Former Swimmer Sues Germantown Academy Alleging Ongoing Physical, Emotional Abuse
By Jim Melwert
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A former swimmer who once had hopes of qualifying for Olympic trials is suing Germantown Academy, alleging the school tolerated "physical and mental abuse" and allowed the swim coach to stay on despite numerous claims of abuse during his tenure.
The swimmer, named John Doe in the suit, started training with Germantown Academy in 2012 when he was in 8th grade. The suit alleges then-coach Dick Shoulberg pitted him against another swimmer.
Attorney Brian Kent says that other swimmer abused him mentally and physically.
"We're not just talking about name calling, we're talking about being beat up multiple times, threats of sodomy to our client if he falls asleep on a swim trip, being urinated on multiple times, things like that."
The suit lists numerous other allegations, and it says Germantown Academy failed to take action to protect the swimmer.
Germantown Academy says student safety is paramount, and they addressed the allegations as soon as they came to light.
They say they have their own account of what's been alleged and will continue to cooperate openly and fully.