Sara Cárdenas Denies Psychological Abuse Allegations, Claims Defamation Campaign

Sara Cárdenas, president of the Jalisco Judo Association, is vehemently denying allegations of psychological abuse leveled against her by Gabriela Martínez Ledezma, the mother of a young judoka. According to Cárdenas, who is currently facing legal proceedings, these accusations are part of a deliberate campaign to damage her reputation. Cárdenas insists on her innocence, maintaining she never had direct contact with the alleged victim.

Cárdenas Defends Her Career and Integrity

Addressing the media this Wednesday, Cárdenas stated, «This isn't just a legal process; it's a campaign to discredit my 30-plus years of sports career and tarnish the sport I love. But I am standing firm because the truth and my history support me.» Cárdenas emphasized the potential damage these accusations could inflict, not only on her personal reputation but also on her professional standing. «I don’t want years of effort to be destroyed by lies used to take away the position I have earned through hard work,» she added. She was accompanied by parents, athletes, trainers, and friends from CODE (High-Performance Sports Center) who, she claims, can attest to her dedication and integrity.

Innocence Claim Based on Absence and Administrative Role

Cárdenas further asserted that the accusations are entirely false. She detailed that she was never the young judoka's trainer and that during the period in question, she was on maternity leave. Upon returning to CODE Jalisco, she was assigned to an administrative role, precluding any direct interaction with the complainant's son. «I am facing a conflict where I am falsely accused of psychologically harming a young man. I state clearly that these accusations are false, unjust, and fueled by interests external to sports. Never in my life have I been this athlete's trainer. During the alleged period of abuse, I was on maternity leave and had no contact with him. When I returned, my role was strictly administrative. Despite this, my name has been used to blame, point fingers, and cause harm,» Cárdenas explained.

Legal Challenges and Procedural Irregularities

Miguel Ángel García, Cárdenas’s lawyer, highlighted several inconsistencies in the legal process. According to García, the authorities' actions have been irregular, pointing to Cárdenas's alleged detention without prior notification, despite the supposed issuance of two prior summons. «There were citations we never knew about. It was surprising for everyone when she was approached outside her parents’ house, with a baby in her arms, without adhering to due process,» García stated. He noted that while formal requirements existed within the file, they were never properly communicated to Cárdenas.

Appeal and Efforts to Restore Reputation

García confirmed that they are appealing the case, confident that they can clarify the situation and restore Cárdenas's image. The accusations have not only affected her personal reputation but also her professional life. Cárdenas, who also works as a professor at the University of Guadalajara (UdeG), has been temporarily suspended from her position. They are focusing on demonstrating that the judicial process has been flawed and that the allegations lack merit.

Contextualizing the Issue

According to Grupo Milenio (2024), the case is attracting public interest because it involves accusations of psychological abuse within a prominent sports institution. «The allegations are raising questions about the procedures and oversight within the CODE Jalisco, as well as the support available to young athletes,» Roberto Hurtado writes. This case also highlights the challenges faced by women in leadership positions in sports, who often find themselves under greater scrutiny (Hurtado, 2024).

The Road Ahead

As the legal battle continues, Cárdenas remains determined to clear her name and defend her legacy. Her supporters emphasize the importance of allowing due process to unfold and ensuring that all parties involved are treated fairly. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of high-stakes accusations, particularly in the competitive world of sports.

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