Long Beach State allowed Scott Touzinsky to coach during sexual misconduct probe

A constant presence throughout Long Beach State’s bid this season to repeat as NCAA men’s volleyball coach has been assistant coach Scott Touzinsky, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist and former 49er All-American.

Touzinsky, however, continues to coach this college season while being under investigation for sexual misconduct by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and suspended by USA Volleyball from events sanctioned by the national governing body, according documents obtained by the Southern California Newspaper Group.

Touzinsky receiving a “Formal Warning” from the U.S. Center for SafeSport last week but was declared “eligible” to return to USA Volleyball sanctioned events even though the center found the “allegations were substantiated,” according to documents.

“I don’t have any comment, sorry,” Touzinsky said Tuesday.

Long Beach State head coach Alan Knipe did not respond to a request for comment.

Touzinsky was suspended by USA Volleyball last July in response to allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female athlete in 2014, according to documents. SafeSport opened an investigation of Touzinsky on July 19. The USA Volleyball suspension did not cover NCAA sanctioned-events. It is unclear if Knipe was aware of the allegations when he hired Touzinsky in July 2017. Knipe was the U.S. Olympic team’s head coach at the 2012 Games in London.

SafeSport found that the USA Volleyball suspension was “sufficient.” Under the terms of the sanction, Touzinsky is also required to retake SafeSport training.

“The U. S. Center for SafeSport imposed sanction for violation of the 2013 USAV Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct Principle II.G,” SafeSport wrote.

Under “PRINCIPLE II ‐ COACH/ATHLETE RELATIONSHIPS” section G., USA Volleyball’s code of ethics for coaches states:

“Recognize that all forms of sexual abuse, assault or harassment with athletes are illegal and unethical, even when an athlete invites or consents to such behavior or involvement. Sexual abuse and harassment are defined as, but not limited to, repeated comments, gestures or physical contacts of a sexual nature.  I will report all suspected cases of sexual assault or abuse to law enforcement as required by law.”

Long Beach State (26-1) hosts the NCAA Championships next week at Walter Pyramid, where the 49ers are 12-0 this season. Long Beach State, the NCAA tournament’s No. 2 seed, has won its last seven matches including a pair of victories against top-ranked Hawaii earlier this month.

Touzinsky has been credited in playing a major role in the 49ers success since his 2017 hiring. The 49ers went 28-1 en route to winning the NCAA title last season. Touzinsky has coached five All-Americans and six All-Big West selections including setter Josh Tuaniga, the 2018 AVCA national player of the year and NCAA tournament MVP.

Touzinsky has also been active in youth volleyball. He owns Touzinsky’s Elite Volleyball Camps and has coaches extensively with girls and boys club teams in Southern California.

Touzinsky retired from professional volleyball in 2017 after playing 13 seasons in five different countries. In addition to being a member of the gold medal winning team at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the St. Louis native also won a FIVB World League title with Team USA.