Updated Tue., Sept. 18, 2018 at 8:06 a.m. Thursday by the WSU student newspaper The Daily Evergreen, WSUs Gesser denies accusations of sexual misconduct, calls report a non-story, WSU responds to report alleging inappropriate sexual conduct by former football quarterback Jason Gesser, Spokane Valley Fire roundup: Multiple engines, water tenders fight rural home blaze in Otis Orchards, Downtown Spokane stadium groundbreaking set for Tuesday , Pandemic project: Dental lab owner Robert Carnell paints pop art abstracts of celebrities , Gardening: Bird feeders safe to hang this winter after salmonella epidemic in 2020 , Pandemic projects: Retired Freeman High School teacher self-publishes Welsh mystery series , 49 Degrees North adds all-day uphill skiing route, 'I'm hungry': Ex-Washington State RB Max Borghi grateful for XFL opportunity, hopeful for another shot at NFL, Pennsylvania friends, neighbors recall Moscow homicide suspect Bryan Kohberger's past, Community turns out for heated meeting in wake of North Idaho College accreditation threat. Jason was flirty at times, Wold said, but she chalked this up as part of his personality and he never appeared threatening while she was in Pullman. I remember her being extremely upset about it, Peterson said. Gesser coached the Crusaders for two seasons, then left in 2011 to become a graduate assistant at WSU in Pullman. Washington State University placed former quarterback, and current athletic department employee, Jason Gesser on administrative leave Monday after a former Cougar athlete came forward with new . It made me avoid coming back here to games, one of my favorite things to do, because I didnt want to run into him, she said. Jason Gesser Net Worth The allegations are outlined in interview notes and records from a complaint review carried out by WSUs Office for Equal Opportunity that began in January, which the Evergreen obtained through a public records request. Of those who reported rumors to investigators, many have since left the university for reasons that are unclear. It's one thing to read about something like this in the news, or see it on TV. Massage therapist says Jason Gesser exposed himself to her The Evergreen published a story last Thursday outlining a number of allegations of sexual misconduct by Gesser as far back as 2014 that were discovered through hundreds of pages of public records. But thinking it was an isolated incident, Bodeau did not take her concerns any further. She told me everything that happened, he said. Schulz knew of many claims about advances on student interns, donor event actions. Almond's name was taken off the IMG website a week ago. Almond also said he was told to shut my mouth and stay in my lane, but did not make clear who said that, according to the records. When other girls came forward, it changed the game, said Bodeau, whose maiden name is Wold. Paul Petrino was hired as head coach on December 3 and did not retain Gesser on the coaching staff for 2013. Those reports prompted Gesser's former nanny to go public Monday with what she described . I thought I was the only one that this happened to. Gesser is the grandson of Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame member Joseph "Red" Dunn. Im happy that shes taking the steps, Roberts said. "I thought I'd take this to my grave," she says. "It was hard," said Gesser, who was a Titans backup in 2003. Gesser did not participate in the investigation. Wold said she had buried that night in her mind until a year later in 2016 whenshe said Gesser sent her a text message that made the emotions of that night flood back. About six months after she moved to the west side of the state, she said she received a message from Gesser asking if she would like to attend the South Sound Social in Tumwater on June 17, 2015, a CAF event. In the summer of 2013, Wold said she began nannying for the Gessers and did so for about a year and a half. [Donor] called me and told me it was [bullsh-t] that she was invited, that it was a misuse of state funds, Ganders told investigators. The former volleyball player said her experiene with Gesser has affected her feelings regarding WSU. Ganders, a regional director for the CAF at the time, and Gesser attended the event. Bodeau went home after dropping Gesser off at his hotel. What about the institutions, the power structures that let this go on for so long in the first place? She said she felt the need to speak out now to prevent what happened to her from happening to others. PULLMAN, Wash. Jason Gesser, the Cougar Athletic Fund assistant director resigned from Washington State University Tuesday amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations, including a formal. Seton Catholic names ex-WSU standout as new volleyball coach After this, she said Gesser made aggressive attempts to pull her in for a kiss, which she was only able to block by putting her hand over her mouth. They