USA Gymnastics ejects Aurora gym over Cardamone involvement
USA Gymnastics officials have confirmed it was an Aurora gymnasium's ties to a felon that led them to withdraw the gym's membership.
The organization revoked the American Institute of Gymnastics membership Oct. 11 after the gym violated USA Gymnastics' Safe Sport policy by having contact with Michael Cardamone, who is on the group's "permanently ineligible" list.
Cardamone, 40, pleaded guilty to seven counts each of aggravated battery and unlawful restraint, as well as one count of perjury, in November 2012.
The battery charges alleged the former coach improperly touched seven female gymnasts in an "insulting or provoking nature." The unlawful restraint charges alleged he grabbed and detained seven others. But according to a plea agreement, the crimes were "not sexually motivated."
Cardamone was sentenced to 10 years in prison, which amounted to time served because he previously served time after he was convicted of molesting seven of 14 accusers. That conviction later was overturned on appeal.
As a result of that plea, Cardamone must register as a violent offender against youths until Sept. 18, 2023. He is not required to register as a sex offender.
Prosecutors confirmed Wednesday that his registration status would not interfere with Cardamone working at or visiting the gym.
But Toby Stark, director of Safe Sport, said Cardamone's affiliation with the gym, owned by his family, recently was brought to her attention.
"I will confirm that it is Michael Cardamone who had the affiliation with the American Institute of Gymnastics and it is being dealt with at this point in time because this is when it was reported to USA Gymnastics," Stark said Wednesday. "An individual who was aware of Cardamone's status on the permanently ineligible list and was familiar with his association with the gym reported him to USA Gymnastics. The moment someone reported his ongoing presence at the gym, it was investigated and dealt with immediately."
According to the section of USA Gymnastics bylaws the gym is accused of violating, the organization is allowed to terminate memberships of individuals who "have been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or no contest to a criminal charge ... directly or indirectly involved or related to child abuse or conduct that is a violation of any law or regulation that is specifically designed to protect minors."
Representatives of the gym at 881 Shoreline Drive said they have hired legal counsel.
"Not only have this individual's rights been violated, but they have interfered with 45 team kids and their present season," the statement said. "The current team now has the opportunity to choose another fabulous team who has decided to open a second location within this facility."
Stark said participants wishing to continue competing in USA Gymnastics sanctioned events will need to affiliate themselves with a member gym in good standing.