In a public statement released Thursday, the female volleyball players from Saint-Dié, a team competing in the top division, expressed their serious concerns regarding the behavior of their coach, Emmanuel Dumortier. The players reported having been subjected to a series of sexist and sexual insults, which they brought to the attention of the government through an official complaint platform. This type of abusive behavior is claimed to be indicative of a broader issue within the sports coaching community, as stated in their press release.

The players' statement highlights that there are still coaches who resort to vexatious and dangerous methods in their training practices. The Saint-Dié team members are calling out such practices that not only undermine the athletes' dignity but also create a hostile work environment. They emphasized their commitment to combating these toxic practices that persist in the sport, seeking accountability for their coach’s actions.

By making their experiences public through the media and involving a professional players' union, the athletes aim to spark a discussion about sexism in sports. This incident reflects ongoing struggles against gender discrimination and abuse within athletic programs, urging authorities to take action and conduct a thorough investigation into the coaching methods of Dumortier and perhaps broader reforms in coaching standards.