Stanford University Men's Water Polo Coach Under Investigation (again)
APRIL 30, 2025
Stanford University athletics is again under the microscope. After being cleared by a university investigation into allegations of abusive behavior, the Stanford University men's water polo coach, Brian Flacks, allegedly retaliated against some of the players who spoke to investigators. These allegations come after Stanford football head coach, Troy Taylor, was fired for mistreatment of his staff.
The initial investigation into Flacks occurred last fall on the heels of complaints about player treatment were raised with university officials by concerned parents. The investigation, conducted by a third-party firm, confirmed that player cooperation and interviews were completely confidential. However, in the wake of the investigation, with findings that cleared Flacks, parents have said that their sons have been subjected to retaliation aimed at completely removing the players who cooperated.
Frustrated by a lack of involvement and action from Stanford University officials, concerned water polo player parents have retained Justice Law Collaborative. The firm also currently represents the parents of Katie Meyer in a wrongful death lawsuit against Stanford. Meyer, who died by suicide in 2021, was a notable goalie on Stanford women's soccer team and was on track to continue her studies at Stanford's law school after completing her undergraduate degree.
Paula Bliss, co-founder of Justice Law Collaborative and attorney shared, "These families are extremely concerned about the mental health of their sons and their teammates as a result of the psychological and emotional trauma they’ve experienced under Coach Brian Flacks. Their sons have faced targeted retaliation by Coach Flacks following the close of the investigation. The University has shown a complete lack of regard towards its student athletes by failing to protect them. The fact that Stanford continues to allow this coach to be poolside amidst the serious and specific allegations is appalling, but unfortunately, not surprising given the university’s recent history."
Multiple men's water polo team players have reportedly entered therapy after the poor treatment received by Flacks, with some experiencing panic attacks and suffering from depression. In an effort to raise the alarm and capture the attention of university administration, Justice Law Collaborative was engaged by players' parents, seeking to eliminate the reported abuse.