US Gymnastics Shake‑Up: 21 Board Members Resign After Larry Nassar Verdict
In a stunning turn of events, USA Gymnastics is shedding more than its lights—the 21‑member board has been forced to step down in the wake of the recent sentencing of former national team doctor Larry Nassar. The fallout comes after a wave of lawsuits, public outrage, and an unexpected verdict that landed Nassar in prison for a staggering 40 to 175 years.
What Went Down?
On Wednesday, a Michigan court handed down the punishment that many felt was long overdue. Nassar had pleaded guilty to a litany of sexual assault charges, and his victims—among them Olympic gold medallists Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber—were given the floor to share their harrowing stories. Run‑of‑the‑mill words in courtroom drama do not quite capture how the courtroom grew electric.
Board Ripple Effect
- Five out of 21 officials already resigned due to the scandal.
- US Olympic Committee (USOC) head Scott Blackmun warned that if any board members stayed, USA Gymnastics might lose its governing status.
- By the end of February, a fresh interim board will be up and running—one that may or may not be as fun to work with.
- Leslie King, a USA Gymnastics spokesperson, confirmed, “We will comply with the USOC’s requirements.”
Michigan State Hours: A Drastic Turn
While the gymnastics world was reevaluating its leadership, the Michigan State University (MSU) athletic department was also forced to make a fresh start. Athletic Director Mark Hollis announced his retirement just two days after President Lou Anna Simon stepped down under pressure. Both claimed ignorance of Nassar’s abuse until it hit the headlines.
“Our campus—and beyond—has been attacked by something truly evil, an individual who broke trust and so much more,” Hollis declared over a press conference, weighing lightly the heavy tone of his words.
“I’m not running away from anything,” he added, pledging cooperation with ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos confirmed investigations into MSU. “What happened at Michigan State is abhorrent,” DeVos said, hinting that the campus could face federal scrutiny for any violations.
Accountability Under the Spotlight
Critics argue that the USOC could have done better. A lawyer advocating 120 victims—including former gymnast McKayla Maroney—airmonted that the USOC and its board did not have the “moral authority” to speak over this issue.
- John Manly, the attorney, called for the resignation of both the board and the USOC’s chief executive, Scott Blackmun.
- Despite protests, a USOC spokesperson refused to comment, while Susanne Lyons called the resignations a “critical first step” but stressed that more work remains in safeguarding athletes.
Investigations Engulfing Other Sports
Congress is tightening its sights, with a House committee reviewing allegations of sexual harassment across multiple sports, including swimming and taekwondo—seeking to understand whether oversight lapses existed elsewhere.
Victims Voice Frontlines
Queen of the gymnastic stage, Aly Raisman, who counted herself among the 150+ accusers, vowed to keep pushing until the sport’s guardians answer. In a candid ABC interview, she declared, “We’re not done yet. We still have to hold these organisations accountable.”
First-time voice Rachael Denhollander penned a New York Times op‑ed, reminding readers that anyone shielding Nassar should face the music. “The first step toward changing the culture… is to hold enablers of abuse accountable,” she wrote.
What’s Next?
The US House Energy and Commerce Committee is tackling how sports bodies must “implement mechanisms that provide oversight and prevent abuse.” A bill passed by the Senate in November will require amateur athletics organisations to report abuse allegations immediately to law enforcement or child‑welfare agencies.
With the House due for a vote next week, the future will be split between reform, re‑tracing oversight failures, and making sure past mistakes never repeat.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell:
- USA Gymnastics board is basically shuffling—some stepped down for good; others must follow suit.
- MSU—once a haven for athletes—now walks under investigation.
- Congress is busy keeping the lines of accountability open, hoping to patch holes.
History doesn’t repeat itself unless we change the narrative. Let’s hope the next page writes a safer, fairer chapter.
