I called my sister and explained everything that had happened, I told her what went down and everything and I told her I didnt know what to do, she said. Jason Gesser, pictured here at a Cougar Athletic Fund event in 2015, was the subject of an Office for Equal Opportunity inquiry in January 2018 regarding complaints of sexual misconduct. I definitely felt like I had the opportunity to be heard and that my situation was being taken seriously, Bodeau said. When I saw that it was a pattern, thats when I decided, Im not going to stay quiet. If it doesnt stop now other girls will be in danger.. View the profiles of professionals named "Jason Gesser" on LinkedIn. Wold had gotten a new number and forgot to block his number on her new device, she said. I want to be involved with the CAF, I want to go to the Gray W because I earned that, and I dont because I dont want to see him, and I just want him stopped.. Jason Gesser was really nice. The Honolulu native earned First Team All-America honors and finished his Cougar career as a three time All-Pac-10 selection, and a four-time Academic All-Pac-10 honoree. Uri Farkas, a former athletics administrator who was heavily questioned by the OEO, said people were mad Gesser had seemingly escaped any recourse for his alleged indiscretions. Weiler said Schulz would trust his senior managers and supervisors to make a decision on employee discipline in their department if there was a concern about a particular individual and that he would not want to override anyones decision. [Donor] called me and told me it was [bullsh-t] that she was invited, that it was a misuse of state funds, Ganders told investigators. Ganders told investigators that CAF staff was tired of dealing with the issues surrounding Gesser. She said Gesser offered to catch her up with how his family was doing and asked her to pick him up from his hotel. The couple said the incident has been something theyve had to work through during their marriage. PULLMAN, Wash. Jason Gesser, the Cougar Athletic Fund assistant director resigned from Washington State University Tuesday amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations, including a formal. The records also show Almond informing investigators that former female employee had told him about an intern claiming she had relations with Gesser. He said she relayed her encounter with Gesser. He seemed very nice.. This is new information and a different set of events than previously reported, said Kimberly Anderson, executive director of the Office for Equal Opportunity. Kali. Aside from writing and editing investigative news stories, he enjoys hiking, watching basketball and spending time with his wife and cat. I didnt expect it. Generally speaking, yeah, the president of a university has the authority to do a lot of stuff, Schulz said. I would imagine it was the start of the investigation, Weiler said of when Schulz was informed of the situation. As a professional, Gesser played for the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League, the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, and the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. After Bodeau graduated, Gesser, now 39, asked her to attend a fundraiser in Tumwater. A WSU employee, who the Inlander is not naming and who reported that Gesser tried to kiss her, has also since left WSU. Before he went to HR, Almond said he went to Gesser personally as a friend and neighbor to inform Gesser of what he had heard, according to the records. She said that final act made me want to vomit and I felt so disgusting.. When Gesser invited her to the CAF event, Wold said she was excited to attend and catch up with athletics staff, as she was very supportive of athletics as an alumna. She expected a media firestorm. I hadnt seen the kids in a very long time. Bodeau grew up in Spokane Valley, attended West Valley High School and played volleyball at Lewis-Clark State College before transferring to WSU in 2012. During their ride, they both were silent, other than Gesser telling her it was OK because nothing happened between them, Wold said. During the. For Bodeau, however, it doesn't end there. Multiple people interviewed by the OEO said they were either aware of or had personally informed President Kirk Schulz of the concerns surrounding Gesser. Gesser says his ultimate goal is coaching at the college level, preferably at Washington State. Feeling that kiss on my cheek mostly made me want to vomit.. Kali Gesser previously coached at Pullman, leading the Greyhounds to back-to-back 2A state appearances in 2017 and 18. Jason Gesser has resigned as assistant AD at Washington State following new allegations of sexual misconduct against him by a former WSU volleyball player. Once in the driveway, he made an attempt to kiss her which she said she refused. "It's started showing me there's a bigger picture to this," she says. However, he said he didnt like to override the decisions of vice presidents, deans or other department heads entrusted with managing staff and faculty. In February 2012, Gesser was promoted to offensive coordinator of the Vandals, assisted on offense by another former WSU coach, Mike Levenseller, who was the receivers coach and passing game coordinator. They were suggestive of sexual things, she told investigators. They then walked inside the house, where she said Gesser immediately restarted his attempts to kiss her. I just tried to comfort her then and there.. