Statesman article today. Candid article. The writer, Calen Yum, may have his UT credentials revoked. Article worth a read. Excerpts:
Bowman was tough on his student. He created difficult situations for Phelps in low-stakes situations so that he'd be better prepared for the future. For example, cracking his goggles on purpose, hiding them entirely, or arranging for late pickups so that Phelps would have to swim hungry.
“When I think about my grandchildren, I don’t want them being angry at people all the time,” he said. “Then I go back to practice and I’m like, ‘Wow, these kids have a grandpa too. I wonder how he treats them?’ Probably a lot nicer than I used to treat my swimmers," Bowman said in an article by the Associated Press.
Phelps once described him as "intense and insane."
In 2018, texts were acquired by the Orange Country Register that detailed texts sent from Bowman to former Olympic swimmer Caroline Burckle in 2011. They contained what Burckle said were "aggressive" advances that were described as "sexually graphic."
Despite details being sent to then-USA Swimming national team assistant coach Jack Roach and national team director Frank Busch, Bowman wasn't punished. ASU says they weren't aware of the texts before hiring him previously, and the coach apologized for them once it was revealed.
"I regret the exercise of poor judgment in being involved one evening seven years ago with inappropriate communications," Bowman said in a text to The Associated Press.
https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/college/longhorns/2024/04/03/bob-bowman-texas-swimming-coach-michael-phelps-eddie-reese-longhorns/73179646007/