were suggestive of sexual things, she told investigators. "From men.". That is when it really affected me professionally.. Farkas told investigators this was the red flag that made all the yellows fall into place, according to the records. And the fallout of that investigation doesn't sit well with Bodeau. Kali. After a six-year professional career and several coaching stops, including a stint at Idaho,. If this is a money thing, that breaks my heart even more.. Feeling that kiss on my cheek mostly made me want to vomit.. Nonconsensual groping, unwanted attempts to kiss. He was told by somebody that I shared it. WSU women beat No. It was a great way to bring her back into the fold, to support CAF and student-athlete scholarships, since she benefited from a scholarship.. I will not allow my name to be unfairly smeared, and I will continue to passionately serve our University as a proud member of Cougar Nation, Gesser wrote in his statement. Alyssa Bodeau, accuser of former WSU QB Jason Gesser - Inlander As a coach, I seek out schools that provide all aspects of our youths development and create an environment that fosters growth through trusted relationships.. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. I had no idea how to feel, I felt like it was my fault, he had made me feel like it was my fault. Gesser played college football at Washington State University in Pullman. Bodeau married Steven Bodeau, 28, in 2017. Former WSU volleyball player says Jason Gesser touched her - KREM Streets said. Gesser, who was assistant athletic director at WSU, resigned last week in light of the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. He was the backup at the beginning of the season before replacing the injured Joe Germaine. He made me feel like there was nothing wrong that happened.. He just kept saying that over and over and I was so confused and terrified about the situation, Wold said. Former WSU quarterback Jason Gesser resigns amid sexual-misconduct Gesser says his ultimate goal is coaching at the college level, preferably at Washington State. She expected internet commenters to attack her character, for friends and family to defend it. Sept. 13, 2018 Updated Thu., Sept. 13, 2018 at 9:12 p.m.. The woman, 27-year-old Alyssa Bodeau, told The Spokesman-Review she filed the official complaint Monday with the WSU Office for Equal Opportunity after reading a story on Saturday about other allegations brought against Gesser. He has that opportunity and that challenge in front of him.". The original print version of this article was headlined "Them, Too". The original allegations were reported Thursday by the WSU student newspaper The Daily Evergreen. And having already received messages from dozens of women, she also issued a call to action: "If my story resonates with you, come forward. Gessers aggressive, nonconsensual advances continued until Wold was able to free herself, she said, after which she ran toward the front door and told Gesser he had to leave. I dont remember exactly all the exchange, but there was an advancement to kiss me, which caught me off guard, nor did I lean in or encourage that, she said in the records. She gazes toward her feet, shaking her head, quietly processing her answer. I knew it was more of a trend than it wasnt, she told investigators. WSU has determined that Gessers interaction with Bodeau violated university sexual harassment policy. Up and coming bull rider, Blake Thueson has #diedsuddenly Competing in the 2022 World Finals in Nevada, he started to feel extremely ill and passed away suddenly- shocking his family and the bull riding community. Reading the article made me realize that I wasnt the last one, but I also wasnt the first one. I was terrified because I didnt know what to do, she said. In accordance with standard WSU practice Mr. Gesser was placed on home assignment pending a full investigation into the allegations.. Almond said he met with Schulz last December to discuss the issues, a meeting which has been confirmed by the Evergreen. I had to cover my mouth with my hand and he kept pulling me in so close and was kissing my hand that was over my mouth, and he kept pulling me closer.. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy, Former Washington State quarterback, and current athletic department employee, Jason Gesser has issued a statement denying that he has had any inappropriate sexual relations with interns or staff, and wrote that he will not allow his name to be unfairly smeared. |, Washington State University officials announced Thursday that they found no violation of University policy regarding an investigation into alleged inappropriate sexual conduct by former quarterback, and current athletic staff member, Jason Gesser. Who Is Jason Gesser's Wife? When she was received the text, she was at her now-husbands house in Spokane and said the two had only been dating for a couple of weeks at the time. Wold and Peterson lived together for the rest of the year and Peterson said they havent spoken about it since the day it happened. Her younger sister, Bailey Roberts, said she could tell Wold was torn up about what had happened. While Gesser provided the statement the day he resigned, he did not cooperate with the WSU investigation. When Gesser invited her to the CAF event, Wold said she was excited to attend and catch up with athletics staff, as she was very supportive of athletics as an alumna. We typically pay for former student-athletes to attend those events.. Besides those closest to her, Alyssa Bodeau, ne Wold, says she never thought she'd tell anyone about the night she says Gesser groped her and forcibly kissed her. One person interviewed by OEO said they knew of one student babysitting for Gesser at the time of his interview this January, a trend which has been going on for years. Are you talking about Gesser? the intern asked. Gesser was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in April 2003. But what about them? EP 15 prohibits discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct and applies to all students, faculty, staff and anyone associated with the university, according to the OEO website. It made me avoid Pullman. Jason Gesser resigns from position at Washington State - USA TODAY Bodeau took care of Gesser's children. Gesser and his wife, former WSU volleyball player Kali Surplus, and their 17-month-old daughter, Jordyn, have stayed in Tennessee but a move to the Tacoma area is planned for mid-January. During an interview with KREM 2, she said she grew close to the Gesser family and met Gesser's wife through WSU volleyball. I had no one to talk to that night, so I just bawled myself to sleep, Wold said. So, how much is Jason Gesser worth at the age of 43 years old? Multiple advances made on both student interns and coworkers, including allegations of sexual relations and attempting to kiss a co-worker after having dinner with a donor, as recently as 2017. She kind of didnt want to believe what had just happened., That same day, Gesser texted Bodeau. The more I kept telling him, No and Stop the more he kept telling me how much he liked me.. He finished the season completing 23 of 42 passes for 356 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. She had been asked by Kali Gesser, Jasons wife and part of the Cougar volleyball coaching staff at the time, and ended up taking care of their three kids three times a week, through which she met Jason. I called my sister and explained everything that had happened, I told her what went down and everything and I told her I didnt know what to do, she said. View the profiles of people named Jason Gesser. That healing process is just beginning for herself, Bodeau says. The woman also said she fulfilled her duties on-time as a caddy, but did leave early in order to catch a flight booked for her by the university so she could make it to work the next day. I still think its affecting her now, Peterson said. I want to be involved with the CAF, I want to go to the Gray W because I earned that, and I dont because I dont want to see him, and I just want him stopped.. The whole victim shaming that our society does infuriates me. The university released a statement following that article stating that OEO completed an investigation into the allegations of Gesser and found no violation of WSU policy. I was told he would know what I was referring to.. Former WSU QB Jason Gesser is accused of sexual misconduct. "Awesome," he said. When asked if he could step in during personnel matters, Schulz answered yes. Updated Tue., Sept. 18, 2018 at 8:06 a.m. Former WSU QB Jason Gesser (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review). It was devastating. This is new information and a different set of events than previously reported, said Kimberly Anderson, executive director of the Office for Equal Opportunity. He is from United States. [Gesser] ruined the school that I love and that I want to be an alumna in, she said. She met with investigators from the WSU Office for Equal Opportunity in September after she decided to come forward with her story. During the 2006 off-season he was a quarterbacks coach at Federal Way High School in Federal Way, Washington. "I was playing good. Dec. 20, 2018 In his statement issued Friday about the earlier misconduct investigation and subsequent news coverage, Gesser wrote: The only thing I care about more deeply than WSU is my family and integrity. The Evergreen filed a records request for the HRS review but has yet to receive them. Washington State University placed Jason Gesser, a former quarterback and current athletic department employee, on administrative leave Monday after a former Cougar athlete alleged Gesser. There was enough concern for me to bring to President [Schulz], Picciotto told investigators. I just referred to it as an HR issue, Almond said in the records. Gil Picciotto, who served as executive associate vice president for the WSU Foundation for 11 years before leaving to become the current president of Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish, said he went to Schulz with concerns. He spent the entire season with the team but did not see any playing time behind Steve McNair, Billy Volek, and Neil O'Donnell. After the event, Ganders said in the records, a group of people including Gesser and the former player went out for drinks, after which the former player elected to get a ride home from Gesser. In 2006 Gesser signed with the AFL's Utah Blaze. I had no idea what was going on. