It feels like forever, but just a few short weeks ago during our “Thirsty Thursday” feature I chided Interim Chancellor David Ward for not being more transparent, well tonight I’m here to eat my words and a ton of crow. The full incident report on allegations of the actions of former senior associate athletic director John Chadima was released tonight as we were on the air for Badgers Power Hour.
Here is the full report for your viewing. (WARNING – this report contains disturbing material that may not be suitable for all to read. Also, if you can’t view right away right click and save as and you’ll be able to get the full report.)
In the report the allegations are laid fully to bare and they are quite disturbing, calling Chadima’s actions “sexual assault” and there really is no other way to describe what happened that night.
Chadima, according to the report, is alleged to have thrown a party “for the staff and student employees who worked ‘behind the scenes’ in support of the football team.” It also goes on to state that “Chadima provided alcohol, beer and mixers from which guests were invited to serve themselves.”
According to the report, each of the student employees they (the independent review board) talked with consumed alcohol at the event, some of which were under 21.
The party went late into the night and that’s when things went bad. Chadmia was alleged to have asked one of the male student employees to stay behind as the others left. That student is referred to as “John Doe” in the report.
After the others left Chadima and the student continued to have a few drinks, after which Chadima made allegations that he and others thought the student was gay. At that time Chadima is alleged to have “reached over and removed Doe’s pants belt and then inserted his hand inside Doe’s pants on his genitals.”
The student slapped Chadima’s hand away and swore at him according to the report. As if that action wasn’t bad enough Chadima is alleged to have said to John Doe “I thought you liked it” and “What are you going to do about it?” and “I could have you fired.”
The statement released by Interm Chancellor Ward stated, “We care deeply for the welfare of the individual, who is an adult, and who brought this issue to our attention. We also appreciate the efforts of those who responded in accordance with our reporting processes and procedures.”
So, what did Chadima have to say for himself? You can read the full statement that he released here. (thanks to Bucky’s 5th Quarter for link) But he does take responsibility for his actions as well as place blame on drinking, stating “However, I make no excuses and have come to the realization that over the past few months, alcohol had controlled and consumed my life. I am taking steps to correct that problem in my life at this time.”
Overall this incident is disturbing on more than one level. The allegations of sexual assault are just sick and disgusting. But equally disturbing is how a man chose to try and use his position of authority over a student employee. Lastly, the fact that Barry Alvarez knew about these parties going on and that underage student employees were consuming alcohol that was paid for by donor dollars and did nothing to stop that from occurring is bad judgment to say the least.
What should be noted on a positive side is how amazingly flawless both the Wisconsin athletic department and the University of Wisconsin handled this situation. They didn’t sweep anything under the rug and made sure they did as complete a job as they could with those that would cooperate in their investigation.
It’s very clear, including an attachment that references it directly, that the Penn State situation was thought of in the handling of this incident and that’s also a good thing because it forced everyone to make sure they looked into every angle of this situation before dismissing or taking action.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individual who was assaulted by Chadima and my hope is that he will find closure and be able to move on. Let’s let the person deal with this incident in the manor they feel correct going forward.
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