"Longtime elite gymnastics coach Al Fong has been suspended for physical and emotional misconduct by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the organization created by Congress to investigate reports of sexual abuse and misconduct across dozens of Olympic sports. The suspension will last for five years, per the USA Gymnastics database of suspended and restricted people. Fong's wife, Armine Barutyan, who also coaches gymnastics, has been suspended by SafeSport for physical and emotional misconduct."
"We are grateful to those who come forward with their stories, which allow us to hold individuals accountable and shift sport culture. It is incumbent on national governing bodies and their local affiliate organizations to enforce U.S. Center for SafeSport sanctions. The Center audits all NGBs annually to ensure that the sanctions are consistently enforced. Sanctions that result in removal from sport are listed on the Center's publicly available disciplinary database, a first-of-its-kind tool for parents, employers, and youth-serving organizations."
Al Fong was suspended for five years by the U.S. Center for SafeSport for physical and emotional misconduct. His wife and fellow coach, Armine Barutyan, received a one-year suspension for similar allegations. SafeSport provided a statement praising those who come forward and describing enforcement measures, education, a no-contact directive, and probation. USA Gymnastics' database lists both suspensions and states the coaches are suspended from all contact. USA Gymnastics requires a transfer of ownership if a member club owner is suspended. Public records note Fong owns a Missouri gym, and details about enforcement and the investigation remain undisclosed.
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