Ep 12. A Predator in the Clubhouse

In season 3 episode 12 of "Our America with Lisa Ling," titled "A Predator in the Clubhouse," Ling delves into the world of youth sports and the risks that come with them. Ling uncovers the disturbing reality of sexual predators who target young athletes and the lack of safeguards that are in place to protect them.

Ling begins her investigation by speaking to families who have been affected by sexual abuse in youth sports. She meets with the parents of a young girl who was victimized by her youth soccer coach. The family shares their story and discusses the struggles they faced in seeking justice for their daughter. Ling also speaks with a mother whose son was similarly victimized by his coach, who had since moved onto another team and continued coaching.

Through interviews with experts and law enforcement, Ling explores the reasons why youth sports are particularly vulnerable to predators. Coaches and other authority figures are placed in positions of trust and have access to young athletes without close supervision. Meanwhile, parents may be overly trusting of coaches and not realize the risks involved.

Ling also delves into the culture of youth sports, where winning often takes precedence over other concerns. Coaches may overlook troubling behavior or red flags in order to keep a star athlete on the team. In some cases, coaches may even be aware of abuse taking place and protect the perpetrator rather than the victim.

To better understand the extent of the problem, Ling speaks with a journalist who has covered sexual abuse in sports extensively. They discuss the barriers that prevent victims from coming forward and why many incidents go unreported. Ling also speaks with survivors of sexual abuse in sports, who share their stories and the long-term impact of the abuse on their lives.

Finally, Ling highlights some of the measures that are being taken to address the problem. She speaks with officials who are working to increase education and awareness among parents, coaches, and young athletes. Ling also looks at new technologies that are being developed to flag potentially problematic behavior by coaches and other authority figures.

Overall, "A Predator in the Clubhouse" is a thought-provoking and disturbing look at the dangers young athletes may face. Through her interviews and investigations, Lisa Ling shines a light on a problem that is too often overlooked or minimized. By giving voice to survivors and advocates, she also shares hope for a future where youth sports can be both competitive and safe for everyone involved.