Fourteen people reported last year that they had experienced years of (sexual) transgressive behavior, manipulation, and intimidation by an employee of the Dutch Basketball Association (NBB). The Sports Tribunal Institute (ISR) has launched a disciplinary investigation.
According to the NOS, the employee is Gertjan van der Linden, former coach of the Dutch wheelchair basketball team. The team won Paralympic gold for the second time in a row under his leadership last year.
“The testimonies of the reporters have personally touched me,” says NBB director Maarten Hoffer in a statement. One of the reporters described it as “trapped in a web.”
According to the NOS, Van der Linden allegedly sent players numerous messages with sexually suggestive content. This behavior reportedly dates back to the 2021 Paralympic Games.
The fear of professional consequences prevented the victims from clearly setting boundaries or informing others, reports the NBB. According to the association, this led to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Van der Linden now works elsewhere
The association acknowledges that there have been signals in the past that have not been sufficiently followed up. At the time, there was one anonymous report, which in retrospect should have led to more investigation.
“In the past, there has been insufficient visibility for too long on what was happening. I deeply regret that. Now there is a clearer picture,” says Hoffer. The NBB is not disclosing the identity of the employee.
After the reports to the Center for Safe Sport Netherlands (CVSN), the employee was suspended in December. The NBB is considering further possible measures in consultation with legal advisors. This will be after the ISR investigation.