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy, interaction with her following a fundraiser in Tumwater in 2015, Spokane Valley Fire roundup: Multiple engines, water tenders fight rural home blaze in Otis Orchards, Downtown Spokane stadium groundbreaking set for Tuesday , Pandemic project: Dental lab owner Robert Carnell paints pop art abstracts of celebrities , Gardening: Bird feeders safe to hang this winter after salmonella epidemic in 2020 , Pandemic projects: Retired Freeman High School teacher self-publishes Welsh mystery series , Man who spent 10 years in prison in 2012 murder back in jail on suspicion of attacking women, Spokane Valley Fire asking for fire tax renewal: 'We're more than just a fire department', Getting There: Emergency closure of crumbling Magnolia Street pedestrian bridge frustrates some, Washington Legislature weighs changes to police pursuit after law enforcement criticism. Alyssa Bodeau's phone won't stop buzzing. Never once did I feel unsafe or have anything at all that would have given me a flag of caution from the way that he acted, Wold said. He was only 18 years old. Bill Moos, my athletic director, was going to be there, she said. Another woman wanting to be heard, but searching for her voice. I purely want to help prevent this from happening to more girls, Wold said. I love wearing my alumni letter jacket that I earned, she said as tears streamed down her face. In 2006 Gesser signed with the AFL's Utah Blaze. Shortly after, she began to babysit for the family. Almond said he met with Schulz last December to discuss the issues, a meeting which has been confirmed by the Evergreen. The Evergreen talked to two people close to Wold who said they received a phone call from her the morning after the incident occurred. The Evergreen has confirmed Wold coached for SMU in 2014 through the universitys website. Athletic department officials said in their interviews with OEO that donors and coworkers had raised concerns over Gessers behavior at fundraisers and other CAF events. He was previously the interim head coach, offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and recruiting coordinator for the Idaho Vandals of the WAC. Associate Director of Athletics Bill Stevens said Gesser and Director of Athletics Patrick Chun would not comment on the story, citing WSUs policy against commenting on personnel matters. Farkas said in his interview with OEO that Ganders had told him the donor called and was irate because Jason dropped [the former player] off the following morning, according to the records. However, Peterson said that night still affects Wold. That kind of wrecked me right there. The couple knew each other for three years prior to dating and Bodeau said he had never seen her in such a state. Get breaking news delivered to your inbox as it happens. He was the backup at the beginning of the season before replacing the injured Joe Germaine. Nothing in that year-and-a-half led me to believe that I could not trust him, Bodeau said. When it was over, (Gesser) invited me to go have drinks with Bill Moos other co-workers and a female intern.. FILE _ Former . I knew if I was honest with her that I could hurt the family., A year later she received a message from Gesser saying Dont be a stranger.. Gesser returned to the Palouse in May 2011, then crossed the state border in June and joined the staff at Idaho as running backs coach in neighboring Moscow. Alyssa Bodeau, 27, of Spokane says Jason Gesser, a former WSU quarter back and Athletic Department employee, tried to force himself on her after a school fund-raising event in 2015. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds. He had a full time job but all he ever looked for was something more. Gesser and his wife, former WSU volleyball player Kali Surplus, and their 17-month-old daughter, Jordyn, have stayed in Tennessee but a move to the Tacoma area is planned for mid-January. During the 2006 off-season he was a quarterbacks coach at Federal Way High School in Federal Way, Washington. But the overwhelming support of those close to her has helped heal properly, she says. 3 Utah in biggest win in program history, Luke Tylers parents believe fraternity hazing led to his death, Greyhounds win first game in Yakima; continue state tournament run, CBD shown to be promising in reducing urge to smoke, Two big Spring Break trips featuring Murrow students; Evergreeners, Baseball reaches second best start in Brian Green era, Cougar mens golf go toe to toe with the best, Cougars take their chances, win in first round of Pac-12 Tournament. "How seriously are these allegations really being taken?" Jason was flirty at times, Wold said, but she chalked this up as part of his personality and he never appeared threatening while she was in Pullman. Wold said she moved to the Olympia area following her time at WSU after receiving an offer for a volleyball coaching position at St. Martins University in Lacey, Washington. I continued to suppress it for three years total for fear of hurting their family, she said. Jason Gesser was born on 31 May, 1979 in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. I repressed it so hard. His wife was my favorite person in the world, and his kids are my favorite people.. It was a great way to bring her back into the fold, to support CAF and student-athlete scholarships, since she benefited from a scholarship.. Another woman frustrated that institutions won't hold her abuser accountable. When other girls came forward, it changed the game, said Bodeau, whose maiden name is Wold. She also said the OEO only deals with EP 15 complaints and they dont get to make disciplinary decisions, they only pass along their findings to the appropriate departments, such as HRS, to handle disciplinary actions against those found guilty. What I had been telling myself for three years was, Just be silent. The woman, 27-year-old Alyssa Bodeau, told The Spokesman-Review she filed the official complaint Monday with the WSU Office for Equal Opportunity after reading a story on Saturday about other allegations brought against Gesser. [Gesser] called me a cutie or something.. Seton Catholic has named Kali Gesser wife of former Washington State quarterback Jason Gesser as its new head volleyball coach, athletic director Phil Kent announced Tuesday. "There's more," she whispers to her husband. He sent me flirty texts one time and I thought it was weird, the intern said, according to the records. But they said, 'We feel we want to have a comfort level of someone who has played.' He was inducted into the Washington State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016, and was also ranked 9th of the top 12 greatest Washington State University football players of All-Time by the Pac-12 Networks. I truly never meant to cause you harm.. As Kali Surplus, she played setter on two WSU volleyball teams in 2000 and 01 that reached the NCAA tournament both years. Sept. 13, 2018 Updated Thu., Sept. 13, 2018 at 9:12 p.m.. After a deluge of Spokane women call out alleged rapists and sexual abusers on social media, what comes next? Adam Ganders, assistant athletic director of the CAF, said he was worried about student interns and athletes babysitting for Gesser, including one he indicated was babysitting for them at the time of his interview in January. Jason John Gesser (born May 31, 1979) is an American college football former coach, former player, and former assistant athletic director at Washington State University. It was the other women's pain. No ones been willing to come forward to make an official complaint, Weiler said. A story last week in the WSU student newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, uncovered a litany of allegations. I thought thats weird and moved on. He was originally hired at Idaho as running backs coach in June 2011. Allegations outlined in the public records include: The Evergreen reached out to Gesser multiple times through various means, including email and numerous phone calls to his office and cell phone, but he did not respond to our attempts. When Wold started nannying for the Gessers in 2013, she was still a student but no longer an athlete. Gesser played college football at Washington State University in Pullman. Bodeau won't be satisfied until the dozens of women who messaged her are comfortable sharing their experiences with institutions like WSU. Shortly after, she began to babysit for the family. "Seeing how previous allegations were handled sparked fear in them to stay quiet," Bodeau says. They were my life when I was in Pullman, she said. But I dont, because I dont want to run into him, I dont want to hear his voice and I dont want to hear his name, she said. Farkas also reported to the investigators that other CAF officials said Gesser and the woman had behaved inappropriately at the after-party, according to the records. Jason Gessers income source is mostly from being a successful . I remember her being extremely upset about it, Peterson said. (Colin Mulvany / The Spokesman-Review). He just kept saying that over and over and I was so confused and terrified about the situation, Wold said. Another woman with her own experience as a victim of sexual assault or harassment. I was terrified because I didnt know what to do, she said. It was similar to other allegations against Gesser that WSU investigated earlier this year. I had no idea how to feel, I felt like it was my fault, he had made me feel like it was my fault. Her husband said she originally didnt want to tell him the details, telling him she had received an unwanted text message. Employees within the athletics department informed investigators they knew of alleged sexual harassment and misconduct, including some involving student interns, according to OEO interview notes. 3 quarterback. Gesser, who led the Cougars to the 2003 Rose Bowl and conference co-championship, is often referred to as a celebrity at donor events in an apparent attempt to draw more attendees, according to the records. But thinking it was an isolated incident, Bodeau did not take her concerns any further. Ganders said he noticed Gesser and the former player knew each other. We will update Jason Gesser's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. When she read those allegations in the newspaper two weeks ago, she realized she was not alone. I told [Almond] about it because hes my boss and I trusted him. If its a money thing why WSU is keeping him around then shame on them, she said. She went on to describe how he kept attempting to kiss her after she repeatedly said no. Bodeau said she then blocked Gesser from her phone. You know when you aren't playing good. She also said she had heard of these things happening before her employment at WSU. It was devastating. Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Jason went undrafted out of WSU in 2002, but signed with Tennessee as a rookie free agent after the 2003 draft. Her husband, Stephen Bodeau, has tried to support her. A day later, another woman named Lindsey Streets detailed to the Spokesman-Review how, in 2015, she called police after a sexual encounter with Gesser while she worked as a masseuse. He completed 89 of 145 passes for 1,092 yards, 23 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He finished the season completing 23 of 42 passes for 356 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. Sept. 17, 2018 So, how much is Jason Gesser worth at the age of 43 years old? Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds. Roberts, Bodeaus younger sister, said shes glad Bodeau is finally talking about the encounter. She had been asked by Kali Gesser, Jasons wife and part of the Cougar volleyball coaching staff at the time, and ended up taking care of their three kids three times a week, through which she met Jason. Gesser, a late camp cut by the Tennessee . Jason Gesser, the assistant director of athletics for the Cougar Athletic Fund, has resigned following new allegations of sexual misconduct by former WSU volleyball player Alyssa Wold. When she was received the text, she was at her now-husbands house in Spokane and said the two had only been dating for a couple of weeks at the time. Gesser, who was assistant athletic director at WSU, resigned last week in light of the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Bodeau, 27, reads each one out loud, feeling the weight of each woman's experience. On May 5, 2005, Gesser was signed by the Calgary Stampeders. He said that he was afraid that I would say something about everything., Concerns from donors and behavior at fundraisers. Bodeau said she allowed Gesser into her apartment. The same woman in question also told investigators Gesser held a higher role than her in the department and had sent her suggestive texts, including during work hours. The event was really great. You have to have full commitment from the family as Leach did when he asked his wife if she would rather have him happy and poor, coaching, or miserable and money, law. I worry about situations like that, Ganders said in the records. But the waves of support and a new university finding has convinced her that she made the correct call to put her name behind her pain. I still think its affecting her now, Peterson said. She may have even expected Gesser to resign due to pressure created by her allegations and others. And the fallout of that investigation doesn't sit well with Bodeau. Gesser said he plans to continue pursuing his dream of playing professional football "for the next two to three years and see what happens. Receive News Headlines Right in your Inbox! I had to cover my mouth with my hand and he kept pulling me in so close and was kissing my hand that was over my mouth, and he kept pulling me closer.. Wold said she then received a text message from Gesser about the night before. The earliest OEO interview notes obtained as part of the records request are dated in early January. Gesser, who was assistant athletic director at WSU, resigned last week in light of the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. One of the most diverse banks in the U.S. can be found on the Palouse, How new NIL rules for NCAA sports are finally letting Inland Northwest collegiate stars cash in, Artist Keiko Hara explores a sense of place, literally and figuratively, in a new WSU exhibit, A global manhunt, plus: the county whiffs on federal funding; and WSU students are left in the cold, ANALYSIS: Mayoral challenger Lisa Brown says Spokane is 'stuck in neutral.' Gesser answered the Evergreens call, but hung up before we could identify ourselves or ask any questions. Gesser resigned. She then picked him up to give him a ride which she said is when the advances began. He went on to also say a donor had complained and questioned the decision, according to the records. The OEO investigates these claims for policy violations other than EP 15 if they feel the need to, as it still could be considered harassment of a protected class, she said. The next morning, Wold said she called her sister to talk about what had happened with Gesser the night before. The original allegations were reported Thursday by the WSU student newspaper The Daily Evergreen. Ganders could not be reached for comment despite numerous attempts via phone by the Evergreen and Stevens said Greeny would also not comment on the matter. He said, We probably shouldnt tell my wife that I saw you. That sent me into a whirlwind because I didnt know what to think. Bodeau grew up a volleyball star at West Valley High School in Spokane Valley. WSU women beat No. I even told him because youre married and you have kids, kids that I love, she said. But I am reserved to see how it will affect her. "He's already a legendary guy here and he can be like Jason Gesser going through his high school career and never losing a game. Staff is frustrated, I am frustrated.. As a coach, I seek out schools that provide all aspects of our youths development and create an environment that fosters growth through trusted relationships.. However, Gesser later learned of Almond going to HR and confronted him. Since then, Wold said the entire situation has