The gymnastics brouhaha involved a member of the team purportedly using the N-word on multiple occasions, leading to strife between competitors and coaches with differing views on how to respond. Rumors surfaced that some gymnasts bullied the offending teammate, who eventually transferred. Jarmond became ensnared in the ordeal when two gymnasts tweeted about their athletic director as part of a plea for help.
Senior Norah Flatley wrote that she had not seen or heard from Jarmond in more than three months after the team “exhausted every avenue to have this issue addressed.” Senior Margzetta Frazier echoed those concerns, writing that the team did not speak with Jarmond until after the incident became public.
Jarmond said he has met with the gymnasts multiple times and tried to be as responsive as possible while also engaging experts in mental health and other fields as part of a coordinated effort to support the team.
