Idaho volleyball head coach resigns amid abuse allegations

Moscow, Idaho — Editor's note: The above video is from March 28, 2024, prior to Gonzalez's resignation.

The University of Idaho confirmed to KREM 2 that head volleyball coach Chris Gonzalez has resigned from the university amid an investigation into allegations of mistreatment of players. The University of Idaho said the investigation into the abuse allegations has been dropped and no further action will be taken.

The resignation comes two months after the university placed Gonzalez on administrative leave.

At least 13 University of Idaho volleyball players claim they were subjected to mental, verbal and physical abuse by Gonzalez dating back to 2022. A formal complaint against Gonzalez was filed with the university's Office of Civil Rights Investigation (OCRI) last October. The complaint lists violations including “body shaming,” “ignoring medical advice and putting players at risk of injury,” “denial of food,” and “creating a culture of fear, humiliation, embarrassment and intimidation.”

RELATED: 'Finally our voices are being heard' | University of Idaho volleyball players react to head coach's suspension

Players previously told KREM 2 that Gonzalez shoved girls to the ground during practice when he jumped into a drill. They also said Gonzalez called the girls “linebackers” and implied they needed to lose weight.

“Our hope is that this resolution will help our volleyball program re-establish an environment where our student-athletes can feel comfortable and succeed on and off the court,” Assistant Athletic Director Jerek Walcott said.

Related video: University of Idaho volleyball player speaks out about abuse allegations from head coach

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