Indiana Hoosiers coach Mike Westphal was arrested last week and charged with intimidation. IU’s school newspaper the Indiana Daily Student reports that Westphal is accused of intimidating a former Indiana athlete who now works as a local swim coach.
Indiana court records show that courts ordered an arrest warrant against Westphal on August 30th. He’s charged with intimidation, a criminal misdemeanor. The specific state law listed is 35-45-2-1(a)(1), which references “a person who communicates a threat to another person, with the intent that the other person engage in conduct against the other person’s will.”
The Indiana Daily Student reports that Westphal is accused of threatening a fellow swim coach during a meeting about a club merger. Westphal met the other coach – who is an Indiana University swimming alum – at a restaurant to discuss the merger of Btown Aquatics and Indiana Swim Club, per the Daily Student. Westphal is on the Board of Directors for Indiana Swim Club.
Update: in a report by The Indy Star, the coach has been confirmed to be IU alum Max Irwin, who now coaches for Btown Aquatics. The Star reports that Irwin recorded the conversation where Westphal allegedly threatened him.
Westphal allegedly told the other coach that he has “control over the coaching career” of that other coach, and could “be an asshole, is ruthless and would squash him.” The Daily Student reports that Westphal held a prior “lawful act” over the coach.
Westphal was released on bail.
Indiana gave the following statement: “Indiana University Athletics has been made aware of the incident involving Indiana University associate head swimming coach Mike Westphal. IU Athletics will continue to gather facts and take further action as it deems appropriate.”
Any update on what Ray is going to do with the staff? New hire? Pay a volunteer?
“ARRESTED. CHARGED” My first thought was “dang, man, another sex scandal”. I was actually relieved to read the underlying offense. The whole truth may never be known, certainly not by me, but bullies can leave a really sour taste. It’s kind of refreshing for someone else to get back at a bully for all the ones I let slide. Still, I’m glad it wasn’t another terrible scandal that happens all too often. (I feel comfortable saying all this behind my anonymous name. uhh … JONATHAN)
he deserves it. definitely
Can you imagine if Cody Miller did a vlog about this incident in the same tone and manor he makes his other vlogs. Just visualize him doing that for a second and tell me you’re not laughing you’re a** off.
Based on the information we have, I’m a little confused as to how we got to this point. I wanna know what Max said to him. I’m guessing the conversation went something like this-
*at a local Bloomington diner (the best place to record verbal crimes)*
“hey mike, do you wanna merge club team and build a Bloomington, IN swimming empire?” (And I wanna put empire in many quotes)
Westphal- “IF YOU ASK ME THAT AGAIN,… Read more »
Manner. Manor means large house.
#WowIUeducazion
Why do some coaches adopt an aggressive or “intimidating” style of coaching or interacting with their athletes?
These days, many athletes just feel disrespected by that attitude or treatment. Swimmers at the top programs are usually hard-working and motivated already and don’t want a coach tearing them down or making them feel bad.
Eddie Reese: “When I was recruiting someone who chose another school, it was important to keep them as a friend and root for them anyway.” “Take care of yourself, take care of each other, and the rest will take care of itself”.
Words that some college coaches could learn from.
Words that each one of us here need to take to heart..
Ego.
Eddie’s book “Coaching Swimming Teaching Life” required reading for all swim coaches!
I wonder what Irwin said to him
Been about 24 hours since I saw this article. No idea when the original ran. In this day n age 24 hours is about the limit for IU to put out a meaningful statement, not just “we are looking into it”. Time to either back Mike, fire him, or minimally put him on leave.
I’ve heard that he is on leave
He’s been fired
Quite a staff they have there in the last 6 months. Mike-accuses of a crime, Corey-ousted at UA bc of sleeping w another coach, all the athletes knew, he was married, Coley-hottest of hotheads. Ray is actually a good guy and Jonty maybe the nicest guy in the sport. Can’t imagine what that deck was like w Coley and Mike.
“Ray is actually a good guy”
either Ray wrote this or you have never actually met Ray Looze
You are 100% correct. Ray is not a good guy. He’s a great guy. The bashing of Ray needs to stop now. He’s a family man. Terrific coach and an even better person. Clearly you have not met Ray. Proud to know Ray and his family for many years.
Thank you!
What about Mark Hill? That guy didn’t last long at IU.
Side note. I grew up swimming with coley. Not sure on his persona now but people who didn’t know him thought he was an arrogant ass and the people who knew him best knew him to be hilarious and a softy. Perception vs reality.
Talk about no class. Ray is far from a good guy. Corey’s personal life has no bearing on his ability to coach. Coley is a passionate coach and great guy, and Jonty seems a bit egotistical for my taste. As for Mike, this sounds like it was a long time coming.