Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Former San Jose Jr. Sharks Coach Faces Lawsuit Over Sexual Abuse Allegations
A former coach with the San Jose Jr. Sharks youth hockey program is at the center of a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse of a player. The lawsuit claims that Sharks Sports & Entertainment LLC and Sharks Ice, the operator of the program, failed to enforce safety rules designed to protect participants.
Allegations of Misconduct
The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, alleges that the former coach, Kevin Whitmer, began grooming the player when he was just 12 years old in April 2021. Whitmer is accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior with the player, including massages and sexual acts, during one-on-one coaching sessions at Sharks Ice.
Furthermore, Whitmer allegedly requested explicit photos from the player and engaged in inappropriate behavior with other players as well. Despite concerns raised by a parent, the lawsuit claims that Sharks Ice officials did not take appropriate action to address the situation.
Legal Action and Investigation
Following Whitmer’s departure from the San Jose Jr. Sharks in May 2023, two parents filed complaints with the U.S. Center for SafeSport and USA Hockey. The player involved in the lawsuit reported the alleged abuse to the San Jose Police Department, leading to Whitmer’s arrest on multiple charges, including oral copulation with a minor and possession of child pornography.
Sharks Sports & Entertainment LLC, which owns the San Jose Sharks and oversees the Jr. Sharks program, has yet to comment on the lawsuit due to pending litigation.
Program Oversight and Player Safety
The lawsuit also alleges that Sharks Sports & Entertainment LLC and Sharks Ice did not follow USA Hockey rules regarding player safety, such as requiring a second responsible adult to be present during individual coaching sessions. Whitmer, who worked as a coach and instructor for the Jr. Sharks program for six years, is accused of violating these rules.
The San Jose Jr. Sharks program offers competitive teams for boys and girls aged 8 to 19, with a focus on player development and skill-building.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community awaits further updates on this disturbing case.
.