The U.S. Olympic Committee has given the USA Gymnastics board six days to step down in the wake of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's sentencing to 40 to 175 years for sexually abusing hundreds of female athletes, CNN reports. An independent investigation into the matter is forthcoming to see if anyone willfully ignored reports of abuse.
By the numbers: 3 board members resigned earlier this week but 18 directors remain.
- CNN obtained the letter USOC CEO Scott Blackmun sent to the disgraced board.
- Leverage: "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," CNN's David Close and Nicole Chavez write.
- USA Gymnastics response: It "completely embraces the requirements outlined."
Per Blackmun:
- "We do not base these requirements on any knowledge that any individual USAG staff or board members had a role in fostering or obscuring Nassar's actions."
- "Our position comes from a clear sense that USAG culture needs fundamental rebuilding."
AP reports from Lansing: although Nassar is on his way to prison effectively for life, "the scandal is far from over at Michigan State University as victims, lawmakers and a judge demand to know why he wasn't stopped years ago."
- "Some are likening Michigan State to Penn State University, where three senior officials, including the school's president, were sentenced to jail last year for failing to tell authorities about a sexual abuse allegation involving coach Jerry Sandusky."
