Sexual assault survivors should be treated as 'heroes' for coming forward, Winnipeg football coach says

Warning: This story discusses sexual assault.

Some in Winnipeg's football community say it's clear there's still progress to be made in how sexual assault survivors are treated, after five former high school players came forward this month with allegations against a longtime coach dating back years.

Kelsey Albert Dana McKay was charged this week with multiple offences, including sexual assault and luring, after Winnipeg police said they got reports from five adults who alleged McKay assaulted them between 2004 and 2011 while they were students and played football at Churchill High School and Vincent Massey Collegiate.

Most of the assaults are alleged to have happened at McKay's home, Winnipeg Police Service Const. Dani McKinnon said at a news conference Wednesday. None of the allegations against the 51-year-old have been proven in court.

Geordie Wilson, head coach of the Winnipeg Rifles junior football team, said he worries the culture surrounding certain men's sports makes it especially tough for players who are survivors of sexual assault to come forward.

Wilson, whose team has nine former Vincent Massey players on the roster, said that needs to change.

"We have to have admiration for them and we have to actually start treating them as heroes when they come forward, because it's a tough thing," he said.

"And then maybe what it does is it clears the path for, if there's other victims from this situation, [for them to come forward]."

McKinnon told reporters she "wouldn't be surprised" if the sex crimes unit got more calls after the Wednesday news conference.

Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to call 204-986-6245. 

McKay, who's currently still a teacher at Vincent Massey, has been placed on