In addition to more stringent hiring safeguards, the U.S. Center for SafeSport will be adding a morals clause to its code of conduct for all staff members. This measure aims to hold employees to the highest ethical standards and provide grounds for termination if egregious violations occur, even in their personal lives.
The details of the morals clause have not yet been released, but it is expected to cover a broad range of conduct that could bring disrepute to the center or compromise its mission of protecting athletes. This addition reflects the understanding that those entrusted with handling sensitive abuse claims must be beyond reproach in all aspects.
Collaborating to Restore Trust
The SafeSport center was established in 2017 to independently investigate claims of abuse within Olympic sports, after high-profile cases revealed the inadequacy of existing systems. Athletes and survivors have fought hard for this dedicated resource, making the breach of trust by Krasley all the more devastating.
“This was devastating news for us, for the movement, for athletes, for survivors. It’s just terrible,” Colon solemnly acknowledged.
Rebuilding that trust will require not only robust policy changes but ongoing transparency and collaboration with the athlete community. The SafeSport center must work diligently to prove its commitment to integrity and efficacy in handling the 155 new reports it receives each week.
While nothing can undo the damage inflicted by Krasley’s alleged crimes, the center’s swift and decisive actions demonstrate its resolve to be an uncompromising ally in the fight against abuse in sports. The path forward will not be easy, but with enhanced safeguards, resolute leadership, and steadfast athlete advocacy, the U.S. Center for SafeSport can hopefully emerge stronger and more effective in fulfilling its vital mission.
