The entire board of USA Gymnastics (USAG) will resign as a result of the scandal involving former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. Nassar was convicted of abusing over 150 women and young girls over a span of twenty years under the pretense of necessary medical treatment.
The resignations are one of six conditions that the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) demanded USA Gymnastics meet by the end of the week, or face decertification from the body. USAG announced earlier today that the entire board will be stepping down.
Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for his crimes. More than 150 of his victims gave heart-breaking impact statements during his trial about the pain, shame and trauma they have endured because of Nassar’s abuse. At one point the doctor asked the judge in his case to discontinue the statements, saying it was too hard for him to listen to. The Judge Rosemarie Aquilina denied Nassar’s request.
Nassar was employed by USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Olympic Committee and Michigan State University over his career. Many of Nasser’s victims have accused those institutions of turning a blind eye to his abuse. The organizations originally denied any wrongdoing, saying that they took action as soon as Nassar’s behavior became known. But in recent days larger steps have been taken.
Michigan State University president, Lou Anna Simon, announced her resignation yesterday. The University’s athletic director, Mark Hollis announced his resignation today.
In addition to the resignations, the U.S. Olympic Committee is demanding that all USAG staff and board members complete SafeSport training within three months and comprehensive ethics training within six months. The U.S. Olympic Committee’s letter to USA Gymnastics outlined the need for a complete revamping of the USAG’s culture.
“Our position comes from a clear sense that USAG culture needs fundamental rebuilding. Every athlete connected in any way with USAG must feel safe, supported, and encouraged to speak freely about threats to their safety,” the letter said.
USOC had previously issued a statement to Nassar’s victims apologizing for its lack of response. “The Olympic family is among those that have failed you,” the statement read.