Report: Josh Gattis was investigated for exposing himself to custodian while at Miami

According to a report from the “Baltimore Sun,” four months before Maryland football hired offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, a woman alleged he exposed himself to her in Florida. The case has reportedly since been closed.

“Gattis was on the University of Miami football staff in November 2022 when the woman, a custodian at the university, said he entered a bathroom on the school’s campus and called out to her,” Hayes Gardner and Maya Lora wrote. “Worrying something might be amiss, she entered the bathroom where she said she saw him facing her and masturbating, according to police records.

“Gattis, 39, later took a polygraph test denying that he intentionally exposed himself to the woman. The polygraph examiner did not detect any deception from Gattis, according to a transcript provided to police, which The Baltimore Sun obtained through Florida’s Sunshine Laws.”

In Gattis’ first year as Maryland’s offensive coordinator, the Terrapins averaged 393.8 yards per game, ranking No. 55 in the country. Gattis declined to comment and the University of Miami did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Maryland is aware of the situation.

“Maryland Athletics is aware of the reported incident and understands that no charges were filed,” Maryland football spokesperson Dustin Semonavick wrote in a statement. “As we do with all coaching hires, we conducted due diligence including a standard background check. We have every confidence in Coach Gattis’ ability to help lead our program and uphold the values of our athletic department and university.”

The custodian reportedly indicated she wanted to press charges on the day of the incident. However, prosecutors did not pursue the case, and she did not pursue the issue. The woman also alleged the incident later caused a panic attack that sent her to the emergency room.

The alleged victim’s supervisor, Juan Vasquez, confirmed she did report the incident. Gattis only spent one season at Miami before being fired.

“Gattis was fired from his Miami position Jan. 27, two months after the conclusion of the Hurricanes’ disappointing 2022 season and amid the police investigation. During that time, Gattis was in text communication with a police chief who has served for decades as a volunteer security advisor for the Miami football team.”

Gattis’ contract with Maryland lasts through Dec. 31, 2024. He is contracted to earn $950,000 in 2024. Maryland finished the regular season with a 7-5 record and will square off against Auburn in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30