Scott Blackmun, The U.S. Olympic Committee’s CEO has demanded in a letter that all members of the USA Gymnastics board of directors resign. Hopefully soon, a court of law will demand that some of them that have been proven to have enabled the despicable serial sexual abuser Larry Nassar spend time in prison.
Nassar was sentenced to 175 years in prison on Wednesday.
This comes on the heels of Michigan State President Lou Anna Simon resigning her post amid mounting pressure about the university’s failure to act for having long been told about Nassar’s sexual abuse of the school’s female athletes.
Blackmun said USAG will lose its status as a sports governing body unless the board resigns by Wednesday and an interim board is in place by February 28.
Three board members resigned earlier this week, but the Indianapolis-based governing body has 18 other board positions.
Victim delivers powerful statement at sentencing for former USA Gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar
WARNING: Video contains graphic details: The sentencing phase for former USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar began in Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday.
“Please understand that the circumstances that led to this crisis demand our attention and intervention,” wrote Blackmun. “These steps are intended to help USAG create a culture that protects and supports its athletes in the way I know we all want to do.”
In a statement Thursday night, USAG said it “completely embraces the requirements outlined” in Blackmun’s letter and “appreciates the opportunity to work with the USOC to accomplish change for the betterment of our organization, our athletes and our clubs.”
It’s a damn shame that USA Gymnastics didn’t embrace the fact that hundreds of young girls were being abused when they initially had the opportunity.
