Boston University Responds to Alex Cooper’s Harassment Allegations Against Former Soccer Coach

Boston University Responds to Alex Cooper’s Harassment Allegations Against Former Soccer Coach

In a recent documentary that chronicles Alex Cooper’s ascent in the podcasting world, the influential podcaster made serious allegations against her former Boston University soccer coach, Nancy Feldman. Cooper claimed that Feldman had subjected her to sexual harassment during her time at the university.

The 30-year-old podcaster detailed several troubling interactions. She alleged that Feldman made inappropriate inquiries regarding her sex life, commented on her physical appearance, sought to spend time alone with her, and even touched her. Cooper recalled, “Feldman would fixate on me way more than any other teammate of mine.” This assertion raises grave concerns about the coach’s conduct and the environment in which athletes train.

Expressing her emotions on these experiences, Cooper stated, “I felt a lot of anger — anger at my coach, anger at my school, and anger at the system that allowed this to happen.” This statement was made during the Hulu documentary titled “Call Her Alex,” which shares its name with her successful podcast, “Call Her Daddy.” The impact of her revelations extends beyond personal hurt; they highlight broader institutional issues.

Cooper along with her parents met with university officials to discuss these allegations. Notably, the university had not taken actions such as firing Feldman or conducting a timely investigation. Nevertheless, Cooper was allowed to continue her education and retain her scholarship amidst these serious claims.

On Friday, Boston University issued a formal statement addressing the situation. The university reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual harassment.

In the statement, the university emphasized its dedication to student wellbeing, stating, “We have a robust system of resources, support and staff dedicated to student wellbeing and a thorough reporting process through our Equal Opportunity Office.” This response reflects an effort to reassure the student body and campus community that such allegations are taken seriously.

Moreover, the university urged community members to report any concerns they might have. The statement reiterated, “We remain committed to fostering a safe and secure campus environment for all.” This emphasis on safety is crucial, particularly in light of the allegations raised by Cooper.

Cooper played on the Boston University women’s soccer team from 2013 to 2015 before transitioning to a career as a podcaster. She co-created the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, which gained significant popularity and was ultimately acquired by Barstool Sports.

The podcast’s success skyrocketed when it was later purchased by Spotify for an impressive $60 million, and subsequently, SiriusXM acquired it for a staggering $125 million. This trajectory underscores Cooper’s evolution from athlete to media mogul as she provides a platform for discussing personal and sensitive issues.

Feldman’s achievements in her coaching career are noteworthy as well, with her 418 victories ranking her 22nd all-time in women’s college soccer. This success story contrasts sharply with the gravity of the allegations brought against her, presenting a complicated picture of sports culture.

As these developments unfold, conversations about accountability, support systems, and the safety of athletes in educational institutions gain renewed urgency. Cooper’s bravery in sharing her story shines a spotlight on the necessary dialogue surrounding harassment in collegiate sports.

The narrative set forth by Cooper not only highlights her personal struggles but also reflects a societal need for more rigorous protective frameworks for student-athletes across the nation. It is imperative that universities prioritize safeguarding their students and ensuring that claims of misconduct lead to immediate investigations and appropriate actions.

In light of these events, Boston University’s approach will likely be scrutinized as the conversation continues. Transparency and decisive action in handling allegations of harassment could set a precedent for how similar cases are managed in the future. As the university navigates its response, the importance of fostering a culture of trust and safety within academic and athletic programs cannot be overstated.

In summary, the repercussions of Alex Cooper’s allegations extend well beyond her personal experience, serving as a catalyst for broader societal change and a call to action for prospective solutions to combat harassment in sports at educational institutions.