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Jason Gesser has stepped down as Washington State University's deputy sports director effective today, following new allegations of sexual misconduct by a former WSU volleyball player.
Alyssa Wold-Bodeau, who played volleyball for the Cougars from 2012 to 2013, told the Daily Evergreen Monday that Gesser fumbled and tried to kiss her after taking part in a fundraiser. funds in 2015.
The allegations came just four days after Gesser was cleared of similar allegations by a university investigation.
"I am deeply saddened that recent circumstances in my private life have created a distraction for the department and the university," said Gesser in a written letter of resignation. "Although I've certainly never intended to hurt anyone, I think it's best that everyone advance."
"For the young woman I felt uncomfortable with, I respectfully remember the situation you described, but acknowledge that I should never have been in the situation, and I m # "Excuse, I never really wanted to hurt you."
The school said in a statement Tuesday night that she had accepted the resignation of Gesser.
"We sincerely appreciate the courage it takes for individuals to raise concerns of this nature," the statement said. "We take the allegations extremely seriously and the Office for Equal Opportunities intends to continue its investigation."
The Daily Evergreen reported last week that it has obtained hundreds of pages of public records of allegations of sexual harassment against Gesser, some dating back to 2014. It has made progress on trainee students and coworkers, some in 2017.
On Thursday, school president Kirk Schulz and athletics director Pat Chun said the university had followed established procedures to review the case and had not violated the policy of the school. University of Washington. . & # 39; & # 39;
Tuesday, following the new allegations of Wold-Bodeau, Gesser was placed on a mission in expectation of a thorough investigation. The university said it was the first time that a person directly involved in an alleged sexual misconduct incident had filed a formal complaint against Gesser at the Equality Bureau. chances.
"This is new information and a different set of events from those previously reported," WSU said in a statement.
Gesser was an assistant director for the Cougar Athletic Fund, which raises funds for WSU sports teams. He was a former WSU quarterback who led the Cougars at the 2003 Rose Bowl before embarking on a career as a professional player and university coach. He returned to work at WSU in 2013.
Gesser, who is married with three children, issued a statement on Thursday in which he said the allegations against him were not true.
"I am categorically opposed to harassment or sexism in the workplace or in society and I am deeply attached to my wife and children," writes Gesser. "The non-article published by Evergreen addresses the charges found without merit."
"I will not allow my name to be unfairly scoffed at and I will continue to serve our university proudly as a proud member of Cougar Nation," he wrote.
In a statement to the media following the resignation of Mr. Gesser, Mr. Wold-Bodeau said, "The 48 hours have been long and difficult and the three years even harder." I am extremely pleased to see that Jason has resigned power at WSU C is a relief to know that no other young woman will be subject to Mr. Gesser's actions and abuse of power, I pray that he will receive help that he needs and that his family can go forward, to give encouragement to others. "Staying silent is no longer an option.If my story resonates with you, introduce it.The Coug Nation Thank you very much for your support, you are an amazing family. "
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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