Prominent Arizona Gymnastics Coach Suspended

The founder of an Arizona gymnastics facility has been re-suspended by USA Gymnastics and SafeSport for sexual misconduct violations.

Dan Witenstein, found of the Arizona Sunrays, was suspended by USA Gymnastics back in July of 2018 pending a hearing that required an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The suspension was lifted that same month, but the matter remained under investigation.

Witenstein has appealed the most recent suspension, which azcentral.com reports stems from a 1986 allegation.

The Sunrays have two Phoenix locations, and as of Sunday Witenstein no longer has an ownership role in either of the gyms.

The Sunrays has produced Olympic contenders, including Jade Carey and Riley McCusker. In April, McCusker’s former coach Maggie Haney was suspended by USA Gymnastics for eight years for allegations of verbal and mental abuse.

Related: USA Gymnastics Suspends Coach for Emotional Abuse

Witenstein issued a statement on his case Saturday through a public relations firm: 

"A SafeSport ruling has placed Dan Witenstein on the USA Gymnastics ineligible list. This ruling is for the same complaint filed over activities alleged to have taken place in 1986 – a complaint that was investigated by SafeSport in July of 2018.

"Consistent with SafeSport procedures, Dan Witenstein will have an opportunity for another hearing that will hopefully resolve this matter. Dan and the Witenstein family have the Arizona Sunrays organization's full support in these efforts.

"In accordance with the current ruling, Dan Witenstein will not be participating in any events at Arizona Sunrays or associated with USA Gymnastics until the matter is settled.

"Dan continues to be very grateful for the support he has received since this news was announced."