George Morris, a 1960 Olympic show jumping medalist and longtime equestrian coach and trainer, was suspended for life for a violation of sexual misconduct involving a minor, which Morris denied.
U.S. Equestrian and the U.S. Center for SafeSport published the ban, which can be appealed, on Monday. They listed no further details.
“I am deeply troubled by the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s findings regarding unsubstantiated charges for events that allegedly occurred between 1968 and 1972,” Morris, 81, said in a statement first reported by The New York Times and later confirmed by a Morris contact. “I contest these findings wholeheartedly and am in the process of disputing them. I have devoted my life to equestrian sport and the development of future riders, coaches and Olympians. Any allegations that suggest I have acted in ways that are harmful to any individual, the broader equestrian community, and sport that I love dearly are false and hurtful.”
Morris earned team show jumping silver at the 1960 Rome Games as its youngest member. He also took fourth individually. He later coached U.S. Olympic and Brazilian teams and wrote equestrian books.
