Former San Jose State University Sports Director Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Groping Female Student-Athletes

San Jose State University’s former director of sports medicine, Scott Shaw, was sentenced to two years in prison for groping female student-athletes, the Department of Justice announced.

Shaw was arrested and charged with civil rights counts in March 2022, and he pleaded guilty in August after a trial that ended in a deadlocked jury. He admitted to touching the breasts and buttocks of four student-athletes without a medical reason and without their consent.

The DOJ said Shaw used his position to inappropriately touch female student-athletes. As sports director, he was responsible for treating athletes’ injuries. He eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Northern California said in a statement that Shaw’s actions were “reprehensible and intolerable.” They added that the sentence should serve as a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The Department of Justice said that Shaw’s sentence should serve as a warning to those in positions of authority that they will be held accountable for their actions. They also said that they will continue to work to ensure that all students are able to pursue their education without fear of abuse or harassment.