Larry Nassar: What Did the US Women’s National Gymnastics Team Doctor Do?
Disclaimer: The article contains mentions of abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
In August 2016, a former female gymnast accused team doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. According to the reports, the gymnast claimed that Nassar sexually abused her at the age of 15. The report also indicated that the incident happened in 2000 while the victim was trying to get her lower back treated. Subsequently, an investigation began, and the Michigan State University relieved Nassar of his duties. However, things went downhill for the physician once the authorities and media outlets started investigating his crimes.
More than a week after the first criminal complaint against Nassar, the IndyStar released a report in which two victims publicly accused the team’s physician of sexual abuse. Citing the statements of the victims, the outlet mentioned that the doctor “fondled their genitals and breasts.” On the other hand, one of the victims also sued USA Gymnastics for not doing anything about the doctor’s conduct.
In October 2016, Michigan attorney Bill Schuette said that he and his office were going to review the allegations against Larry Nassar. Almost a month later, in November 2016, the physician was charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13. Additionally, IndyStar also revealed that the investigators received 50 complaints alleging sexual abuse.
The New York Times also reported that more than 500 women revealed that Nassar abused them. Subsequently, Larry Nassar pleaded guilty to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and entered a plea deal.
Where is Larry Nassar now?
As per People Magazine, Nassar is currently serving his sentence at United States Penitentiary Coleman II in Florida. The New York Times reported that the victims called Nassar a “monster” and “most dangerous type of abuser.” One of the victims opened up about the kind of abuse she received when she accused Nassar of sexual abuse. The victim said, “I was attacked on social media. People didn’t believe me, even people I thought were my friends. They called me a liar, and even accused me of making all of this up just to get attention.”
During the trial, Larry Nassar also addressed the court and apologized to all the victims. Citing his statements during the hearing, BBC reported that the physician pleaded guilty because he wanted to “stop the hurting.” He added, “I’m so sorry that this was like a match that turned into a forest fire, out of control. I want them to heal. I want this community to heal. I have no animosity toward any one. I just want healing. It’s time.”
Court sentenced physician in sexual abuse case
On January 24, 2018, the court sentenced Larry Nassar to 40 to 175 years in prison on sexual assault charges. On the other hand, the court sentenced Nassar to an additional 40 to 125 years after pleading guilty to three more sexual assault charges.
After the sentencing, the victims said that they wanted organizations like USA Gymnastics to hear the victims. One of the victims said, “It’s not something where you just instantly feel better. We need to hold these organizations accountable – USA Gymnastics, United States Olympic Committee, MSU. They need an independent investigation. This is bigger than Larry Nassar.”
In a documentary titled Athlete A, Netflix documented the entire case, in which many athletes spoke about their fight to get justice.
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