COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL: Idaho places Gonzalez on administrative leave

The University of Idaho placed volleyball coach Chris Gonzalez under paid administrative leave on Wednesday as the school continues to investigate claims stemming from a newspaper article in the Orange County Register in early January.

Gonzalez, in his second year as coach, went 1-27 in 2023, after going 4-24 in 2022.

According to the story in the Orange County Register, current and former Idaho players also alleged in a formal complaint to the university, as well as in interviews with the newspaper, that Gonzalez also pressured them to play and train despite concerns from the school’s sports medicine staff, body shamed players and often deprived them of food on road trips. 

The university said it expects the investigation into Gonzalez to be finalized in the coming weeks according to KREM 2 News. At that point, university president Scott Green will determine what steps need to be taken.

At least 13 University of Idaho volleyball players claim they suffered mental, verbal and physical abuse by Gonzalez, dating back to 2022. Last October, a formal complaint was filed against Gonzalez with the University’s Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (OCRI). It lists alleged offenses including "body shaming," "ignoring medical advice and putting players at greater risk of injury," "withholding food," and "creating a culture of fear, humiliation, embarrassment and intimidation."

Players previously told KREM 2 that Gonzalez physically pushed a girl to the ground during practice when he jumped into the drill.  Players also said Gonzalez called the girls "linebackers," implying that they need to lose weight. 

"We will continue to provide resources and support to our student-athletes throughout the conclusion of this process as well as after," said Jodi Walker, the university's executive director of communications.

Gonzalez has coached in the Pac-12, Big West, Big South, and Big 10 Conferences. During his time as an assistant, Chris coached in four NCAA Final Fours 1997-1999 and 2001, culminating in the first-ever undefeated NCAA National Championship while at Long Beach State University in 1998, finishing the season a perfect 36-0. Gonzalez assisted in training two undefeated teams (35-0, and 34-0) to the NCAA national championship match. During that time Chris also assisted in the development of 15 NCAA All-Americans and two NCAA Players of the Year.