Jonathan Morgan Denies Misconduct at Maddy Cusack Inquest, Defends FA 'Liar' Remark About 27-Year-Old
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 6
Jonathan Morgan Denies Misconduct at Maddy Cusack Inquest, Defends FA 'Liar' Remark About 27-Year-Old
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 6
Summary
Jonathan Morgan told the inquest he did not mistreat Maddy Cusack and said his FA comment that she was "generally a liar" reflected information he believed she had omitted to family after her death.
At Chesterfield Coroner's Court, Morgan denied shouting at Cusack at Sheffield United or Leicester City and rejected claims he sidelined her to "cut her down to size," saying she was recovering from a foot injury and competing with in-form players.
Morgan acknowledged telling Cusack she was "too muscular, too bottom-heavy" for his high-sprint style, but said the remark related to conditioning changes that later improved her running statistics.
He also said Cusack's behavior changed in August 2023, becoming less bubbly and energetic, and told the club doctor after a 4 September meeting that something was bothering her and she might need help.
The two-week inquest is examining the circumstances before Cusack, 27, was found unconscious at her Derbyshire home on 20 September 2023; earlier evidence from family and former teammates portrayed Morgan as controlling and isolating.