Two members of ASU's men's swimming team were "removed from the team for violations of team rules and conduct detrimental to the team" on Tuesday, swimming coach Mike Chasson told The State Press in a statement Wednesday.
Juniors Bobby Crowder and Joshua Gemmell have been dismissed for violations that neither Chasson nor Jeff Evans, ASU's sports information director, would specify.
"The incident happened a long time ago. The whole team was interrogated by the coaches," Gemmell said Wednesday night. "Some people told on other people."
Bob Crowder, Bobby's father, said in a telephone interview from Los Gatos, Calif., that as many as 43 swimmers from both the men's and women's teams would not be making the trip to ASU's next meet on Dec. 4 at the University of Texas at Austin, and as few as seven would be representing ASU.
"We haven't found out the [specific reasons for dismissal]. We can't even talk to the coaches," Bob Crowder said. "Until Bobby signs a release form [today], his coaches can't divulge any information."
Bob Crowder added that he had spoken to parents of other swimmers on the team, and that "we are extremely confused because of the confidentiality of the situation."
Chasson declined further comment.
"We're very concerned about the team," Bob Crowder said. "It's not just Bobby."
Bob Crowder also said that if his son's removal from the team is upheld, Bobby will lose his scholarship.
Sarah Fischer, a junior sprint fly/freestyle specialist on the women's team, declined to elaborate on the matter, saying, "I don't really feel comfortable talking about it. The girls have all agreed not to talk about this."
Gemmell, who competed in both the breaststroke and freestyle events, added that he wasn't going to contest Chasson's decision and said that his actions were deserving of punishment.
"I did bad things and made wrong choices," Gemmell said. "Coach made his decision. He felt it was better for the team. I'm all about the team getting better and not holding them back."
ASU's men's and women's teams are ranked 16th and 13th in the country, respectively.
Reach the reporters at andrew.bernick@asu.edu and joe.watson@asu.edu.
