A local track and field coach has faced suspension as an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment is taking place.
In a notice released by Athletics Canada on April 1, Andy McInnis, executive director of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club and externally hired coach for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, was suspended because of complaints of sexual harassment against him.
“I believe that the allegations against Mr. McInnis are of such a serious nature so as to warrant suspension from Athletics Canada, its member branches, and clubs until such times as this complaint procedure is concluded, and I have released a decision,” said Frank Fowlie, an Athletics Canada commission, in the statement.
As the investigation is still ongoing, the notice states that McInnis is currently on paid administrative leave or suspension from coaching the track and field team.
The complaints against him were made in 2018, and the suspension has been in effect since Sept. 13, 2018, according to the notice.
He is currently barred from having zero contact with any of the athletes or staff from the Ottawa Lions club.
According to Fowlie, the decision to lift the coach’s suspension will not be made until the shortest possible delay, no later than June 30, 2019.
While the terms of McInnis’ suspension outline that he is to not be in contact with any of the athletes from the team, the commissioner states that he was informed that McInnis attended a training camp in California during the last week of December 2018 and the first week of January 2019.
At this training camp, where the Ottawa Lions athletes were training, Fowlie said that McInnis coached the team, going against the terms of his suspension.
The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club has released a statement in accordance to McInnis’ suspension.
Their statements say both the executive director and club president, Ken Porter, have been suspended from all activities regarding the club.
In the statement, which was made by Ryan Rowat, the interim president of the club, said the top priority of the club is to provide a “healthy, safe and secure sporting environment for all our athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and employees.”
Rowat said that any actions contravening their Statement of Expectations or Harassment Policy are strictly prohibited and will not be accepted.
The U of O has not responded to the Charlatan’s efforts to reach out to them for comment.
Athletes from the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club who were contacted did not wish to comment on the suspension of their coach or be named in this article.
Image by Tim Austen
