Rutgers University has placed its women’s gymnastics coach, Umme Salim-Beasley, on paid administrative leave following an investigation that criticized the state of the program under her leadership. This announcement was made on Friday, shortly after an external investigation revealed concerning findings about Salim-Beasley’s coaching practices.
The investigation, which was initiated after receiving numerous complaints from gymnasts, concluded that Salim-Beasley, who has been head coach since May 2018, failed to maintain control over the team. The report highlighted her lack of awareness regarding how her behavior affected the gymnasts, noting a significant division within the organization.
It was also revealed that Salim-Beasley had an inappropriate relationship with the former athletic director, Pat Hobbs, which raised policy concerns. According to university regulations, Hobbs should have recused himself from any decisions that could impact Salim-Beasley due to their relationship. Hobbs had resigned in August, citing health issues, and it was reported that he stepped down shortly after being notified that an investigation into the relationship would commence.
Hobbs chose not to participate in the investigation, providing only a written statement that did not address the relationship directly. In contrast, Salim-Beasley was interviewed for over five hours but opted not to discuss Hobbs during her session.
Gymnasts who cooperated with the investigation shared that Salim-Beasley often dismissed them when they were injured. Reports indicated that multiple athletes felt pressured to continue training or competing despite being in pain, and five gymnasts medically retired during her time as coach. Some gymnasts alleged that Salim-Beasley encouraged those with deteriorating relationships to retire in order to redistribute their scholarships.
While Salim-Beasley asserted that she never pressured athletes to participate while injured, the investigation noted a prevailing sense of discord within the team during the current season. Although there was a stark divide on opinions about Salim-Beasley’s role in this environment—some athletes commended her methods while attributing the issues to team dynamics—many voiced concerns regarding the handling of mental health matters.
One gymnast expressed frustration, stating that conversing with Salim-Beasley felt unproductive, while the sports psychology director praised her for being attuned to mental health issues, highlighting her sensitivity as a former gymnast and a mother. Ultimately, the investigation concluded that despite Salim-Beasley likely having good intentions for her athletes, her actions nonetheless caused significant distress among them.
The Rutgers women’s gymnastics team is set to commence its Big Ten competition against Washington this Saturday.
