Longtime Saskatoon softball coach accused of sexually abusing child

A longtime Saskatoon softball coach is facing charges of abusing a child over the course of nearly six years.

According to police, Rick Davis, 56, was charged with sexually assaulting a child between the ages of five and nine between February 2012 and December 2017.

Davis, a member of the executive of the Saskatoon Minor Softball League (SMSL) and commissioner of the Hustler Fastpitch zone, was arrested on April 7.

Upon learning of the charges, the SMSL suspended Davis from “all roles and responsibilities.”

“Protecting the participants within our softball community is our first priority and is a responsibility we take very seriously,” a statement from Hustlers Zone 1 said.

Police are concerned there may be other victims in the community and are asking anyone with information to contact them.

SMSL president Vanessa Kosteroski said the league was “deeply disturbed to learn of these charges and will fully co-operate with the investigation.”

In a statement posted on the SMSL’s website, the organization said Davis was suspended after working in collaboration with Softball Saskatchewan and Softball Canada.

“Out of concern for the members of our community, we reached out to parents and players who were to be coached by Mr. Davis this summer to update them on our plans and to address any questions,” the statement read.

“To ensure we were not interfering with the police investigation, we requested that the participants respect the confidential nature of what was to be discussed. Our intention was to create a safe environment for people to ask questions and to fully participate.”

Davis appeared in Saskatoon provincial court Monday. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 29.