Michael Phelps’ Coach, Bob Bowman, ‘Cannot Comment’ on Story of Sex Abuse at North Baltimore Aquatic Club. English Translation: The Story Is True.

Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps’ coach and the CEO of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, issued this statement to families in response to the explosive new article by Tim Joyce and WBAL Radio:

 
This morning an article appeared on WBAL.com by Tim Joyce concerning a former NBAC coach. Mr. Joyce has been covering USA Swimming and that organization’s response to allegations against coaches of improper behavior involving swimmers. [A link to the article is provided.]

While I cannot comment on the allegations, I can assure you that the safety, health and well being of our athletes, your sons and daughters, are paramount to all of the staff at NBAC. NBAC is committed to creating, and protecting, a safe and healthy environment for all of our participants.

I don’t hear even a “soft” denial. And unlike the flacks at USA Swimming, whose statement questioned Joyce’s “expertise,” Bowman acknowledges that Joyce, like myself, has been covering this sordid subject over a long period.

Readers choosing not to believe the WBAL story do so at their own risk — but, more damagingly, at the risk of all of us.

Irv Muchnick