(Image source from: Zimbio)

Alex Naddour, an Arizona gymnast and a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist from Queen Creek, has been suspended by United States of America Gymnastics.

Naddour, 27, is listed on the USA Gymnastics suspended list pending a hearing, however the list did not cite a ground for the suspension, merely USA Gymnastics replied to media sources via email saying:

"USA Gymnastics cannot comment publicly on membership matters unless an action taken involves a public result, such as being placed on the list of individuals whose membership is suspended or who is permanently ineligible for membership. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has the exclusive authority to handle sexual misconduct matters for the entire U.S. Olympic movement (including gymnastics)," the email said.

It further said "On June 20, 2018, USA Gymnastics suspended the membership of Alexander Naddour."

Naddour's father and coach Mike Naddour said, "No one has contacted us to tell us what the allegations are. We don't know anything.

"We're trying to get a hold of SafeSport and get to the bottom of it. Alex has no idea what this is about."

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an organization created in 2012 to amend athlete safety for Olympic sport athletes. It has jurisdiction to look into and resolve alleged violations involving sexual misconduct.

Naddour won a bronze medal in pommel horse at the Rio Olympics and was an Olympic alternate in 2012. He is married to former gymnast Hollie Vise, who recently gave birth to their second child.

Growing up in metro Phoenix, Naddour trained with his father at USA Youth Fitness Center, currently located in Gilbert and Queen Creek. Alex returned to train with Mike after competing in college at Oklahoma leading into the 2012 Olympics.  

USA Gymnastics has been embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal regarding former women's national team physician Larry Nassar, convicted earlier this year of sexual assault and now in prison.

By Sowmya Sangam