Suspension May Not Keep DeBus From Coaching

One day after suspending track coach Chuck DeBus from their organization, officials of The Athletics Congress attempted Wednesday to sort out exactly what the unprecedented lifetime penalty really means.

TAC President Frank Greenberg said in a conference call with reporters that by expelling DeBus from track and field’s governing body, the panel clearly intended to prevent DeBus from coaching. However, Greenberg and other TAC officials are unable to cite any bylaws that would prohibit DeBus from coaching athletes on a private basis.

After an investigation of more than a year, DeBus was found to have promoted the use of performance-enhancing drugs by athletes he coached. The lifetime suspension effectively prevents DeBus from coaching national teams and prohibits him from entering athletes in TAC-sanctioned events.

DeBus, 45, is a Santa Monica coach who ran successful women’s programs at UCLA and Cal State Northridge. He also coached the Los Angeles Track Club from 1971 through ’88. That team won nine TAC team titles.

Greenberg acknowledged that TAC has little control over what DeBus does outside of TAC’s jurisdiction, but said he hopes that because of the expulsion, athletes will not seek out DeBus as a coach.

He said there may be a way to prevent TAC athletes from being coached by DeBus, but since the situation is new, he isn’t sure what the mechanics might be.

TAC attorney Peter Alkalay outlined the appeal process open to DeBus. He said DeBus has seven days to give notice to TAC that he wishes to appeal. TAC has 10 days to select, at random, a three-person appeal board and conduct a hearing. Alkalay was unsure of further levels of appeal.

DeBus’ attorney, Craig Dummit, said he intends to appeal within TAC and, if necessary, will take the case to civil courts.