The Guelph Sports Hall of Fame is reviewing the inclusion of disgraced track coach Dave Scott-Thomas.
Scott-Thomas, who was inducted into the hall in 2018, was recently fired by the U of G for unprofessional conduct after details of an inappropriate relationship with a teenage student/athlete came to light.
"As a result of recent events, the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame board of directors has met to review the matter of Dave Scott-Thomas as a Guelph Sports Hall of Fame inductee," said Heather Flaherty, the City of Guelph's general manager of parks and recreation, in an emailed statement.
"The board will finalize a decision about removing him from the Sports Hall of Fame this week and will provide a statement at that time. Until the Board makes a final decision, we have removed Dave Scott-Thomas’ plaque from the Sports Hall of Fame display."
Flaherty confirmed that the hall of fame has not removed anyone since it's inception in 1993.
One of the most successful university and club track and cross-country coaches in the country, Scott-Thomas has also been suspended by Athletics Canada while it completes its own investigation.
He was inducted in the builder’s category for his success and prominence coaching track and cross-country athletes at the University of Guelph and Speed River Track and Field Club.
The Speed River Track and Field Club has also shut down.
The Guelph Sports Hall of Fame was established as a joint project between the city and the Kiwanis Club of Guelph in 1993 to recognize those who have made a “major contribution to the development and advancement of sports in Guelph.”
It is run by a nine-member independent board of directors appointed by the city and has a separate seven-person selection committee that evaluates nominees from the committee and the public.
The rules and regulations of the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame do not contain any provisions from removing someone who has been elected.
At least one other member of the hall of fame has contacted the board expressing concern about Scott-Thomas being a member.
This year's inductees have yet to be named.
Despite being an independent board, the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame still answers to the city to a degree.
Andrew Maloney, chairman of the hall of fame board, was contacted by GuelphToday Monday morning but directed all questions to Lynne Briggs, the hall's secretary and City of Guelph representative on the board.
A statement was made by the city late afternoon.
