Phil Weiler, vice president of marketing and communications for WSU, said he would speak on behalf of Schulz for the story. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy, Former Washington State quarterback, and current athletic department employee, Jason Gesser has issued a statement denying that he has had any inappropriate sexual relations with interns or staff, and wrote that he will not allow his name to be unfairly smeared. |, Washington State University officials announced Thursday that they found no violation of University policy regarding an investigation into alleged inappropriate sexual conduct by former quarterback, and current athletic staff member, Jason Gesser. In the spring of 2009, Gesser was named as the head football coach at Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish, Washington. It made me avoid coming back here to games, one of my favorite things to do, because I didnt want to run into him, she said. It shook me up pretty bad when I saw it, to the point where I ran to [Bodeau], who was my boyfriend at the time, Wold said. Ganders said this situation made him realize Gessers actions had negatively impacted a donors relationship with WSU, according to the records. Wilson Criscione. After Bodeau graduated, Gesser, now 39, asked her to attend a fundraiser in Tumwater. However, he said he didnt like to override the decisions of vice presidents, deans or other department heads entrusted with managing staff and faculty. [She said] the man she used to nanny for had tried to force himself on her.. "It was hard," said Gesser, who was a Titans backup in 2003. He had a full time job but all he ever looked for was something more. The only thing I could do is support her and tell her, You are the victim here.. Jason Gesser has been a stay-at-home dad this NFL season, but the former Washington State quarterback hopes his football fortunes are about to improve. Generally speaking, yeah, the president of a university has the authority to do a lot of stuff, he said. I chose to go there. Wold said she then received a text message from Gesser about the night before. Roberts, Bodeaus younger sister, said shes glad Bodeau is finally talking about the encounter. A former football coach at the. There was a number of eyebrows raised, Farkas said in the records. (None of those named above have responded to messages from the Inlander seeking comment.). A story last week in the WSU student newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, uncovered a litany of allegations. He is from United States. That is when it really affected me professionally.. In his opinion, she was being flown up to be Jasons girl at the event. However, this appears to contradict what occurred in the Gesser case, as others had named women not affiliated with WSU as being involved in the incidents, but those who were not a part of the university at any point do not appear to have been interviewed. And then he tried again with both hands and slid both hands up my dress and put them on my butt, and I kept pushing him away and telling him no and he kept saying its OK. . One incident she outlined occurred when she and Gesser met with a CAF donor for dinner at Foundry Kitchen & Cocktails in Pullman over a year before her January interview. Farkas also reported to the investigators that other CAF officials said Gesser and the woman had behaved inappropriately at the after-party, according to the records. Wold had gotten a new number and forgot to block his number on her new device, she said. WSU President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics Pat Chun responded to Bodeaus complaint Monday by announcing in a joint statement that a new allegation of sexual misconduct had been reported. In August, IMG and WSU announced that Gesser would not resume his role as a radio analyst for WSU football games to allow him to focus on his role with the CAF. Investigators also attempted to interview (Gesser) and (former Athletic Director) Mr. William Bill Moos, who was present at the CAF event in 2015, investigators wrote. [Gessers] reputation with WSU is tattered, regardless of what you find, Farkas said in the records. So many questions. Jason Gesser, the assistant director of athletics for the Cougar Athletic Fund, has resigned following new allegations of sexual misconduct by former WSU volleyball player Alyssa Wold. News > Spokane WSU responds to report alleging inappropriate sexual conduct by former football quarterback Jason Gesser. Once inside, he continued to attempt to kiss her and pushed his hands under her dress. What if they don't have the same kind of support system? I decided to not contact them at all for fear of running into him or for fear that I did something wrong.. Jason John Gesser (born May 31, 1979) is an American college football former coach, former player, and former assistant athletic director at Washington State University. I called my sister and explained everything that had happened, I told her what went down and everything and I told her I didnt know what to do, she said. She asked about him in response to a question of whether she had brought up concerns about a coworker with Almond, her superior at the time. I think our staff is pretty worn down with just dealing with all the rumors and continuing to try to go to bat for him, Ganders told investigators. Up and coming bull rider, Blake Thueson has #diedsuddenly Competing in the 2022 World Finals in Nevada, he started to feel extremely ill and passed away suddenly- shocking his family and the bull riding community. She said she decided not to tell people about what happened because she didnt want to harm the Gesser family. Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. When Wold started nannying for the Gessers in 2013, she was still a student but no longer an athlete. After this, she said Gesser made aggressive attempts to pull her in for a kiss, which she was only able to block by putting her hand over her mouth. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review). He made me feel like there was nothing wrong that happened.. Her husband, Stephen Bodeau, has tried to support her. The original print version of this article was headlined "Them, Too". I pulled away. The earliest OEO interview notes obtained as part of the records request are dated in early January. She told me everything that happened, he said. In June 2015, Bodeau said she received a text from Jason Gesser inviting her to attend a fundraiser in Tumwater. Weiler said while it would be alright for the university to pay for the expenses of a person at an event for a business purpose, a line would be crossed if that person was there for personal reasons. Almond's name was taken off the IMG website a week ago. We typically pay for former student-athletes to attend those events.. She said that final act made me want to vomit and I felt so disgusting.. He started kissing my hand. Suspicious actions with and sometimes in front of donor guests. She thought turning off her phone and unplugging for an entire day would make things feel back to normal, but that only made it harder, she says. She said she ran out on the porch to talk to him. If there is not a business reason for the university to be paying for that persons expenses, thats against the law, Weiler said. She walked-on as a transfer after being recruited by Head Coach Jen Greeny, she said. At one point, she said, Gesser put his hand around Bodeaus head and tried to force a kiss. We have estimated Staff is frustrated, I am frustrated.. 3 Utah in biggest win in program history, Luke Tylers parents believe fraternity hazing led to his death, Greyhounds win first game in Yakima; continue state tournament run, CBD shown to be promising in reducing urge to smoke, Two big Spring Break trips featuring Murrow students; Evergreeners, Baseball reaches second best start in Brian Green era, Cougar mens golf go toe to toe with the best, Cougars take their chances, win in first round of Pac-12 Tournament. Bring it to the light so that we all as a community can begin the healing process.". In the records obtained by the Evergreen, multiple people interviewed by OEO said Schulz was either aware of or had been personally told of the allegations against Gesser. "Oh my gosh, there's more there's another one.". National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673. Almond said in his interviewwith OEO that he felt the need to come forward with his worries to IMG HR after hearing about the alleged relationship with a student-athlete, according to the records. The department can reach out to those outside of WSU if there is reason to believe they have important information, Anderson said. She said she felt the need to speak out now to prevent what happened to her from happening to others. Her hand clenches the mug handle. I was very close with their oldest daughter, she still has my signs on her door.. (None were related to Gesser, she says.). [Gesser] ruined the school that I love and that I want to be an alumna in, she said. The whole victim shaming that our society does infuriates me. The same woman in question also told investigators Gesser held a higher role than her in the department and had sent her suggestive texts, including during work hours. He finished the season completing 23 of 42 passes for 356 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. Jason had asked if they could leave for her place in order to catch up further, she said. He was only 18 years old. She played her junior season in 2012, but chose to sit out her senior year because of an injury. Ganders said in the interview the woman in question was supposed to be auctioned off as a caddy for donors the next day, but she never fulfilled her duties for the tournament. PULLMAN, Wash. Jason Gesser, the Cougar Athletic Fund assistant director resigned from Washington State University Tuesday amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations, including a formal. "Because they may not have felt like they had the support to speak their story.". Alyssa Wold-Bodeau, a former WSU volleyball player, told The Daily Evergreen on Monday that Gesser groped her and tried forcefully to kiss her after the two attended a fundraising event in 2015.. That's why the Titans signed Doug Johnson, a five-year veteran who had been cut by Jacksonville, to be their No. I dont remember exactly all the exchange, but there was an advancement to kiss me, which caught me off guard, nor did I lean in or encourage that, she said in the records. I had no idea what was going on. [An intern] shared a concern with me, Almond said in the records. I immediately recognized that Jason and [former player] knew each other, were classmates, Ganders told investigators. He was released after the 2004 preseason. It would have been easier to be quiet, she says. Since Bodeau called for other women to come forward, WSU spokesman Phil Weiler says he is not aware of any new complaints of sexual misconduct against any other WSU employee. After the event ended, she said she and Gesser went with a group of people, including then-Director of Athletics Bill Moos, to a local bar for drinks and to catch up. The original allegations were reported Thursday by the WSU student newspaper The Daily Evergreen. Almond told investigators he met with Schulz. At least one intern spoke