DENVER (AP) — Olympic taekwondo champion Steven Lopez won arbitration Monday in a sexual-misconduct case and had his name removed from the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s banned list.
Lopez was permanently banned in September for sexual misconduct involving a minor. He has denied the allegations.
This marks the first case to be overturned by arbitration in the 21-month history of the center. SafeSport spokesman Dan Hill said arbitration is part of the center’s “code that is built on fairness and has a process for both parties.”
Lopez’s brother and coach, Jean Lopez, remains on the interim restricted list.