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. It was similar to other allegations against Gesser that WSU investigated earlier this year. Alyssa Bodeau's phone won't stop buzzing. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy, interaction with her following a fundraiser in Tumwater in 2015, Spokane Valley Fire roundup: Multiple engines, water tenders fight rural home blaze in Otis Orchards, Downtown Spokane stadium groundbreaking set for Tuesday , Pandemic project: Dental lab owner Robert Carnell paints pop art abstracts of celebrities , Gardening: Bird feeders safe to hang this winter after salmonella epidemic in 2020 , Pandemic projects: Retired Freeman High School teacher self-publishes Welsh mystery series , Man who spent 10 years in prison in 2012 murder back in jail on suspicion of attacking women, Spokane Valley Fire asking for fire tax renewal: 'We're more than just a fire department', Getting There: Emergency closure of crumbling Magnolia Street pedestrian bridge frustrates some, Washington Legislature weighs changes to police pursuit after law enforcement criticism. She thought turning off her phone and unplugging for an entire day would make things feel back to normal, but that only made it harder, she says. As Kali Surplus, she played setter on two WSU volleyball teams in 2000 and 01 that reached the NCAA tournament both years. Almond told investigators he met with Schulz. Staff is frustrated, I am frustrated.. He seemed very nice.. In February 2012, Gesser was promoted to offensive coordinator of the Vandals, assisted on offense by another former WSU coach, Mike Levenseller, who was the receivers coach and passing game coordinator. There was a number of eyebrows raised, Farkas said in the records. She then picked him up to give him a ride which she said is when the advances began. She also told investigators Gesser had invited her to his hotel room via text late at night while on the road, which she declined. She told me she felt guilty, Steven Bodeau said. The Evergreen spoke with the woman in question, whose name has been left out of this article in an attempt to protect her identity and reputation. Wold was a student at the Spokane Community College, taking prerequisite classes as she had been accepted to the WSU-Spokane nutrition program, she said. Gesser said he still keeps in touch with coach Mike Price and his two assistant-coach sons, Eric and Aaron, who have had a remarkable 8-3 season at Texas-El Paso. At least one intern spoke with OEO investigators about her time at WSU, but it was unclear if it was the same intern who allegedly had a sexual encounter with Gesser. FILE _ Former . And that text made me feel like I couldnt say anything, so I decided to remove myself completely from the family. I pulled away. Former WSU volleyball player claims Jason Gesser groped her, attempted I just said, No, she said. [Gesser] called me a cutie or something.. At the time, I said, I wanted to let you know about our current HR issues, he told investigators. So far, she's messaged the women back, thanking them for sharing. Farkas then went on to speak with Almond about the issue and also told investigators he reported the concerns to WSU Title IX officials on Dec. 26, 2017. Jason Gesser was born on 31 May, 1979 in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. Her husband said she originally didnt want to tell him the details, telling him she had received an unwanted text message. Bodeau quickly issued a statement saying she was happy Gesser resigned from his position of power at WSU. WSU's Jason Gesser resigns amid new sexual misconduct allegations Bodeau said she then blocked Gesser from her phone. Once inside, he continued to attempt to kiss her and pushed his hands under her dress. I want to clearly state that the allegations are not true. Cougars legends Jason Gesser, Mike Price come full circle, go into WSU She also said they had both been drinking. Allegations outlined in the public records include: The Evergreen reached out to Gesser multiple times through various means, including email and numerous phone calls to his office and cell phone, but he did not respond to our attempts. Weiler said there is nothing inherently wrong with employees