OPRF Coach Mike Powell Talks Leave of Absence, Sexual Misconduct Investigation

Following a police investigation into an alleged off-campus sexual assault that took place at his home while he was gone, Oak Park and River Forest High School Wrestling Coach Mike Powell has released a statement regarding his leave of absence.

“Both the Oak Park Police Department and District 200 are investigating an incident that may have happened while students were in my home without my knowledge or permission when I was not there,” he wrote. “These investigations must be thorough and fair, and if there was a misconduct or crime committed, any offenders need to face the appropriate consequences.”

Powell, who had reportedly been placed on a leave of absence from the school, has already been sorely missed in his position as assistant coach for the school’s varsity wrestling team.

Powell said in his statement he wants to set the record straight in the midst of rumors and false information. One of the most important things to note, he said, is that he hasn’t been accused of any misconduct by the school or the police, and that his temporary coaching suspension isn’t disciplinary, but routine in an investigation.

“For nearly two decades, I’ve been lucky enough to share my life with the men, women and children in the Oak Park/River Forest family,” he wrote. “As a teacher and coach, I’ve made respect, understanding and self-discipline core values for my students and athletes.”

Powell assured the OPRF community in his statement that he’s not the subject or target of any of the current ongoing investigations. He said the school was apparently aware of the incident of misconduct weeks before he was informed about it by the police, and said he will continue to cooperate with officials throughout the investigations.

He also made a point to emphasize the gravity of the investigation's sexual misconduct claims.

“Any difficulty inaccurate reports and misperceptions have caused me, my family and my team pales in comparison to the pain of sexual assault,” he wrote. “I await the results of these investigations with hope that the truth will be brought to light and justice will prevail. Any victims, our school district, and the community I am proud to call my home deserve nothing less.”

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