Assistant Fencing Coach No Longer with Penn State After Sexual Misconduct Allegation

Penn State assistant fencing coach George Abashidze is no longer a member of the team’s coaching staff, a spokesperson for Penn State athletics confirmed. Abashidze was placed on administrative leave by the university in September following allegations of sexual misconduct.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport, which was formed by the United States Olympic Committee to combat all forms of abuse in sports, reports sexual misconduct and harassment violations under Abashidze’s disciplinary record.

SafeSport did not provide any additional details about the allegations or their timeframe. Abashidze’s membership with US Fencing was suspended for three years beginning on Aug. 1, 2018. A representative said in September that the center does not speak about “specific matters” according to its policy.

Screen shot via U.S. Center for SafeSport

Abashidze joined Penn State’s coaching staff in 2009. He was previously an assistant coach at Ohio State, where he helped five fencers win individual NCAA championships. He was also the head coach of the Georgian national fencing team during his career.

Penn State fencing listed a job posting for an assistant coach on March 29.