A University-commissioned investigation found “no substantiated evidence” that men’s water polo head coach Brian Flacks retaliated against players, but it also concluded that some conduct within the program failed to meet Stanford’s standards for respectful behavior.

“Over the past nine months, I have faced allegations that challenged the values I’ve upheld throughout my career. Today I’m grateful to share that the investigations are over,” Flacks told The Daily.

This is the second investigation that Flacks has been cleared of in the past year. Last fall, the coach was investigated and cleared of emotional abuse allegations raised by parents of some. The investigation closed in February. In April, a second investigation opened based on student athlete concerns as at least three players met with Vice Provost Patrick Dunkley in March and filed formal retaliation complaints, according to a statement to The Daily from an investigation participant who requested anonymity.

“The message this sends to student-athletes at Stanford is unmistakable: ‘If you see something, don’t say something,’” they wrote.

In a statement to The Daily, an athletics department spokesperson said an outside investigator interviewed 44 witnesses and reviewed more than 1,000 documents during a 10-week inquiry. 

“Based on a preponderance of the evidence, the claims of retaliation were not substantiated,” the spokesperson said. 

The same review also determined that “certain individuals within the water polo program” fell short of University expectations, prompting recommendations for Flacks to “improve team culture” and refine his coaching style with help from a professional mentor. The University did not specify who the “certain individuals” were.

“With the investigations concluded, Coach Flacks and his staff will move forward with the full support of Stanford Athletics leadership, in working with our players and staff to achieve competitive excellence in their sport,” the statement said.

Flacks, hired in 2022 and just the fifth head coach in the history of the program, expressed gratitude to those around him who supported him as the investigation unfolded. 

“The support from current and former players, their families, my coaching staff, and Stanford Athletics has been overwhelming. Most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Katherine, for her unwavering love and strength,” he said.

Ryan Ohl, a sophomore on the team, said the conclusion of the investigation removes a major distraction. 

“We’re excited to get back to focusing on water polo and winning a national championship,” he said.

Ohl described Flacks as “a passionate and incredible coach who looks for the best in all of his players” and said his team “is a family.” 

Other team members feel differently. One water polo player who requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation wrote to The Daily that Stanford “effectively endorsed retaliatory actions by a head coach against students to further enforce a troubling culture of silence and intimidation.”

The player added that the University “chose to prioritize its image, reputation and relationships with those in positions of influence over the very student-athletes it is responsible to care for.”

In another response to the investigation’s findings provided to The Daily, an investigation participant who also requested anonymity called the outcome “a cautionary tale.”

“The student-athletes involved in two formal investigations followed every proper channel, repeatedly bringing their concerns to two Athletic Directors and four senior administrators. Each time, their experiences were downplayed and dismissed,” the participant said. “But this conclusion defies logic and common sense given the extremely negative and long-lasting impact [Flacks’] callous and calculated actions have had on the student-athletes.”

A spokesperson for Flacks denied these “unfounded allegations.”

The investigator on the case will provide recommendations to Flacks in an effort to improve the program overall.   

“Moving forward, Coach Flacks will follow those recommendations and will also work with a professional coach who can provide individualized feedback,” said the spokesperson for the athletics department.

While the investigations are closed, those who believe their concerns were ignored plan to keep pressing for change. 

“Stanford should be leading the NCAA,” the anonymous player said. “Instead, it hopes to sweep unethical behavior under the rug and hope truth-telling student-athletes will go away.”

For Flacks and his supporters, the priority now is returning their full focus to water polo and building the program. A source close to Flacks added that three of the nation’s top four recruits in the class of 2026 have reaffirmed their commitments to The Farm and that no prospect decommitted during the investigation.

“The future is very bright, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Ohl said.

“Moving forward, my focus is clear: to continue building a championship culture at Stanford alongside the most dedicated student athletes in the world. This chapter has only deepened my commitment to our shared values and our goal to educate and compete at the highest level,” Flacks said.

This article has been updated to provide further comment from Flacks’ spokesperson.