To Those Who Support my Quest for the Truth,
sport, I have acquired many values along the way. A few, very important ones that
have solidified my career are ethics, courage, character and attitude.
Ethics in any walk of life derives from experience. It defines us for who we are by how
we work to achieve our goals. We all share an inherent sense of what is right and
wrong. These values can not be ignored because they influence us to behave accordingly.
Courage and character are developed by overcoming losses, shortcomings and
struggles. These foundational virtues became my strength to stand up after the fall, and
to face adversity, as well as not to succumb to fear. These are qualities rarely seen
today because of society’s compromising attitude [“might makes right mentality”] that
stems from the lack of individual convictions. The “what if” game is much too dangerous
to play when someone’s life is at stake.
My personal conviction goes far beyond the verdict I received. The “what if” mentality
was theatrically exploited by the prosecution, resulting in a split verdict. The burden of
proof was diminished and compromise became the answer, which ultimately affected my
life and the lives of so many others who believe in my innocence.
No one, I repeat, no one is safe from accusation and later convictions when people’s
bias’, prejudgments, and inability to focus on facts continues in our courtrooms. Even
knowing that I was facing a possible life sentence, I stood by my principles, not
surrendering to any pressures, plea bargains, or deals offered throughout this two year
fight. I believed in the honesty of a system that would clearly prove my innocence and
exonerate me. I had absolutely no idea how much pertinent evidence, which could have
assisted in my defense, would be suppressed. Something as vitally important as the jury
coming to see the “open” gym was not allowed. I sought justice but found none.
My spirit was crushed but not defeated when the verdict was read, because I still have
the truth on my side and will continue to fight to prove my innocence against these false
accusations. My trial was never based on the circumstances surrounding my individual
case, but instead pitted me against “child molestation” in this country. I should not have
been forced to defend against “child molestation” as a whole, yet prosecutors used this
platform to get their conviction by skewing facts and using broad generalizations.
Crime against children is a terrible thing. With that, it seems our natural moral condition
includes with it a suspicious mind, that is, a mind so darkened by prejudgment that we do
not want to believe that someone accused of these types of actions could be innocent.
Nonetheless, having said that, we need a balanced and fair system to separate truth
from non-truth to protect both sides. Anyone forced to defend against this type of
accusation should be allowed the same standard of law and should be able to introduce
evidence as would apply to similar cases anywhere in the country. In my case, this was
denied.
All teachers, coaches, counselors and volunteers who work with kids are at risk for a life
or at least a lengthy sentence in prison if accused and/or convicted (and the line between
the two is nearly invisible). Regardless of witness testimony or proven fact, no one is
safe, because there seems to be no burden of proof necessary for the accusers.
Had I known how my life would be so tremendously affected I would never have picked
coaching as a profession. No one is protected from accusations that lead to
prejudgment by those who determine your fate. I had nearly 100 witnesses that
testified to my innocence; did I need more to show the numerous contradictions and
untruths in their testimony? They had no corroborating witnesses … even their own
parents did not take the stand.
My future now remains in the hands of the judge who could conceivably incarcerate me
for up to 63 years in prison. Being 28 years old now, that would be a life sentence. One
day away from my family is too much to endure.
Regardless of attempts by the state to spin this case in their favor, to justify injustices, I
still remain INNOCENT and will never give up my fight for truth during this ordeal. I pray
to return to my wife and boys.
This brings me to my last and most important attribute, attitude. Attitude is everything
in winning and losing. A positive attitude is non-negotiable throughout any and all
defeats, threats, or trials one must face. To stand up to adversities is a value I lived by
and a value I daily taught my students and those who worked alongside me. Now my
resolve is being tested as I face this gross injustice. Throughout this I can keep my head
high no matter what the outcome has been or has yet to come because I stood for
these values then and still do today. My future nevertheless is a path I have not chosen,
but one I must face. I will face it with the same dignity and principles that I have
depended on my whole life. My faith lies in God and in truth … for both will be revealed to
all in time.
I was painstakingly attentive and generous to every athlete that I have trained, and I
have no regrets when looking back on my days as a gymnastics coach. My time, effort
and attention were given 100% to each student for their own personal growth,
development and success as a gymnast. My behavior as a coach was always
responsible and appropriate. I never crossed any boundaries.
My heart has, is and always will be with my wife, although apart, our bond remains
inseparable. She is a loving wife and committed mother who will raise our boys with the
same integrity, good morals and principles we shared as a couple.
Over time we learn that we are all accountable for our own actions and will ultimately be
held responsible for the choices we have made, independently, away from pressures and
friendships, with only the truth to face. Remember, it is never too late to do the right
thing. I hope one or all of these kids and their families will have the courage to act on
these words to do the right thing and come forward with the truth. Our lifetime is next
to nothing compared to our time in eternity. Love never gives up, never loses faith and
is always hopeful. I truly believe through this trying time God will make right out of all
this wrong that has separated me from my family and I will return to them.
On a final note … I love you Liz and will come home to you and our boys soon.
Your Faithful and Loving Husband,
Michael
Thank You
