U.S. Athletics Coach LaTanya Sheffield Banned for Life After Misconduct Investigation of Having an Intimate Relationship With an Athlete And Sending Sexually Inappropriate …

U.S. Athletics Coach LaTanya Sheffield Banned for Life After Misconduct Investigation of Having an Intimate Relationship With an Athlete And Sending Sexually Inappropriate

 

By Jenna Wallace

June 22, 2025 | New York City

In a stunning development that has rocked the U.S. athletics community, veteran sprint and hurdles coach LaTanya Sheffield has been permanently banned from the sport following a disciplinary ruling from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The ruling comes after an investigation concluded she engaged in a sexually inappropriate relationship with an athlete and sent explicit images during the period of her coaching tenure.

The ban, which took effect immediately, prohibits Sheffield from coaching, mentoring, or participating in any USATF-sanctioned events at any level, including collegiate and Olympic programs.

Findings from the Investigation

According to the official report released by SafeSport, the investigation began late last year after a formal complaint was filed by a current Team USA athlete, whose identity has been withheld for privacy.

The report details a “prolonged and inappropriate personal relationship” between Sheffield and the athlete, including allegations of sexual communication, unsolicited explicit images, and an imbalance of power due to the coach-athlete dynamic.

“Evidence confirmed a breach of ethical and professional boundaries,” SafeSport stated. “The behavior demonstrated a misuse of authority and violated the athlete protection policies adopted by USATF and the Olympic movement.”

Sources familiar with the case say that text messages, private emails, and phone records were submitted as part of the evidence. Multiple witnesses also corroborated the timeline of events during interviews with investigators.

A Storied Career Tainted

LaTanya Sheffield, 61, is a former Olympian who competed in the 1988 Seoul Games in the 400-meter hurdles and later transitioned into coaching, building a distinguished career over nearly three decades. She served as the U.S. women’s sprints and hurdles coach for multiple Olympic teams, including Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and was part of the coaching staff for the 2024 Paris Games.

Her coaching résumé includes positions at Long Beach State University and numerous national development programs. Sheffield was widely respected for her leadership in athlete development and diversity in sport.

“This decision is deeply disappointing but necessary,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “We stand firmly against any abuse of power or breach of trust within our sport. The safety and well-being of our athletes is non-negotiable.”

Athlete Support and Response

The athlete at the center of the case is reportedly receiving counseling and support services from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Athlete advocates have praised SafeSport for taking decisive action, while also calling for more oversight in coach-athlete relationships.

“Accountability is critical, no matter how senior or respected a coach may be,” said Sarah Mitchell of the Athlete Integrity Network. “This case underscores the importance of education, monitoring, and immediate reporting when boundaries are crossed.”

Moving Forward

Sheffield has not made a public statement as of this writing. It remains unclear whether she will appeal the ruling, though SafeSport confirmed that any appeal would not delay the enforcement of the lifetime ban.

The decision marks one of the most high-profile misconduct rulings in U.S. track and field history and raises further questions about how power dynamics in elite sports are monitored and managed.