During the 2006 off-season he was a quarterbacks coach at Federal Way High School in Federal Way, Washington. Nonconsensual groping, unwanted attempts to kiss. 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. The Vandals lost their final four games to finish 111 for the 2012 season. Her husband, Stephen Bodeau, has tried to support her. Another woman with her own experience as a victim of sexual assault or harassment. "This was something that was my personal hurt that I would bury deep and take with me.". 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. I repressed it so hard. I had no idea what was going on. And then he tried again with both hands and slid both hands up my dress and put them on my butt, and I kept pushing him away and telling him no and he kept saying its OK. . The guy is a master . Brenna Peterson, one of Wolds former roommates, said Wold called her the next day and told her what happened with her and Gesser the night before. As people began to leave the group for their hotel rooms, she said Gesser suggested they stay longer to catch up. Nothing in that year-and-a-half led me to believe that I could not trust him, Bodeau said. In 2007, he was offensive coordinator at Parkland's Franklin Pierce High School. If its a money thing why WSU is keeping him around then shame on them, she said. She met with investigators from the WSU Office for Equal Opportunity in September after she decided to come forward with her story. She trusted him and then that happened and she was in a weird spot.. Almond's name was taken off the IMG website a week ago. I told [Almond] about it because hes my boss and I trusted him. The Daily Evergreen released a 3,100 word report last Thursday outlining a number of allegations of sexual harassment. She also said they had both been drinking. After a six-year professional career and several coaching stops, including a stint at Idaho,. He made me feel like there was nothing wrong that happened.. As a professional, Gesser played for the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League, the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, and the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. It wasn't even her own pain she was feeling. He is also minoring in criminal Dylan Greene is a journalism and media production major from Stanwood. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. If there is not a business reason for the university to be paying for that persons expenses, thats against the law, Weiler said. After a deluge of Spokane women call out alleged rapists and sexual abusers on social media, what comes next? She said Gesser offered to catch her up with how his family was doing and asked her to pick him up from his hotel. I was terrified because I didnt know what to do, she said. Just minutes after he was informed that a second woman came forward with sexual misconduct allegations, Gesser resigned. Roberts, Bodeaus younger sister, said shes glad Bodeau is finally talking about the encounter. He leaned in and tried to kiss me. If this is a money thing, that breaks my heart even more.. The Evergreen filed a records request for the HRS review but has yet to receive them. Dont wreck a family, she continued. About the same time, she started caring for the Gessers children, she said, to help out Gessers wife, a former WSU volleyball player who remained active with the team. Adam Ganders, assistant athletic director of the CAF, said he was worried about student interns and athletes babysitting for Gesser, including one he indicated was babysitting for them at the time of his interview in January. He was only 18 years old. After the incident, she then drove him back to his hotel room, she said. Streets said. Nothing he was doing was OK., Bodeau said she drove Gesser back to his hotel and just before getting out of the car, he leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. So many thoughts. She expected a media. 3 Utah in biggest win in program history, Greyhounds win first game in Yakima; continue state tournament run, Baseball reaches second best start in Brian Green era, Cougar mens golf go toe to toe with the best, Cougars take their chances, win in first round of Pac-12 Tournament. Mike Marlow, WSU deputy athletic director, accepted another job days after President Schulz was notified of the Gesser allegations. The couple knew each other for three years prior to dating and Bodeau said he had never seen her in such a state. 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. Weiler said Schulz would trust his senior managers and supervisors to make a decision on employee discipline in their department if there was a concern about a particular individual and that he would not want to override anyones decision. Gesser recruited the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii for Idaho. I worry about having a student athlete or interns in that position as well. "It was good to reverse the curse. (None were related to Gesser, she says.). 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 tried to force himself on her after a fundraising event in 2015. Wilson Criscione is the Inlanders news editor. 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.. OEO Executive Director Kimberly Anderson confirmed that an investigation only happens if a person wants actions to be taken or if the acts in question are egregious enough to warrant further potential discipline. Jason Gesser has been a stay-at-home dad this NFL season, but the former Washington State quarterback hopes his football fortunes are about to improve. 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 . I didnt expect it. He texted me and asked to meet with me, Almond said in the records. Ganders told OEO investigators a donor had complained about Gesser inviting a female member of the media to the Cougar Legends golf event in 2016 at the Suncadia Golf Resort in Cle Elum, Washington, according to the records. Once in the driveway, he made an attempt to kiss her which she said she refused. I was so confused and terrified in that moment, Wold said during an in-person interview at Neill Public Library on Monday. He is the only player in Cougar history to be elected as captain three consecutive years. After the event ended, she said she and Gesser went with a group of people, including then-Director of Athletics Bill Moos, to a local bar for drinks and to catch up. When she read those allegations in the newspaper two weeks ago, she realized she was not alone. It was after that fundraiser when Gesser allegedly tried to force himself on her. Suspicious actions with and sometimes in front of donor guests. 2,448. Gesser's agent, David Dunn, has told him that the holidays are a time when non-playoff teams often sign free agents for the upcoming season. Ganders said he noticed Gesser and the former player knew each other. Anderson said she could not comment on specific investigations. Making the decision to speak out, she can't overemphasize, was "not the easy route." A former football coach at the. A former WSU volleyball player has come forward with new allegations of sexual misconduct against Jason Gesser, assistant director of athletics for the Cougar Athletic Fund. If no one is willing to come forward, the investigation goes as far as it can.. Paul Petrino was hired as head coach on December 3 and did not retain Gesser on the coaching staff for 2013. When other girls came forward, it changed the game, said Bodeau, whose maiden name is Wold. "Institutions have a responsibility to protect their employees, to protect those who are under them from these things happening to these girls," she says. She said she decided not to tell people about what happened because she didnt want to harm the Gesser family. Chances are you or someone you love has experienced what its like to be a caregiver while juggling lifes bills and responsibilities. And having already received messages from dozens of women, she also issued a call to action: "If my story resonates with you, come forward. The Evergreen has confirmed Wold coached for SMU in 2014 through the universitys website. So, how much is Jason Gesser worth at the age of 43 years old? That is when it really affected me professionally.. 