The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) announced Friday that it has contacted Memphis police after learning from ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” that two former players have accused president and chief executive officer Robert “Bobby” Dodd of molested them in the 1980s when they were teenagers.
AAU CEO Bobby Dodd Accused Of Sexual Abuse By Former Players
Longtime AAU director Bobby Dodd is being investigated after two former players have accused him of sexual abuse.
The AAU has also announced that Dodd will not be returning to the organization and have named an interim leader. Dodd retired from the AAU on Nov. 29 for health reasons.
The players allege a pattern of inappropriate touching of them by Dodd, masturbation by Dodd while they slept in hotel rooms during tournaments, and players younger than 16 being supplied alcohol.
One of the accusers is 43-year-old Ralph West, who showed OTL an email he said he sent to the AAU’s compliance department on Nov. 9 about Dodd’s alleged behavior.The second accuser has asked to remain anonymous but told OTL that he confronted Dodd about his behavior and that Dodd apologized for the alleged abuse.
The former players allege behavior and actions that occurred between the ages of 12 and 16.
Some of the former NBA players who played under Dodd’s Memphis-based AAU teams include William Bedford, Vincent Askew and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway.
The AAU also released a statement based on the investigation:
”The AAU has recently been made aware of some serious allegations about President Robert W. ‘Bobby’ Dodd, dating back several decades. The AAU has opened an independent investigation into these matters and also has contacted local law enforcement in Memphis, where the activities allegedly occurred. We will actively cooperate with any and all authorities to determine the facts and the truth.
”Mr. Dodd also is dealing with some serious current health issues related to his diagnosis and recent surgery and treatment for colon cancer. He will not be returning to his positions as President and Executive Director of AAU.
“The officers of the AAU are stepping up to shoulder all additional responsibilities necessary to ensure that our operations can smoothly continue. As First Vice President of AAU, I have been asked and authorized to now serve as interim President.”
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