Five days after a lengthy story in a Southern California newspaper detailed numerous allegations of physical assault and bullying of players by University of Idaho volleyball coach Chris Gonzalez, the school issued a statement Thursday regarding the allegations.
Idaho’s statement reads in full:
“The University of Idaho is deeply concerned about the allegations made by some members of the women’s volleyball team against their coach, Chris Gonzalez. As a result, an investigation began in November on legal issues and has been expanded to include climate and cultural concerns. The start of the investigation has been postponed at the request of applicants Complaints, in order to complete the season.
“An external investigation team is conducting the investigation, and Coach Gonzalez is fully cooperating. While they have been asked to expedite the investigation, we also do not want to compromise quality for speed.”
“Our goal is to ensure we understand the concerns, act on any findings, and work to rebuild an effective and supportive volleyball culture.”
According to a story in the Orange County Register, current and former Idaho players also alleged in a formal complaint to the university, as well as in interviews with the newspaper, that Gonzalez also pressured them to play and coach despite the school’s sports medicine concerns. Staff, players shame their bodies and are often denied food on road trips.
Asked by the newspaper to respond to these allegations, Gonzalez responded via email to the newspaper, “These allegations are baseless, baseless, and dishonest.”
Current and former assistant coaches under Gonzalez appeared to defend his actions, according to the newspaper.
Gonzalez, a longtime coach at Southern California, recently completed his second season as Idaho’s coach. The Vandals finished 1-27 this season, after going 4-24 in 2022.