Former SJSU Sports Medicine Director Sentenced for Inappropriate Conduct In a disturbing case of abuse of power, Scott Shaw, the former director of sports medicine at San Jose State University (SJSU), has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for inappropriately touching female student-athletes. The United States Department of Justice announced the sentencing, revealing that Shaw admitted to unlawfully touching four female athletes between 2017 and 2020. Shaw, who held the position of director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer at SJSU from 2008 to August 2020, used his position of trust to violate the civil rights of these young athletes. Instead of providing them with the care they needed, he took advantage of their vulnerability by groping them without their consent and without any legitimate medical justification. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Robbins for the Northern District of California expressed his disappointment in Shaw’s actions, stating, “Scott Shaw was entrusted to care for athletes in the California State University system. Instead, he used his power over female athletes to violate their civil rights by sexually groping them without their consent and without any medical justification.” The victims, who trusted Shaw due to his role in treating their sports-related injuries, demonstrated immense courage by coming forward and reporting the misconduct. Their bravery not only prevented Shaw from inflicting further harm on others but also highlights the importance of addressing civil rights violations within the sports community. FBI Special Agent In Charge Robert Tripp commended the student-athletes for their moral courage and emphasized that civil rights violations remain a top priority for the agency. Shaw’s breach of trust and the impact it had on the victims and their sense of safety is reprehensible. It is important to note that this case is not the first time Shaw has faced allegations of improper conduct. In 2009, he was accused of touching the breasts of female swimmers and divers under their bras during physical therapy sessions. However, an investigation in 2010 concluded that the claims were unsubstantiated, as evidence suggested that Shaw’s methods were a legitimate means of treating muscle injuries. Nevertheless, the recent conviction and sentencing of Shaw shed light on the need for continued vigilance in addressing such cases of abuse within the sports community. It is crucial for universities and athletic programs to prioritize the safety and well-being of their student-athletes and to establish robust reporting mechanisms to ensure that any misconduct is promptly addressed. It is commendable that SJSU took steps to rectify the situation by agreeing to pay $560,000 to the whistleblower who exposed the alleged cover-up of the allegations against Shaw. This serves as a reminder that individuals who come forward to report misconduct play a crucial role in holding responsible parties accountable and preventing further harm. As personal injury bloggers, we stand in solidarity with the victims and commend their courage in speaking out against their abuser. We hope that Shaw’s conviction serves as a message to others in positions of power that such actions will not be tolerated. We also encourage anyone who has been a victim of abuse or misconduct to seek legal assistance and support to ensure their rights are protected. Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal assistance or have specific concerns regarding a personal injury, we recommend consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney in your area.