Continuing Fallout of MSU’s Sex Abuse Scandal on Officials and Institutions
Michigan State University has recently had the eyes of many in the nation focused upon the trial and sentencing of Larry Nassar, team doctor at the University and also with USA gymnastics. On Feb. 5 Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison after more than 160 girls and women gave victim impact statements in court of the sexual abuse Nasser subjected them to over the last two decades.
Nassar admitted to penetrating women and young girls without gloved hands while claiming it was a form of treatment he provided for hip and back injuries. Many of his victims were young gymnasts, but of the more than 216 victims, some were part of other sports and fine arts as well.
In the wake of Nassar’s sentencing, a report provided by ESPN’s Outside the Lines indicated that the University improperly handled sexual assault complaints registered by young women. The report discovered “a pattern of widespread denial, inaction and information suppression of such allegations by officials ranging from campus police to the Spartan athletic department.”
The fallout has continued since.
Investigation in possible Karolyi Ranch abuse
Although Nassar’s future has been determined by the justice system, additional criminal investigations have not ended. The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has ordered Texas Rangers to investigate horrific claims that Nassar sexually assaulted some of the most talented USA gymnasts in the world while they participated in training at the Karolyi Ranch southeast of Huntsville.
USA Gymnastics has severed its relationship with the Karolyi Ranch which is owned by USA national team coordinators Marta and Bela Karolyi. Simone Biles claims that she suffered abuse by Nassar at this facility.
Pressure on MSU to release all records related to Nassar
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, also a Republican candidate for Governor, is calling for MSU to release any information from its computers and drawers related to Nassar, who was found guilty of committing sexual assaults as a campus doctor.
The University and its staff have been accused of repeatedly missing opportunities to stop the abuse Nassar was perpetrating, going back to the 1990s. On January 27, Schuette appointed a special prosecutor over the matter and stated that no party is immune to investigation to determine if additional undiscovered crimes were committed.
MSU athletic director retires
On Jan. 26, the athletic director of Michigan State University, Mark Hollis, announced his retirement in the wake of the school’s further immersion into the scandal surrounding Nassar’s crimes.
Hollis was the University’s athletic director since 2008 and was regarded by some in the media and many of his peers as one of the premier sports administrators in the nation.
At a news conference announcing his retirement, Hollis said, “Our campus and beyond have been attacked by evil.” He added, “We must listen and learn lessons. Only then can we truly begin the process of healing.”
Hollis stated that he was not aware of the Nassar situation until 2016 after published reports from the Indianapolis Star covered the issues surrounding USA gymnastics and its handling of sexual abuse allegations. He stated that he was not forced by the University to retire and will provide full cooperation with investigations into MSU by the State Attorney General’s office and the NCAA.
Bill Beekman has been named interim athletic director of the University. Other than his new responsibilities as athletic director he may also have to deal with an NCAA investigation into the matter. The NCAA has recently sent a letter of inquiry concerning potential violations of NCAA rules in connection with the crimes committed by Nassar.
Child sexual abuse is a devastating crime perpetrated not only against the child, but also the child’s family. These cases can be challenging to pursue in many ways. If your child has experienced sexual abuse, the Los Angeles attorneys at Taylor & Ring are here to provide you and your child with strong and reliable advocacy you need to obtain justice and hold the perpetrators accountable. To set up a free, confidential consultation about your case, call us today at 310-776-6390 or fill out our contact form
David Ring is a nationally renowned plaintiff’s personal injury trial attorney and has obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of seriously-injured individuals or families who have lost a loved one in a tragic accident. For more than 20 years, he has represented victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, assault, molestation and sexual misconduct in cases against a variety of employers and entities, including schools, churches and youth organizations.
He prides himself on providing aggressive, yet compassionate representation for children who have been sexually abused and women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted. Read more about David M. Ring.