ProPublica identifies eight SafeSport-banned coaches still active in Amateur Athletic Union
An ongoing inquiry reveals systemic gaps in youth sports protection, with eight banned individuals continuing to work with children under the AAU while one case moves to federal review.
ProPublica has continued its investigation into abusive youth sports coaches and the procedural failures that allow them to remain in contact with young athletes. The outlet’s reporting focuses on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), which it describes as a haven for coaches accused of misconduct. Specifically, ProPublica has identified eight individuals who are currently working with children under the AAU despite having been banned by SafeSport.
SafeSport is a centre created by Congress to protect children from abuse in sports. It maintains a public list of banned individuals that anyone can check. The AAU has stated that it does not comment on individual cases, but in a statement, it said it is “committed to protecting its athletes through comprehensive protection policies overseen by our Compliance Department.”
A prominent case detailed in the investigation involves Texas volleyball coach Ryan Richardson. Richardson continued coaching despite a SafeSport ban and is now under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security. He was first suspended in 2024. At that time, Richardson told the local news website MyRGV that complaints against him were an effort to “retaliate and defame someone’s character.” He also stated he “would never do anything to risk the physical or mental wellbeing of these strong young ladies.”
Richardson has not responded to multiple requests for comment from ProPublica or The Washington Post, nor to an email seeking comment about the Homeland Security investigation. The outcome of the federal inquiry remains unknown at this stage.
ProPublica is now seeking public input to further its reporting. The outlet is asking individuals to complete a brief questionnaire if they know of a coach on the SafeSport list who is still working with children, or if they have experienced mishandled abuse allegations by youth sports organisations.
The investigation notes that these are sensitive topics that can be difficult to discuss. ProPublica states it takes privacy seriously and will contact contributors only if it wishes to publish part of their story.
