Former Duxbury hockey coach and teacher, John Blake, has been permanently barred from coaching by the U.S. Center for SafeSport due to sexual misconduct with a minor. The decision comes after accusations of Blake repeatedly raping a middle school student, which resulted in a lawsuit by the victim’s family. The lawsuit alleged that Blake sexually abused the victim until the child threatened him with a knife. Despite no explicit evidence of abuse found in an investigation, Blake was fired from his coaching position after the suit was filed. The case was settled earlier this year for an undisclosed amount.
The National watchdog group deemed Blake permanently ineligible to coach with USA Hockey, pending a potential appeal. This decision highlights the severity of the allegations against Blake and serves as a warning to those involved in youth sports.
The victim’s family sought justice in court and ultimately won the case against Blake. This outcome sheds light on the importance of safeguarding young athletes from potential predators in coaching positions. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with coaching youth sports and the consequences of misconduct.
The settlement with the victim’s family underscores the impact of the allegations and the need for accountability in cases of sexual abuse. Moving forward, the focus should be on preventing such incidents from occurring and ensuring the safety and well-being of all young athletes in sports programs.
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