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. Wold said the recent revelations about allegations against Gesser made her come forward. "Awesome," he said. Bodeau said she allowed Gesser into her apartment. He finished the season completing 23 of 42 passes for 356 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. Gesser is the grandson of Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame member Joseph "Red" Dunn. She told me she felt guilty, Steven Bodeau said. 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. 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. When asked if he could step in during personnel matters, Schulz answered yes. Almond told investigators he met with Schulz. You know when you aren't playing good. 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. Gesser starred for the Cougs from 1998-2002 and set the record for the most wins by a WSU quarterback. I was told he would know what I was referring to.. Ganders also made note that both Gesser and the woman showed up late to the event, according to the records. I know hes pretty close with the volleyball program and has a friendship with [head] coach [Jen] Greeny and I wonder what that looks like being at their home alone, no supervision.. Is WSU athletics paying for Jasons side pieces to travel with him to events? Farkas told investigators a donor asked him. They were suggestive of sexual things, she told investigators. Ganders could not be reached for comment despite numerous attempts via phone by the Evergreen and Stevens said Greeny would also not comment on the matter. The only thing I could do is support her and tell her, You are the victim here.. Roberts also said Wold told her she didnt want to be involved with the Gesser family going forward. It was devastating. Bailey Roberts, 26, said she remembered getting a phone call from her older sister about the encounter with Gesser. The newspaper documented several allegations of inappropriate advances toward student interns and colleagues that prompted a 2017 investigation by the WSU Office for Equal Opportunity. At the time, I said, I wanted to let you know about our current HR issues, he told investigators. Gesser, a late camp cut by the Tennessee Titans, was stunned when he was released. According to the updated WSU report, he never sat down with investigators to give his side of the story. The intern said she knew the complaint focused on Gesser before the interviewers mentioned his name, according to the records. They then walked inside the house, where she said Gesser immediately restarted his attempts to kiss her. Gesser answered the Evergreens call, but hung up before we could identify ourselves or ask any questions. I dont see anything inappropriate with that, Weiler said. Gesser is a former WSU quarterback who led the Cougars to the 2003 Rose Bowl, before embarking on a professional playing and college coaching career. Jason Gesser was born on 31 May, 1979 in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. She told me everything that happened, he said. By the time she made it back home, she said everyone was asleep, giving her no one to speak with about what had happened. Instead of playing professional volleyball while her husband played professional. I bleed crimson for my love of Pullman. Aside from writing and editing investigative news stories, he enjoys hiking, watching basketball and spending time with his wife and cat. There are 4 professionals named "Jason Gesser", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. It's one thing to read about something like this in the news, or see it on TV. Sept. 17, 2018 His wife is Kali Surplus Jason Gesser Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. One of the most diverse banks in the U.S. can be found on the Palouse, How new NIL rules for NCAA sports are finally letting Inland Northwest collegiate stars cash in, Artist Keiko Hara explores a sense of place, literally and figuratively, in a new WSU exhibit, A global manhunt, plus: the county whiffs on federal funding; and WSU students are left in the cold, ANALYSIS: Mayoral challenger Lisa Brown says Spokane is 'stuck in neutral.' All told, out of the hundreds of messages of support she received, around 30 are women who themselves were victims of sexual misconduct, many at WSU. 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. The original print version of this article was headlined "Them, Too". He succeeded Bill Marsh, who had resigned after ten seasons with the school. Bodeau went home after dropping Gesser off at his hotel. In the summer of 2013, Wold said she began nannying for the Gessers and did so for about a year and a half. Schulz knew of the concerns surrounding Gessers possible harassment and misconduct, Weiler said. One of the fall highlights for Gesser was going to a sports bar to watch the Cougars beat the Huskies, 28-25, in the Apple Cup, halting the streak of six consecutive Washington wins in the series. Bodeau won't be satisfied until the dozens of women who messaged her are comfortable sharing their experiences with institutions like WSU. I purely want to help prevent this from happening to more girls, Wold said. Im hoping it wont be a negative impact.. Gesser, who was assistant athletic director at WSU, resigned last week in light of the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The message said something to the effect of dont be a stranger, Wold said. Bodeau spoke out after reading about other allegations against Gesser. She then went on to speak about text messages between them, according to the records. View the profiles of professionals named "Jason Gesser" on LinkedIn. He had a full time job but all he ever looked for was something more. Bodeau says she's received messages from women who are afraid of filing a complaint at WSU because of the way the university handled the Gesser allegations. Jason Gesser has been a stay-at-home dad this NFL season, but the former Washington State quarterback hopes his football fortunes are about to improve. At the time of the encounter, Gesser was a WSU employee who was helping raise money for the Cougar Athletic Fund. I immediately recognized that Jason and [former player] knew each other, were classmates, Ganders told investigators. She also said the OEO only deals with EP 15 complaints and they dont get to make disciplinary decisions, they only pass along their findings to the appropriate departments, such as HRS, to handle disciplinary actions against those found guilty. By Samantha Wohlfeil and Nathan Weinbender, WSU finds former QB Jason Gesser violated sexual harassment policy, Seed banks around the world guard against the perils of industrialized farming and disasters. "He's already a legendary guy here and he can be like Jason Gesser going through his high school career and never losing a game. I remember her being extremely upset about it, Peterson said. Before he went to HR, Almond said he went to Gesser personally as a friend and neighbor to inform Gesser of what he had heard, according to the records. 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.