Harvard Diving Coach Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

CAMBRIDGE, MA — The head coach of Harvard’s diving program resigned days after administrators placed him on leave following allegations that he solicited nude pictures from and sent sexual photos of himself to female athletes in Indiana.

Athletics Director Robert Scalise announced the 31-year-old coach Chris Heaton's decision to resign in an email sent to Harvard coaches and staff Tuesday, the Harvard Crimson reported.

“Today I share the news that Mr. Heaton has communicated to Harvard that he has decided to step down from his role,” Scalise wrote in the email.

Scalise said that Harvard will soon initiate a nationwide search for a new head coach. In the meantime, Tracey Bird will step in as our interim diving coach, effective immediately, according to Scalise.

Harvard hired Heaton in August, and then just about two months later put him on leave pending a review of sexual misconduct allegations that surfaced in a class-action lawsuit where he was named, but not as a defendant.

The suit, filed Sept. 30 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, alleges that Heaton committed acts of sexual harassment while teaching at the Indiana diving Academy, Ripfest.

Previously:Harvard's Head Diving Coach Placed On Leave Amid Sexual Allegations

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Photo of swimming pool (not diving board) credit: Shutterstock