US fencer who hurt team's Olympic chances suspended for misconduct allegations

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An American fencer has been temporarily suspended for allegations of misconduct, the U.S. Center for SafeSport says.

Curtis McDowald was suspended beginning Friday, along with track athlete Sean Stevenson.

"Once we became aware of the allegations, we immediately informed the U.S. Center for SafeSport, who exercised their ability to take jurisdictional control of the case and upheld our temporary measures’," USA Fencing said in a statement, via USA Today. "We take the safety and integrity of our sport seriously and will cooperate fully with the inquiry while maintaining the confidentiality of the involved parties. We also encourage anyone who has been harmed in sport to come forward, and we will support them to the fullest extent of our abilities."

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Curtis McDowald of Team United States during a match against Team Japan in Men's Épée Team Table of 16 on day seven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Makuhari Messe Hall on July 30, 2021, in Chiba, Japan. (Elsa/Getty Images)

McDowald made headlines over the summer when his outburst after a loss disqualified the entire USA men's épée team at the Pan-American Senior Championships in Peru.

On the decisive point, McDowald was penalized with a red card, ending the match. After the loss, McDowald's opponent tried to shake his hand, but he angrily slapped it. 

As other members shook hands, McDowald, a 2020 Olympian, kicked and put his foot through a free-standing banner at the venue.

Curtis McDowald of Team United States reacts after his loss to Team Japan in Men's Épée Team Table of 16 on day seven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Makuhari