A former coach of Olympic gold medalist Amber Glenn has been arrested in Texas and charged with indecency with a child and sexual assault. Benjamin Shroats, 47, was taken into custody in Collin County after an investigation by Allen police into allegations of misconduct involving at least two athletes, one of whom was a minor at the time the relationship began.
Allegations and Legal Restrictions
Shroats’ bond conditions currently prevent him from coaching or teaching figure skating. The arrest follows a report of alleged misconduct that prompted the police investigation. His attorney, Scott Edgett, issued a statement asserting Shroats’ innocence: “Mr. Shroats unequivocally denies the allegations against him.” Edgett further stated that they would not comment on the case publicly out of respect for the legal process.
The Coach’s Background and Glenn’s Past Statements
Shroats has been a prominent figure skating coach in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for three decades. Amber Glenn trained under Shroats from age nine through at least age fourteen. In a 2014 interview with Figure Skaters Online, Glenn referred to Shroats as a “rink dad” and described him as a key figure in her training, saying he kept her “on track.”
Context and Recent Successes
This case emerges as Glenn is at the peak of her career. She recently won gold in the team event at the Milan Cortina Games, demonstrating a comeback after a challenging short program where she finished 13th. This incident raises questions about athlete safety within the sport, particularly the power dynamics between coaches and young skaters.
The charges against Shroats underscore the importance of safeguarding minors in competitive sports, where abuse can occur under the guise of mentorship. The case will proceed through the judicial system as Shroats maintains his innocence, and the allegations remain unproven in court.
