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Investigating a Troubling Hire: Senator Grassley Probes SafeSport Over Former Investigator’s Alleged Misconduct
The U.S. Center for SafeSport, an organization tasked with investigating and preventing sexual abuse in Olympic sports, is under scrutiny after a former investigator, Jason Krasley, was arrested on multiple charges, including rape, sex trafficking, and harassment. Senator Chuck Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has launched an investigation into how Krasley was hired by SafeSport despite allegations of misconduct in his past. Grassley has sent a letter to SafeSport CEO Ju’Riese Colon, demanding answers to 13 questions about the hiring process and whether the center was aware of Krasley’s alleged crimes while he was employed there.
Krasley, a former vice officer from Allentown, Pennsylvania, was hired by SafeSport in 2021 after leaving his policing job. At the time of his hiring, SafeSport claims it had no knowledge of the allegations against him. However, Krasley was fired in November 2023 after local media reports revealed his initial arrests. The Associated Press later exposed his connection to SafeSport, raising concerns about the organization’s hiring practices and its ability to prevent misconduct within its own ranks.
Details of New Offenses Emerge, Raising Questions About Oversight
While most of the charges against Krasley stem from incidents that allegedly occurred before his time at SafeSport, new details have emerged about additional offenses that took place while he was still employed by the center. In June 2023, Krasley was involved in an altercation with a real estate appraiser, resulting in $2,500 in damages to the individual’s car. He was charged with harassment and agreed to an “accelerated rehabilitative disposition” in December 2023, a program available to first-time offenders.
Grassley’s inquiry has highlighted gaps in SafeSport’s oversight. The senator has asked whether the center was aware of Krasley’s June 2023 arrest before his termination in November and, if so, why he was not suspended or fired earlier. These questions underscore concerns about the organization’s screening and monitoring processes, particularly for investigators tasked with handling sensitive cases of sexual misconduct.
A Key Founder Questions the Center’s Practices
Senator Grassley played a pivotal role in the establishment of SafeSport in 2017, championing bipartisan legislation to address abuse scandals in Olympic sports. As the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he has the authority to influence the center’s future operations. In a statement, Grassley emphasized the importance of ensuring that SafeSport’s investigators meet “high standards of screening” and are “properly qualified” to handle their duties.
Grassley’s involvement signals that this incident could lead to broader reforms. While a bipartisan bill proposed in the House last year aimed to increase funding for SafeSport, it did not address hiring practices, which have now become a focal point of criticism. Grassley’s investigation could pave the way for stricter vetting procedures and greater accountability within the organization.
SafeSport Responds to the Crisis, Vows to Improve
In response to the fallout, SafeSport CEO Ju’Riese Colon has acknowledged the severity of the situation, describing Krasley’s arrests as “devastating news for us, for the movement, for athletes, for survivors.” The center has taken steps to address the issue, including hiring a third-party firm to audit the cases Krasley handled during his tenure. Colon has also stated that SafeSport has reached out to other screening companies to enhance its background check processes.
Despite these efforts, questions remain about how Krasley passed SafeSport’s initial vetting process. The center had implemented a “robust” background check program, which included social media screenings, reference checks, and multiple interviews, as well as ongoing monitoring of employees. However, these measures apparently failed to uncover Krasley’s history of misconduct. Grassley has requested details about the specific cases Krasley handled, including whether any of the individuals involved in those cases have filed complaints or raised concerns about his conduct.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Reform
The case of Jason Krasley has cast a shadow over the U.S. Center for SafeSport, raising critical questions about the organization’s ability to uphold the trust placed in it to protect athletes from abuse. Senator Grassley’s investigation is a necessary step toward ensuring accountability and transparency within the center. As SafeSport works to implement reforms and strengthen its hiring practices, the broader sports community will be watching closely to see if the organization can redeemed its mission and regain the confidence of athletes, survivors, and the public.
Grassley’s involvement underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for systemic change. By demanding answers and advocating for higher standards, he is fulfilling his role as both a founder and a watchdog of SafeSport. The outcome of this investigation will not only shape the future of the center but also determine whether it can continue to play a vital role in safeguarding young athletes from abuse.
