There is not 'one type' of Buddism first of all, but many variations based on the same Dharma,
similar to Christianity imo.
I lived in Los Angeles from 1985 to 2014 and practiced Buddhism there and still do.
Spoke with monks from all over the world in L.A., I don't know who Sweeney is, but I didnt't share his expereinces at all.

truth abounds if one seeks it.

Of course they did, in their defense. Also, they are only human, they just try to be better than the rest of us, daily imo.

It's core to Buddhism that if any teaching doesn't work then reject it, that goes back to the origins of the faith with Gautama Buddha about 2,500 years ago:

“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”
― Gautama Buddha

It's a valid point. On the other hand, I have no issue with extracting from Buddhism what is actually beneficial and justifiable (e.g., secular meditation practice or its equivalent). Or recognizing that some aspects of religious Buddhism are pretty humanistic and effectively atheistic and even respectful of science (e.g., the form of Tibetan Buddhism that the Dali Lama represents, if not always what is practiced).

One can even argue that this "sanitized Western Buddhism" is more influential on a worldwide basis than what it was extracted from, and thus has transcended it. (I'd make that case, but for the various sex scandals and other forms of "guru abuse" that have sprung from the "sanitized" version).

On the other hand, you have the human rights debacle in Myanmar and other examples that demonstrate that people suck wherever you go and regardless of religion (and sometimes because of religion).

My personal bottom line is that I borrow some basic concepts from Buddhism and apply them to my life (mainly, that attachements to particular outcomes are the source of existential suffering, and detachment from same is the solution to most existential suffering). I do not identify as a Buddhist or attend Buddhist meetings, even though I could chose between Tibetan and Zen groups that are very active and developed in my area. The religion brings too much cruft with it.