with OEO investigators about her time at WSU, but it was unclear if it was the same intern who allegedly had a sexual encounter with Gesser. After the incident, she then drove him back to his hotel room, she said. In 2006 Gesser signed with the AFL's Utah Blaze. I bleed crimson for my love of Pullman. Receive News Headlines Right in your Inbox! Bodeau grew up a volleyball star at West Valley High School in Spokane Valley. Various officials, including spokespeople for WSU Athletics, the OEO and Schulz could not be reached for comment by the time of publication despite numerous attempts. On May 5, 2005, Gesser was signed by the Calgary Stampeders. The guy is a master . She said Gesser offered to catch her up with how his family was doing and asked her to pick him up from his hotel. And the fallout of that investigation doesn't sit well with Bodeau. She expected a media firestorm. "I'm trying to think of how I can help support these girls to find their voice," she says. I will not allow my name to be unfairly smeared, and I will continue to passionately serve our University as a proud member of Cougar Nation, Gesser wrote in his statement. They were suggestive of sexual things, she told investigators. He started the season as Henry Burris' backup, but took over the starting role when Burris tore a ligament in his left thumb. Since then, Wold said the entire situation has ruined her relationship with WSU and the Pullman area. WSU has. Wilson Criscione is the Inlanders news editor. Gesser and his wife, former WSU volleyball player Kali Surplus, and their 17-month-old daughter, Jordyn, have stayed in Tennessee but a move to the Tacoma area is planned for mid-January. After college, Gesser played professional football for six years and spent time on four separate coaching staffs, including serving as the interim head coach at the University of Idaho for six games, before returning to WSU in 2013. Although the finding is 2 months old, Bodeau was informed that the WSU investigation determined that Gesser had violated university policy in his interaction with her following a fundraiser in Tumwater in 2015. The donor complained to him that the woman had been invited up for Gessers personal reasons instead of the interests of the donors or WSU, Ganders said in the records. The records also show Almond informing investigators that former female employee had told him about an intern claiming she had relations with Gesser. He sent me flirty texts one time and I thought it was weird, the intern said, according to the records. Hes the one who messed up and she has to suffer for it. At the time, I said, I wanted to let you know about our current HR issues, he told investigators. Updated Thu., Dec. 20, 2018 at 9:34 p.m. Alyssa Bodeau, 27, of Spokane says Jason Gesser, a former WSU quarter back and Athletic Department employee, tried to force himself on her after a school fund-raising event in 2015. He is also minoring in criminal Dylan Greene is a journalism and media production major from Stanwood. I was terrified because I didnt know what to do, she said. While Gesser provided the statement the day he resigned, he did not cooperate with the WSU investigation. During that year-and-a-half, Bodeau said she had frequent interactions with Jason Gesser, who had starred as WSUs quarterback from 1998-2002. Gessers aggressive, nonconsensual advances continued until Wold was able to free herself, she said, after which she ran toward the front door and told Gesser he had to leave. When it was over, (Gesser) invited me to go have drinks with Bill Moos other co-workers and a female intern.. It was after that fundraiser when Gesser allegedly tried to force himself on her. But I didnt know he was doing that to other girls.. It was devastating. Jason Gesser has resigned as assistant AD at Washington State following new allegations of sexual misconduct against him by a former WSU volleyball player. He was the backup at the beginning of the season before replacing the injured Joe Germaine. Sept. 17, 2018 290. Jason Gesser's net worth He said, We probably shouldnt tell my wife that I saw you. That sent me into a whirlwind because I didnt know what to think. In the summer of 2013, Wold said she began nannying for the Gessers and did so for about a year and a half. They were only a couple blocks away from her house at the time and she said the move confused her. Bodeau married Steven Bodeau, 28, in 2017. Weiler said the OEO review did not result in action against Gesser because of a lack of official complaints from those who voiced concerns over the allegations. As a coach, I seek out schools that provide all aspects of our youths development and create an environment that fosters growth through trusted relationships.. She never participated the next day to be that four caddy, Ganders told investigators. Bodeau won't be satisfied until the dozens of women who messaged her are comfortable sharing their experiences with institutions like WSU. The event was really great. There was no funny business.. Washington State University placed Jason Gesser, a former quarterback and current athletic department employee, on administrative leave Monday after a former Cougar athlete alleged Gesser tried to force himself on her after a fundraising event in 2015. Almond also backed up this claim in his interview with OEO, according to the records. I curled up in the fetal position and cried myself to sleep, she said. The story caught him off-guard, Bodeau said, and he didnt know how she was able to keep the shocking events of that night a secret. It's something to do with her hands so they don't shake during interviews. Young Seton Catholic plans to build