Lily Copeland felt she had found her purpose in life when she joined the University of Victoria rowing team.
The allegations have divided the rowing community and revived debate about “old-school” coaching. Six rowers who spoke with The Canadian Press describe Mr. Williams as a devoted leader, while six others and two parents say he elevates some athletes while excluding and belittling others, causing some to suffer suicidal thoughts and panic attacks.
The university declined to answer specific questions, saying it is limited by privacy legislation and its own confidentiality policies. It says it responsibly investigates complaints and the process does not always require employees to be absent from the workplace.Rowing Canada says it doesn’t comment on investigations that may or may not be in progress, but it has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment or abuse.Ms. Copeland says Mr.
Ms. Copeland says she disclosed an anxiety disorder to Mr. Williams, but feels he discriminated against her because of it. She alleges he made remarks such as, “You cannot be weak in front of your team,” and “You’re not going to fall apart on me, are you?” Another former team member, Kate Morstad, says she saw Mr. Williams take Ms. Copeland into the equipment room several times, and once heard him yelling until she emerged in tears. She also witnessed him shout unhelpful comments at Ms. Copeland through the megaphone, she says.
She says the coach isn’t directly responsible for her suicide attempt, but his actions contributed to a decline in her mental health. Ms. Morstad was allowed back in a boat after a few days, but says she realized she couldn’t be a part of a team that treated people so harshly. They also say Mr. Williams never held one-on-one meetings with them in the equipment room, nor did they see him take anyone else in there.
“I’ve met a lot of people who like Barney and I’ve met a lot of people who don’t like Barney,” he says. “I’ve never met anyone who is fast and good at rowing who doesn’t like Barney.” After that, Mr. Ferguson says Mr. Williams sidelined him at practice, and used expletives and insults while treating other athletes as “golden.”
Globe_Sports How could you POSSIBLY fail to credit the student journalists who actually BROKE this story? You owe a significant apology to TheMartlet, its editor thatemfagan, and writer _tashasimpson
Globe_Sports Excellent example of Language as Articulate Contact. Verbal abuse hurts and violates as much as physical abuse.
Globe_Sports maybe barney is a misogynist
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