University of Utah's gymnastics program under review amid emotional abuse allegations

• Deseret News cited anonymous sources, consisting of five former gymnasts, the mothers of four gymnasts and two former staffers who worked with Farden.
• The sources alleged instances of "verbal degradation and public shaming," isolation from family members, and feeling unsafe after seeing Farden throw objects, according to Deseret News.
• A specific timeline of the alleged abuse was not included in Deseret News' report.

Of note: Farden did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

The other side: Former Red Rocks coaches Greg and Megan Marsden, and prior gymnasts Sydney Soloski and Alexia Burch have come to Farden's defense, commending his teaching approach, Deseret News reported.

• Greg and Megan Marsden told Deseret News the accusations against Harden are coming from "disgruntled" athletes and parents.
• In a post on X, previously known as Twitter, former gymnast Mary Lofgren praised Farden, writing that her "experiences with Tom have been nothing but positive."
• Lofgren's account has since been set to "private."

What they're saying: In a statement, university spokesperson Christopher Nelson confirmed to Axios that law firm Husch Blackwell began its inquiry in July.

• "The University is committed to ensuring our student-athletes feel respected, supported and safe," Nelson said.
• "After learning of concerns within our gymnastics program, the University ordered an outside independent review of the program."

Between the lines: The law firm is known for conducting independent investigations into the culture and climate of NCAA athletic programs.

Context: Farden was hired as an assistant coach for the Red Rocks in 2010. He became the head coach in 2020.

What's next: Nelson said the school expects to receive the findings of the investigation in the coming weeks and will publish them on the university's website.