having students babysit as long as nothing inappropriate takes place. It's Tuesday, a day after coming forward to say that former Washington State University quarterback Jason Gesser groped her and tried to kiss her against her will. Her husband, Stephen Bodeau, has tried to support her. "She's sad that this is going on and has been going on for so long," he says. But the overwhelming support of those close to her has helped heal properly, she says. Editors note: The Evergreen has decided against posting the public records online to protect the women involved whose names were not redacted. He filled the open position left by his successor at Eastside Catholic, Jeremy Thielbar, a former Cougar teammate. Various officials, including spokespeople for WSU Athletics, the OEO and Schulz could not be reached for comment by the time of publication despite numerous attempts. "He turned that program around like I knew he would," Gesser said of his former Cougars coach. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds. Ganders said in the interview the woman in question was supposed to be auctioned off as a caddy for donors the next day, but she never fulfilled her duties for the tournament. He said he felt the need to bring up the concerns surrounding Gesser, despite the original purpose of the meeting being a discussion about IMG and WSUs relationship. Bodeau said she allowed Gesser into her apartment. In the statement, WSU leaders said the new report was the first time an alleged victim made a formal complaint against Gesser, who works an assistant athletic director for the Cougar Athletic Fund. It shook me up pretty bad when I saw it, to the point where I ran to [Bodeau], who was my boyfriend at the time, Wold said. He is a member of famous with the age 43 years old group. However, Gesser later learned of Almond going to HR and confronted him. You know when you aren't playing good. I wanted to protect (Gessers wife), Bodeau said. She also said OEO looks at instances of harassment, including social interactions that involve romantic propositions in the workplace. [An intern] shared a concern with me, Almond said in the records. I received a text from Jason Gesser that next day, saying that we probably shouldnt tell [his] wife that we saw each other, Wold said. Jason John Gesser (born May 31, 1979) is an American college football former coach, former player, and former assistant athletic director at Washington State University. Gesser answered the Evergreens call, but hung up before we could identify ourselves or ask any questions. PULLMAN, Wash. Jason Gesser, Washington State assistant athletics director and director of development/major gifts for the Cougar Athletic Fund, resigned from Washington State University on. On May 5, 2005, Gesser was signed by the Calgary Stampeders. "And these girls are just afraid to come forward.". When something like that happens to you with someone that you trust, youre always going to feel uncomfortable.. I thought thats weird and moved on. Gesser was hired as the quarterbacks coach at Wyoming in February 2013, under fourth-year head coach Dave Christensen. If no one is willing to come forward, the investigation goes as far as it can.. Bodeau won't be satisfied until the dozens of women who messaged her are comfortable sharing their experiences with institutions like WSU. WSU President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics Pat Chun responded to Bodeaus complaint Monday by announcing in a joint statement that a new allegation of sexual misconduct had been reported. He never wanted a full time job so he went towards the . GessWho (@jasongesser) / Twitter "Oh my gosh, there's more there's another one.". Bodeau spoke out after reading about other allegations against Gesser. Young Seton Catholic plans to build on 1A state basketball loss, Fourth-quarter slump sinks Seton Catholic girls in 1A state opening-round loss, Seton Catholic boys win 1A state opening round, clinch berth for round of 12 in Yakima, State basketball matchups for SW Washington teams, Prep notes: Dennis Herling steps down as football coach at Seton Catholic, Seton Catholic prevails in rematch against La Center to reach 1A state regional. Efforts to reach Gesser on Thursday were unsuccessful. That kind of wrecked me right there. He said, We probably shouldnt tell my wife that I saw you. That sent me into a whirlwind because I didnt know what to think. Wold said she has wondered why Gesser is still employed at WSU, and said she was disappointed he was still working for the university. "Seeing how previous allegations were handled sparked fear in them to stay quiet," Bodeau says. WSU responds to report alleging inappropriate sexual conduct by former He played quarterback for Washington State Cougars of the Pac-10 under head coach Mike Price, and played in the 2003 Rose Bowl. Ganders said he noticed Gesser and the former player knew each other.