A prominent Texas figure skating coach, who previously trained Winter Olympics gold medalist Amber Glenn, has been arrested and charged with serious criminal offenses involving minors. Benjamin Shroats, 47, is facing allegations of indecency with a child and sexual assault, according to multiple news reports.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Shroats was taken into custody in Collin County, Texas, on Wednesday, with official booking confirmed by local authorities. Court documents reveal that his bond conditions explicitly forbid him from coaching or teaching any skating students while the case is pending. This restriction underscores the gravity of the charges and aims to prevent potential further incidents during the judicial process.
Allegations and Investigation
The arrest followed a report filed with Allen police detailing alleged misconduct with two of Shroats' athletes. Authorities indicate that one of these individuals was a minor when the reported relationship began, highlighting the vulnerability involved. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement gathering evidence to support the claims.
Defense and Community Impact
In response to the charges, Shroats' attorney, Scott Edgett, issued a strong denial on behalf of his client. "Mr. Shroats unequivocally denies the allegations against him," Edgett stated. He emphasized Shroats' three-decade reputation as a respected figure skating coach in the Dallas-Fort Worth community, noting that they will refrain from public commentary to respect the judicial system and potential jurors.
Connection to Olympic Skater Amber Glenn
The case has drawn significant attention due to Shroats' past mentorship of Amber Glenn, a Texas native and accomplished figure skater. Glenn trained under Shroats from age 9 to at least 14, during which she affectionately referred to him as her "rink dad." In a 2014 interview, she praised his coaching style, describing him as both supportive and disciplined, crucial to her development as a skater.
Glenn's career highlights include winning a gold medal in the team event at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. She demonstrated remarkable resilience by improving from a 13th-place finish in the short program to fifth overall after a high-scoring free skate. As of now, Glenn has not publicly commented on the arrest, and attempts to reach her for a statement have been made.
Broader Implications for Sports Coaching
This incident raises important questions about safety and accountability in youth sports coaching, particularly in figure skating where close mentor-student relationships are common. The allegations against Shroats, if proven, could have lasting effects on trust within the skating community and prompt calls for stricter oversight and background checks for coaches.
The legal proceedings will continue to unfold, with the skating world and public closely watching for updates. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting young athletes from potential exploitation.
