With champions like Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, and Laurie Hernandez, it’s no wonder USA women’s gymnastics has dominated the last few Olympic games, as well as earned America’s adoration.
However, when allegations of sexual abuse within the sport began to circulate, the reputations of prestigious coaches and trainers alike turned rotten.
In 2008, Olympian Jamie Dantzscher filed a civil lawsuit accusing former volunteer team doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse, according to the Associated Press.
Dr. Larry Nassar, Michigan State University #MSU & fmr USA Gymnastics doctor fired & accused of sexual assault https://t.co/rMLFx9bLqv pic.twitter.com/5PtnYFaSBY
— Michael Harris (@michaelharrisdr) September 21, 2016
Last year, both Dantzscher and former gymnast, Rachael Denhollander, filed additional civil lawsuits. However, the suits weren’t just against Nassar—they were also against the USA Gymnastics organization.
Several months ago, another lawsuit was filed by an unidentified former gymnast against Nassar, citing detailed sexual abuse claims in a 60-page suit.
The Indianapolis Star reported its in-depth investigation proving USA Gymnastics had been slow to respond to multiple accusations of sexual abuse from around the country.
On March 9, the U.S. Olympic Committee leadership recommended that USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny resign due to how the sexual abuse allegations were handled — or rather, not being handled.
And now, Penny has officially resigned:
The Associated Press✔@APBREAKING: USA Gymnastics president Steve Penny resigns following claims the group was slow to react to sex abuse allegations.
His resignation comes after explicit details alleging many USAG officials turned a blind eye to abuse, including coaches Marta and Bela Karolyi.
It was reported that Nassar committed abuse over several years, performing “intravaginal adjustment[s]” to “digitally penetrate” the victim’s vagina in order to “adjust her bones.”
More abuse claims against former USA Gymnastics doc: Dr. Larry Nassar is accused of sexually abusing at least… https://t.co/cm2t6lA9C6
— Mohamed Bakchich (@Bakchich073) September 25, 2016
However, Penny said in a statement that his resignation only means he’s doing what’s best for USAG:
“My decision to step aside as CEO is solely to support the best interests of USA Gymnastics at this time.”
USA Gymnastics Board of Directors chairman Paul Parilla said in a statement that Penny’s resignation would help USAG move forward:
“The Board believes this change in leadership will help USA Gymnastics face its current challenges and implement solutions to move the organization forward in promoting a safe environment for its athletes at all levels.”
According to CBS New York, Penny waited five weeks before he reported the sexual abuse allegations to the FBI. However, he claimed he had been overseeing an internal investigation on the matter durning that time.
Nassar is currently in a Michigan prison; he faces both state and federal charges. It’s unclear at this time if charges will be filed against Penny.
Source:ijr.com