on 1A state basketball loss, Fourth-quarter slump sinks Seton Catholic girls in 1A state opening-round loss, Seton Catholic boys win 1A state opening round, clinch berth for round of 12 in Yakima, State basketball matchups for SW Washington teams, Prep notes: Dennis Herling steps down as football coach at Seton Catholic, Seton Catholic prevails in rematch against La Center to reach 1A state regional. I can say confidently suggestive.. Nonconsensual groping, unwanted attempts to kiss. She was an intern for Cougar athletics and [was] directly reporting to Jason, Farkas said in the notes. Reading the article made me realize that I wasnt the last one, but I also wasnt the first one. Ganders, a regional director for the CAF at the time, and Gesser attended the event. As soon as the door closed behind me, he came closer to me and attempted to kiss me again, she said. Her younger sister, Bailey Roberts, said she could tell Wold was torn up about what had happened. And then there's the bigger picture. "He turned that program around like I knew he would," Gesser said of his former Cougars coach. After this, Wold said Gesser moved to the couch, where he then tried to get Wold to sit with him. Gesser, a late camp cut by the Tennessee Titans, was stunned when he was released. It is unclear if it is the same donor that complained to Ganders. If this is a money thing, that breaks my heart even more.. I had no idea how to feel, I felt like it was my fault, he had made me feel like it was my fault. The OEO investigates these claims for policy violations other than EP 15 if they feel the need to, as it still could be considered harassment of a protected class, she said. He returned to work at WSU in 2013. What I had been telling myself for three years was, Just be silent. When he finally pulled her onto the couch, she said the unwanted groping began. 3 Utah in biggest win in program history, Greyhounds win first game in Yakima; continue state tournament run, Baseball reaches second best start in Brian Green era, Cougar mens golf go toe to toe with the best, Cougars take their chances, win in first round of Pac-12 Tournament. One of the most diverse banks in the U.S. can be found on the Palouse, How new NIL rules for NCAA sports are finally letting Inland Northwest collegiate stars cash in, Artist Keiko Hara explores a sense of place, literally and figuratively, in a new WSU exhibit, A global manhunt, plus: the county whiffs on federal funding; and WSU students are left in the cold, ANALYSIS: Mayoral challenger Lisa Brown says Spokane is 'stuck in neutral.' He is a member of famous with the age 43 years old group. During the 2006 off-season he was a quarterbacks coach at Federal Way High School in Federal Way, Washington. He asked, Why? I said, Because you are a married man and you have a family.. I had to cover my mouth with my hand and he kept pulling me in so close and was kissing my hand that was over my mouth, and he kept pulling me closer.. Jason Gesser was really nice. Gesser, who was assistant athletic director at WSU, resigned last week in light of the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The allegations are outlined in interview notes and records from a complaint review carried out by WSUs Office for Equal Opportunity that began in January, which the Evergreen obtained through a public records request. Jason Gessers income source is mostly from being a successful . She said she again reminded Gesser of his family. In 2007, he was offensive coordinator at Parkland's Franklin Pierce High School. WSU has determined that Gessers interaction with Bodeau violated university sexual harassment policy. One possibility is that an NFL team would sign Gesser, then ship him off to play in Europe this spring. The intern said she knew the complaint focused on Gesser before the interviewers mentioned his name, according to the records. There are 4 professionals named "Jason Gesser", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. In December 2018, WSU found that Gesser violated the school's policy against sexual harassment. IAN SMAY and DYLAN GREENESeptember 17, 2018. Washington State University placed former quarterback, and current athletic department employee, Jason Gesser on administrative leave Monday after a former Cougar athlete came forward with new . Bodeau, 27, grew up in Spokane Valley, attended West Valley High School and played volleyball at Lewis-Clark State College before transferring to WSU in 2012. CougEd Hall Of Fame. He just kept saying that over and over and I was so confused and terrified about the situation, Wold said. "And these girls are just afraid to come forward.". I want to be involved with the CAF, I want to go to the Gray W because I earned that, and I dont because I dont want to see him, and I just want him stopped.. |. A former WSU volleyball player has come forward with new allegations of sexual misconduct against Jason Gesser, assistant director of athletics for the Cougar Athletic Fund. Im happy that shes taking the steps, Roberts said. Another woman with her own experience as a victim of sexual assault or harassment. I love wearing my alumni letter jacket that I earned, she said as tears streamed down her face. ". I remember her being very distraught, very emotional and confused about what had just happened, Roberts said. Alyssa Bodeau, who went by Alyssa Wold during her time at WSU but has since married, told The Daily Evergreen she suffered unwanted and nonconsensual groping and forceful attempts at kissing from Gesser after the two of them attended a Cougar Athletic Fund event in Tumwater, Washington, in 2015.
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