A Utah high school has confirmed that its volleyball coach has been placed on leave over a remark he allegedly made to female students.
The vile comment was reportedly made by Park City High School coach Kai Nielsen, who was speaking to female student-athletes, per the New York Post.
Nielsen had apparently been speaking to the students about potential sexual assaults and the issue of accountability when he made a comment that swiftly made its way back to the school higher-ups after one of the girls informed their parents.
As reported by the Salt Lake Tribune, the girl told her parent that the coach had told students: "If you are sexually assaulted, it’s your fault."
The Tribune confirmed that the students involved were minors, and therefore, any names were being withheld.
Another teacher at the school - who asked not to be named out of fear of retaliation - also claimed that Nielsen had made the ignorant and inappropriate comment.
The Tribune adds that parents soon received an email on Friday from Principal Roger Arbabi and Athletic Director Jamie Sheetz confirming that the staff member had been placed on leave amid an ongoing investigation.
Nielsen has also been barred from the team’s practices and games while the situation is investigated. "
Radio station KPCW also confirmed that parents and guardians had received the email.
A spokesperson for the Park City Police Department has confirmed that while they are involved, they will not be "releasing any information as it involves juveniles".
No charges have been filed, as of this writing.
It is not known how long the investigation is going to take place.
A spokesperson for the district told The Tribune: "We want to assure you that all processes are being followed and taken seriously. As a district, however, we do not comment on personnel matters."
Following the comment, one of the student's parents has claimed that the girls were interviewed by school administrators.
"I’m pretty upset," the parent said, "because I thought they should have called parents."
KPCW adds that Nielsen has coached volleyball at Park City High for more than 10 years and had recently received a promotion to head coach of the varsity team.
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