John Geddert: Another Michigan Gymnastics Coach Under Scrutiny

Everyone has heard of Larry Nassar. His name is now synonymous with one of the most devastating scandals in the history of U.S. athletics. So we’re not going to rehash those details here. If you need a refresher, there are plenty of reliable sources that can fill you in.

What many people may not know, however, is the name John Geddert. Geddert was a prominent gymnastics coach based in Michigan, with direct ties to Nassar, and now finds himself implicated in allegations involving abuse of young athletes.

How are Geddert and Nassar connected?

Back in 2012, Geddert was the head coach of the U.S. women’s Olympic gymnastics team and the owner of Twistars, a gymnastics facility near Lansing that trained elite-level athletes. Nassar, at the time, was serving as the Olympic team’s doctor and also worked as a specialist for MSU. He regularly treated gymnasts at Twistars for injuries, and in many cases, both men were present during appointments.

Several of the gymnasts who trained at Twistars under Geddert’s coaching ended up seeing Nassar for medical treatment. Some of those athletes later testified that they were sent to Nassar by Geddert, sometimes even under pressure.

What are Geddert’s former athletes saying?

According to multiple former gymnasts, Geddert created an abusive and fear-driven environment. He has denied any knowledge of Nassar’s conduct, but some of the athletes say he required them to see Nassar for injuries.

During Nassar’s trial, several athletes described Twistars as a “prison,” and accused Geddert of depriving them of water during workouts, forcing them to train in unsafe conditions, and creating a culture of fear. While allegations against Geddert have been circulating for years, it was the testimony of one former gymnast that significantly raised the stakes.

Who is Sara Teristi and what did she say?

Sara Teristi trained under Geddert in the late 1990s. She is now in her 40s and a mother of two. She came forward with allegations that Geddert not only knew about Nassar’s abuse but was sometimes present when it happened.

According to Teristi, she was sent to Nassar for treatment and was abused while Geddert was nearby. In one instance, she says Nassar penetrated her anally. In another, she claims both men made inappropriate comments about her body while applying an ice pack to her chest. She also says she saw Nassar fondling another young gymnast in front of Geddert. Teristi alleges that Geddert once straddled her while she was on all fours, pretending to ride her like a pony and laughing as he said she liked it.

Police recently searched Geddert’s home and facility

Authorities have executed search warrants at Geddert’s home in Grand Ledge and at Twistars. The Michigan State Police and local police assisted in the search. While no official statement has been made about what they were looking for, several media outlets have speculated that law enforcement may be investigating possible child pornography or other forms of digital evidence that link Geddert to sexual misconduct or a cover-up.

A key question on many people’s minds is whether Geddert had knowledge of Nassar’s crimes and failed to act.

What’s next? The investigation is ongoing

As of now, no formal charges have been brought against John Geddert. He has been accused and investigated, but not convicted. These types of cases are complex, and while the public often draws its own conclusions early on, it’s important to remember that accusations alone do not equal guilt.

Here at The Kronzek Firm, we defend people accused of serious crimes, including child abuse, sexual misconduct, and criminal neglect. We understand how easily the court of public opinion can overshadow due process. In the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty, and that principle must remain at the center of every legal process.

We encourage everyone watching this case to wait for the facts and resist the urge to pass judgment before the legal process plays out. And if you or a loved one has been accused of a crime involving children, call our office at 866-766-5245. Our experienced attorneys are available 24/7 to protect your rights and your future.