Penn State athletics confirms to WTAJ-TV Wednesday an assistant fencing coach is currently on administrative leave.
George Abashidze is the Penn State assistant fencing coach placed on leave. According to the Penn State Athletics website, Abashidze previously coached the Georgian National Team and also coached at Ohio State.
Associated Athletic Director Jeff Nelson provided this statement Wednesday:
“We take matters of this nature very seriously. We are aware of this situation and continue to gather information. George Abashidze is on administrative leave; we do not have any additional comments at this time. “
The Daily Collegian first reported the news.
According to the Daily Collegian, Abashidze has sexual misconduct and sexual harassment violations listed in the database for the U.S. Center for SafeSport – which is a non-profit organization looking to end abuse in sport. The database lists the violations as “subject to appeal/not yet final.”
Below is a screenshot of the violations on the Safesport website:
