U.S. Fencer Curtis McDowald Suspended For Misconduct Allegations

U.S fencer Curtis McDowald has been formally suspended for allegations of misconduct.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport declared that McDowald has been suspended, effective starting Nov. 3. The athlete will be unable to participate in any event sanctioned by USA Fencing, immediately barring him from being a present member of the organization.

USA Fencing released a statement regarding SafeSport’s, an independent body established by Congress, verdict.

Citing confidentiality, SafeSport offered no additional information to USA Today on the matter. McDowald also refused to comment on his current status with the team.

“Once we became aware of the allegations, we immediately informed the U.S. Center for SafeSport, who exercised their ability to take jurisdictional control of the case and upheld our temporary measures,” expressed USA Fencing, as detailed by USA Today. “We take the safety and integrity of our sport seriously and will cooperate fully with the inquiry while maintaining the confidentiality of the involved parties. We also encourage anyone who has been harmed in sport to come forward, and we will support them to the fullest extent of our abilities.”

This is not the first time McDowald has been in the news for bad behavior. In June ,the 2021 Olympic fencer kicked through a free-standing banner at the event in Peru. That action, in conjunction with slapping an opponent who tried to shake his hand, led to the USA men’s épée team being disqualified from the rest of the competition, according to Fox News.

The top-ranked team would have won a bronze medal had McDowald’s actioins not occurred, was crucial for qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, the disqualification granted them no eligible points, jeopardizing their entire run for the summer sporting event.