Request for Public Accountability Following USASF Permanent Ban of Xtreme Cheer Owner and Coach

Dear Patch Editorial Team,

I am writing to bring attention to a deeply concerning matter involving Michael Talbot, an all-star cheerleading gym owner and coach associated with Xtreme Cheer in Danbury, Connecticut, and his wife, Dana Talbot, who co-owns the gym.

According to the information regarding his disciplinary status with the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF), Michael Talbot has been placed on its permanently banned list for violating their athlete protection policy, and misconduct involving a minor. This is an extremely serious matter, particularly in a sport where children and teenagers place their trust in coaches and gym owners who hold positions of authority and responsibility over them.

All-star cheerleading is more than a sport. It is a community built around young athletes, families, and the adults entrusted with their safety. Parents deserve to know when serious misconduct involving someone in a position of authority raises questions about athlete protection and accountability. These matters should not be overlooked simply because they involve a local business or individuals who may be well known within the community, including Danbury high school & Newtown high school. 

Xtreme Cheer has been part of the Danbury cheerleading community, and its leadership makes this issue especially relevant to local families. I believe the circumstances surrounding this permanent ban warrant public knowledge and responsible investigative reporting. The community deserves an opportunity to understand what has been officially documented, what safeguards are in place to protect young athletes, and what accountability exists when allegations of this nature arise in youth sports. This investigation has been ongoing two years, and has finally come to the conclusion resulting in a permanent ban. They have a parallel investigation with Danbury Police Dept as well.

I am asking the Danbury News-Times to investigate this matter, review the relevant USASF disciplinary records, and determine whether additional reporting is warranted. This is not about spreading rumors or engaging in personal attacks. It is about transparency, the protection of minors, and ensuring that parents have access to important information when making decisions about the organizations entrusted with their children.

Young athletes deserve to feel safe in their gyms. Parents deserve transparency. And the responsibility to protect children must always come before the reputation or financial interests of any individual or organization.

I hope the Danbury patch will give this matter the attention it deserves. We also have more evidence that will be provided once we make contact with an editor - just to ensure our privacy as Sophie is a victim. 

Sincerely,

Alexandra Richter & Sophie Kantor 

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