ruined her relationship with WSU and the Pullman area. He started as the football beat reporter in the fall of 2017 and midway through With 39 seconds left and WSU holding a 3-point lead, the Cougars put the ball into the hands of Charlisse Leger-Walker, their best player, perhaps the ASWSU fees just one part of overall Service and Activity Fees at WSU, WSU stalls unionization for student employees, Dean of Students will leave WSU, embark on new adventure in China, President Schulz receives $125,000 pay raise for unprecedented financial leadership, Board of Regents justifies 2.4% tuition increase, WSU staff to receive salary increase next year, Campus cannabis policies ensure federal funding, financial aid, Survey released to gauge success of university work-life balance initiative, Anonymous donor gifts $1.5 million to WSU Accounting Department, Services and Activities Fee Committee votes to increase fee to $559, DYLAN GREENE, Evergreen deputy sports editor. I just said, No, she said. That's why the Titans signed Doug Johnson, a five-year veteran who had been cut by Jacksonville, to be their No. I was told that Schulz had already been made aware of discretions about Jason Gesser by his cabinet prior to our meeting. Gesser did not participate in the investigation. In the following years since that night, Wold said she struggles when she sees images or articles about Gesser. Bodeau, who says she was never called as part of WSU's original Gesser investigation, questions whether WSU truly wanted to find out the truth, or if investigators instead were going through the motions in an effort to clear Gesser. He texted me and asked to meet with me, Almond said in the records. Wold and Peterson lived together for the rest of the year and Peterson said they havent spoken about it since the day it happened. At the time, I said, I wanted to let you know about our current HR issues, he told investigators. I was excited because I wanted to hear about the family, she said. Up and coming bull rider, Blake Thueson has #diedsuddenly Competing in the 2022 World Finals in Nevada, he started to feel extremely ill and passed away suddenly- shocking his family and the bull riding community. Seeing how many other women this happens to has hit her the hardest. She expected a media. I remember her being very distraught, very emotional and confused about what had just happened, Roberts said. And I'm a stranger, and they're coming to me. If there is not a business reason for the university to be paying for that persons expenses, thats against the law, Weiler said. Investigators also attempted to interview (Gesser) and (former Athletic Director) Mr. William Bill Moos, who was present at the CAF event in 2015, investigators wrote. She thinks of the messages on her phone. Are you talking about Gesser? the intern asked. I dont have any reservations about going to campus. OEO determined it didnt have enough evidence to conduct an investigation under Executive Policy 15, but referred the matter to Human Resource Services based on information from witnesses that may violate other WSU polices or raise concerns related to employee performance and professionalism. The woman also said she fulfilled her duties on-time as a caddy, but did leave early in order to catch a flight booked for her by the university so she could make it to work the next day. These feelings kept her from inviting the Gessers to their wedding and when his name would pop up, it would bring back the emotions of that night. I received a text from Jason Gesser that next day, saying that we probably shouldnt tell [his] wife that we saw each other, Wold said. There was enough concern for me to bring to President [Schulz], Picciotto told investigators. Wold said she had buried that night in her mind until a year later in 2016 whenshe said Gesser sent her a text message that made the emotions of that night flood back. He only started two games, both victories, before spraining his ankle. Im not sure why that would be a problem., OEO also interviewed a former athletics department employee who has since left WSU, who told investigators Gesser made comments and advances on her but noted she never felt harassed or assaulted.. In his statement issued Friday about the earlier misconduct investigation and subsequent news coverage, Gesser wrote: The only thing I care about more deeply than WSU is my family and integrity. [She said] the man she used to nanny for had tried to force himself on her.. and I am deeply committed to my wife . Mike Marlow, WSU deputy athletic director, accepted another job days after President Schulz was notified of the Gesser allegations. I started to get really scared because he was not listening. PULLMAN, Wash. Jason Gesser, Washington State assistant athletics director and director of development/major gifts for the Cougar Athletic Fund, resigned from Washington State University on. Im hoping it wont be a negative impact.. She thought turning off her phone and unplugging for an entire day would make things feel back to normal, but that only made it harder, she says. The more I kept telling him, No and Stop the more he kept telling me how much he liked me.. The donor complained to him that the woman had been invited up for Gessers personal reasons instead of the interests of the donors or WSU, Ganders said in the records. "Awesome," he said.
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