John Blake, a former Duxbury hockey coach embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations involving a minor, has been permanently deemed ineligible to coach by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, an independent group authorized by Congress to oversee safety in sports. Boston.com reported that the decision, made on Wednesday, could potentially be appealed, though Blake's attorney has not yet released a comment.
Despite SafeSport's ruling, Blake maintains the right to request an appeal via an arbitration hearing within 10 business days. Previously, Blake spent nearly two decades as the high school boys hockey team coach before being terminated by the school district following allegations of sexual assault brought forth by Joseph and Melissa Foley, whose son was purportedly abused by Blake in the mid-2000s. According to a statement obtained by The Boston Globe, the SafeSport spokesperson outlined the process for Blake should he choose to swiftly seek an appeal.
The disturbing details of the allegations claim that Blake's inappropriate behavior with the Foleys' son, Parker Foley, escalated to rape and forced oral sex within the confines of gym and empty classrooms. Parker Foley, who tragically passed due to a drug overdose, was said to have ended the assaults by bringing a knife to school and threatening Blake. Boston.com noted the lawsuit against Blake was eventually settled earlier this year for a confidential sum with the Foleys prevailing on all counts in a judgment against the former coach.
The scandal has extended beyond coaching, touching upon Blake's career as an educator. His teaching license was rendered "invalid" after expiring in July 2021, as per state records pointed out by The Boston Globe. In response to SafeSport's decision, Joseph Foley expressed hope that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will also move to permanently revoke Blake's teaching credentials, signaling a further push to ensure similar incidents to not haunt again the hallways of academic and athletic institutions.
It's important to note that while Blake has been barred from coaching and his educational license status is in question, he has yet to be formally charged with a crime. This caveat notwithstanding, SafeSport and the governing bodies of Olympic sports organizations are legally mandated to enforce the sanctions handed down by the federal organization, an implementation designed to protect participants in these bodies, which include Massachusetts Hockey and its national affiliate, USA Hockey.
