Former ASU swim coach Greg Winslow accused of sexual abuse

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - The University of Utah is cutting ties with its embattled swim coach, Greg Winslow.

Athletic director Chris Hill announced Monday that the university won't renew Winslow's contract when it comes up for renewal in June. The school suspended Winslow last week because of allegations that he sexually abused a teenage girl he coached in Arizona.

Ending Winslow's six-year run as swim coach is in "the best interest of our current student-athletes, future recruits and the general well-being of our swimming and diving program," Hill said in a news release.

Winslow will remain on paid administrative leave until further notice, Hill said.

The Arizona State University Police Department has said it's investigating allegations that Winslow sexually abused a teenage girl in 2007 who was a member of a swim club he coached.

Campus police have turned over their investigative report to county prosecutors. Jerry Cobb, spokesman for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, said prosecutors are reviewing the report to determine if charges will be filed.

The university will begin a search for a new coach immediately. Richard Marschner is the interim director of the swimming and diving program, and will continuing to coach divers. Assistant coach James Winchester takes the reigns as the interim swim coach.

Nobody answered a call at Winslow's home when The Associated Press called Monday afternoon seeking comment.

Concussion Inc. first reported the allegations involving the unidentified teenage swimmer at an Arizona club. In a statement to the website, Winslow said, "These are extremely serious allegations, and if I am accused, I will certainly respond."

University of Utah police were made aware of the ASU investigation in December but didn't tell administration or the athletic department at the request of ASU police, said University of Utah spokesman Keith Sterling. Hill didn't find out about the allegations until the night of Feb. 27 and put Winslow on suspension the next morning.

The University of Utah also investigated Winslow in the fall of 2012 for use of offensive language with his swimmers, Sterling said. That was triggered by a complaint lodged by the parent of a former swimmer. The university interviewed more than 50 people, including members of the swim team, and they all denied the claims.

The university also looked into reports that Winslow made inappropriate contact with swimmers, but found no evidence of that. In light of the allegations out of Arizona, university officials plan to bring in outside investigators to re-investigate the claims of inappropriate contact by Winslow during his time at the University of Utah.