On April 22nd, Neutral Deductions editor, Kensley Behel reported that former USA Gymnastics Men’s Program Manager, Lisa Mendel was fired mere days ahead of the Western and Eastern Gymnastics Championships. Mendel was responsible for major logistical operations within the men’s program making those within the community raise an eyebrow at the timing of her firing. There were reports that her firing was so sudden that her name still appeared on formal documents at the Eastern Gymnastics Championships. 

The first public post from Lisa via Michael Evans surfaced stating:

Statement from Lisa Mendel via lawyer, Russel Prince

GymCastic followed up with USA Gymnastics, and with Mendel’s lawyer, Russell Prince regarding Mendel’s termination. A similar but slightly different letter was released to Planet of Gymnastics providing additional details notated in brackets. 

Letter to GymCastic/[Planet of Gymnastics]:

I am deeply saddened by my recent termination as the Men’s Program Manager for USA Gymnastics,

which was attributed to an alleged failure to report an athlete incident to SafeSport in a timely manner. It is challenging to be held accountable for a situation that was not effectively managed by multiple professional members, club management, and USA Gymnastics employees before the matter ever made it to me. To be clear, I never believed I had been provided a good faith basis to file a report with law enforcement or the Center. I still believe that to this day. I was first made aware of a possible SafeSport violation from Sean Townsend around April 14, 2026. [I was not informed that HGA had opened an investigation as early as April 6, 2026, but ] I was told that a report had been filed regarding the alleged incident.

I spoke with Jason Woodnick on the same issue. The evening of April 15, 2026, I was asked to move an athlete from HGA to another gym. [Out of an abundance of caution] I was concerned, so I asked Christina Pachuta if she had received a report from Mr. Townsend or HGA. It is my understanding that neither SafeSport or USA Gymnastics ever received a complaint from any of the underlying coaches or club. Ms. Pachuta instructed me to file a report. I said I did not have enough details to do so, but I would file something as she instructed. My checking on a possible report is arguably what led to my dismissal, because I was trying to make certain that the correct procedures were being followed. Again, I still do not believe that I had a good faith basis to file that report. If I was mistaken, it was not based upon trying to hide anything quite the opposite. The reality is none of this should be surprising. [This pattern of accountability deflection is not new.]

Last year, the Men’s Development Program Director instructed the national team coaches to make certain they didn’t tell me what happened at national team camps. It is the same organization that refused to do anything when I explained that a coach had been removed from a plane due to intoxication, leaving another coach to manage his two athletes in addition to his own. The same organization who would fund events in the budget only to cancel them so they could direct those resources to their friends' salaries. This is just a touch of what has taken place recently. 

USA Gymnastics continues to provide cover for its employees,while I have been terminated. [Therefore, it is logical to conclude that I was terminated for continuing to ask questions demanding transparency and accountability. I am not a national team coach or club owner and even though I thought I was a vital part of this organization, I have now realized that I was simply an expendable person asking too many questions. It is the only explanation for why I was the only person being held accountable for information that was available to the coach and club as I have recently learned as early as April 6, 2026.] So, to be clear, I was terminated for continuing to ask questions and expecting transparency and accountability. 

Right or wrong, I am the only person being held accountable for information that was available to the coach and club at least as early as April 6, 2026. I will continue to push for transparency and accountability, as I will continue all legal and other means to defend my name and reputation.

I sincerely hope that one day, USA Gymnastics’ leadership will take responsibility and stand on the

right side of integrity instead of misattributing blame to dedicated staff members, while allowing others

to continually avoid any accountability.”

USA Gymnastics Reply

USA Gymnastics refuted Mendel’s statement writing: ““All USA Gymnastics employees are mandatory reporters under federal law who must immediately report suspected or alleged child abuse to both the U.S. Center for SafeSport and local law enforcement. USA Gymnastics takes these obligations very seriously. While USA Gymnastics cannot comment on personnel matters or ongoing SafeSport investigations, Ms. Mendel’s statement does not contain accurate information.”

Analyzing Mendel's Statement

Mendel’s statement citing “To be clear, I never believed I had been provided a good faith basis to file a report with law enforcement or the Center,” is in direct contrast to both the advice she stated she received from Christina Pachuta, Compliance Officer for USA Gymnastics and the Safe Sport Requirements. Current Standards state, “The reporting requirements under this section are an individual obligation of each Adult Participant. Reporting to a supervisor or administrator does not relieve an Adult Participant of the obligations to report as specified under this section. Adult Participants must report even if they believe someone else has already reported.”

According to several sources, Mendel waited past the 24-hour required reporting timeline, warranting her dismissal. However, Mendel believes there's more the to story. Mendel alleges that other USA Gymnastics employees had knowledge of the aforementioned incident and also failed to report in a timely manner, yet she was the only employee fired. She believes that she was fired due to "continuing to ask questions demanding transparency and accountability" regarding other issues such as fraud and other misconduct.

Moving Forward

Ultimately, the ball in in USA Gymnastics' court. With such a damning history and a new CEO, the organization cannot stand idly by as Mendel continues to publicly submit very serious allegations.

Article by: Kensley Behel

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