USA Today is reporting that an arbitrator has overturned the lifetime ban for Stephen Lopez, 40, handed down by the U.S. Center for SafeSport in September of this year. Stephen was a two-time Olympic champion in Taekwondo. According to the report, arbitrator Jeff Kaplan rescinded the lifetime ban on December 10th because “the Center has failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that Lopez violated the SafeSport code by grooming NZ, touching her vaginal area and breasts and receiving oral sex from her in 2000.”
SafeSport is a non-profit organization charged by the US Olympic Committee with authority to respond to all allegations of sexual misconduct within the field of amateur athletics. It was developed as an independent organization for those involved to report sexual abuse and misconduct.
While there have been rumors of allegations of sexual assault with both Stephen Lopez and his brother, Jean, going back a number of years, the bans for both were handed down earlier this year when new allegations and information became available. A formal lawsuit was filed by four women against the Lopez brothers, USA Taekwondo, and the US Olympic Committee. The filing accused the named defendants of sex trafficking.
In September, 2018, SafeSport ruled to ban Stephen Lopez for life, based on the findings of their investigation of allegations made by Nina Zampetti of sexual assault when she was 14. Since Ms. Zampetti was not involved with the lawsuit at the time, SafeSport was able to proceed with an investigation based on her allegations alone.
However, Ms. Zampetti declined to testify at the hearing, indicating a lack of faith in SafeSport to operate in good faith. Her attorney, Steven Estey indicated they would be moving forward with a civil case.
Stephen’s brother, Jean, was also banned for life back in April 2018. However, his lifetime ban is also being appealed and he is currently listed under temporary restrictions. Information on those restrictions has not been made public.
Both Lopez brothers have maintained their innocence throughout.
Sources:
https://amp-usatoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/587899002?usqp=mq331AQECAFYAQ%3D%3D&_js_v=0.1
https://volleymob.com/safesport-lifts-lifetime-ban-on-taekwondo-coach-lopez/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2018/09/07/steven-lopez-olympic-taekwondo-champion-banned-safesport/1235794002/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2018/12/10/steven-lopez-permanent-ban-vacated-arbitrator/2273644002/
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