Ex-SJSU Trainer Gets Two Years for Groping Athletes

Former San Jose State University (SJSU) Director of Sports Medicine, Scott Shaw, was sentenced to two years in federal prison today for a pattern of sexual abuse against female student-athletes. The 57-year-old Shaw, once entrusted with the health and well-being of young women competing for the university, systematically violated their trust by groping them under the guise of medical evaluation. This isn’t just a case of bad behavior; it’s a predatory abuse of power that federal prosecutors say demanded significant punishment.

Between 2017 and 2020, Shaw leveraged his position to repeatedly touch at least four student-athletes inappropriately. Court documents detail instances where Shaw touched the breasts and buttocks of athletes during routine or alleged injury assessments, with absolutely no legitimate medical reason. These weren’t accidental brushes or misconstrued examinations – they were deliberate acts of sexual assault, exploiting the inherent vulnerability of athletes who placed their trust in him for care. Victims described feeling violated and humiliated, struggling to reconcile the abuse with the authority Shaw held.

Shaw wasn’t a volunteer; he was a state employee, a highly-paid administrator responsible for overseeing the entire athletic training department at SJSU. He held a position of considerable influence, with access to athletes during vulnerable moments – when they were injured, seeking treatment, and relying on his expertise. This power dynamic is central to the severity of the crimes. He wasn’t just a doctor; he was *their* doctor, building a false sense of security to facilitate his predatory behavior. The university has not yet released a statement regarding internal reviews or preventative measures.

The case was built by the FBI, which launched an investigation after multiple complaints surfaced. Shaw initially denied the allegations but ultimately pleaded guilty in August 2023 to two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, a violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 242. This federal statute prohibits anyone acting under the authority of state law – like a university employee – from violating another person’s constitutional rights, including the right to bodily autonomy and freedom from sexual assault. The prosecution successfully argued that Shaw used his position to commit these crimes, making it a clear violation of federal law.

U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman, handing down the 24-month sentence, made it clear that those in positions of authority who abuse their power will be held accountable. “This case is about the violation of trust,” Judge Freeman stated in court. “Mr. Shaw exploited his position to harm vulnerable student-athletes, and that behavior will not be tolerated.” Beyond the prison sentence, Shaw will also serve three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. A restitution hearing will be scheduled to determine any financial compensation owed to the victims.

Federal prosecutors emphasized that this sentence sends a strong message to all public school officials: exploiting positions of trust for sexual gratification will result in serious consequences. The case isn’t just about punishing Shaw; it’s about protecting student-athletes and creating a culture of accountability within collegiate athletics. The feds are committed to aggressively pursuing civil rights violations, particularly those involving abuse of power and vulnerable populations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Proger and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Judge led the prosecution. The FBI continues to encourage anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward.

Sentencing guidelines for a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242, considering the nature of the offense and Shaw’s lack of prior criminal record, initially suggested a range of 21 to 27 months. Judge Freeman landed within that range, reflecting the gravity of the offenses. However, legal experts note that the psychological impact on the victims is immeasurable, and no sentence can fully compensate for the trauma they endured. The university has faced criticism for its handling of initial complaints and is now under scrutiny to ensure a safer environment for all student-athletes.

The plea agreement included Shaw’s admission that he knowingly violated the civil rights of the athletes, acknowledging that his actions were not based on any legitimate medical need. This admission was crucial in securing the guilty plea and ensuring a conviction. The feds hope this case will serve as a deterrent, prompting other institutions to review their policies and procedures to prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future. This case underscores the critical need for robust reporting mechanisms and swift action when allegations of misconduct are raised.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice