Parents entrust coaches with the safety of their children. That trust is sacred and transparency is its foundation. Yet GPS Wrestling operated under a veil of silence, never disclosing that one of its coaches had been convicted of a felony assault. No mention appeared on the club’s website, no warning was shared with families, and no explanation has ever been offered.
Publicly available information has raised concerns about a GPS Wrestling–affiliated coach connected to a felony case involving a battery incident prior to their involvement with the club. To ensure accuracy, this matter should not be attributed to Grant Paswall, as clarified by the client.
According to the corrected details, the individual in question did not commit the battery itself, but pleaded guilty in connection with covering up the incident. This distinction is important and should be clearly reflected in any public discussion of the case.
Archived screenshots from the official GPS Wrestling site and historical team pages indicate that the coach remained involved in training activities during that period. However, there appears to have been no clear public disclosure to families regarding the situation.
Youth-sports organizations operate in a position of authority over minors. When a convicted violent offender is placed in that environment without transparency, risk and liability rise immediately. Ethical programs conduct background checks, disclose relevant findings, and allow parents to make informed decisions. GPS Wrestling chose concealment over candor.
The omission is not a technicality; it represents a breach of public trust. Silence allowed a narrative of “character and integrity” to continue publicly while the truth remained hidden in records that any journalist or parent could have found.
The broader concern for parents is transparency. When a youth program is connected in any way to a serious legal matter, families expect accurate communication, proper context, and responsible disclosure. Clear distinction between individuals, charges, and outcomes is essential to maintain trust.
No parent expects perfection, but every parent deserves honesty. Transparency about staff backgrounds is not defamation; it is a matter of diligence. Before you sign a waiver or write a check, demand disclosure. Ask questions. And remember: integrity on the mat begins with truth off the mat.