George Mason University

"Rowers Beware: Joe Richards has lead Mason to the bottom of the D1 rankings and killed the once promising rowing program created by Elena Bratichko, Paul Rassam and Ted Nagorsen. He ridicules his athletes, talks about them but not to them, and is not supportive unless you are one of his personal trained projects. These are the girls you will be presented with when you meet the team. Watch them. Go in a launch or to a regatta. Record the boats and show your own head coach. Is this a D1 team? Go beyond the glitter and talk to the girls that don’t approach. Ask the girls not in his top boat if they get a chance to seat race, if he is supportive and encouraging to them on and off the water as well. The vast majority of the team (over 85%) are walk ons, under 5’8 with zero experience. His line ups are people he “likes” vs ability to move a boat. Their technique, body positioning, and oars are all over the water. They never post video for this reason but even their pictures clearly show issues. Technique is rarely corrected. Girls end up injured. They do not do drills. The team environment is toxic- they will bully you until you quit. Mason goes through assistant varsity coaches just as fast because he treats them poorly as well and does not let them have a voice. Not one has stayed more than an academic year. They do not recruit in NoVa because of their poor reputation, yet it is a rowing hub! If Mason wants to save this sinking ship, it needs a AD who is not pals, can read beyond the sliver of truth articles Richards submits, learns a speck about the sport (maybe learn from Bob Spousta) and will listen to the complaints of the girls who have previously left and or were swept under the rug. NCAA needs to do better. We need a system where reporting doesn’t end up causing more trauma and ending more “love of sport” for these athletes. "

"I have nothing but glowing things to say about Aaron. He believed in me throughout my recruiting process and supported me every step of the way. I have yet to work with a coach as impactful as he was. His passion for the game is obvious, and he genuinely wants to see his players develop, grow, and succeed. His time as an assistant at Florida State speaks to his coaching ability, and GMU is lucky to have someone with his experience, energy, and commitment to athletes. I would recommend him as a coach without hesitation."

"As a parent of a student athlete he coached, I have forst hand knowledge of his character, lack of knowledge and anger management issues. He seems to have limited knowledge on the use of bunts and squeezes in softball not the use of hit and runs. As the other commenter stated, he chose favorites regardless of ho2 poor that favorite was. As a leadoff hitter, you average below 200, you shouldn't be a leadoff. You would think that players who are passionate and want to win would be more valued but for some reason he values ducking up more He has stepped close enough to the unethical line that he was fortunate to not have a criminal complaint filed against him and subsequent arrest for assault. Very few athletes from his recruited classes ever stay long enough on the team or at the school due to his lack of character and ridiculous coaching style. His only winning season resulted from a transfer grad student who pitched at UVA. Of course she was not subjected to his authoritarian coaching style Its a shame that he can't be rated a zero."

"Terrible individual and does not know how to speak to adults. I dont know if he looks down on others due to the color of their skin but a nasty and terrible individual. He should worry about the future vs trying to hold it back. I'm sure he would hate for his suprerviosr to speak to him the way he speaks to people but wonders why his athletes are not competing at the highest level in division 1 track and could barely win a high school state championship. "

"Had high hopes for this coach, however a big disappointment. Belittles and tears players down instead of coaching to enhance player development. Arrogant and rude to players and coaching staff. A poor communicator who plays mind games, unless you are one of his favorites. Sorry GMU—what were you thinking??? This guy is definitely not head coach material. "