We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
A SPORTS DOCTOR accused of molesting girls while working for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University pleaded guilty today to multiple charges of sexual assault and will face at least 25 years in prison.
Dr Larry Nassar, 54, was charged with molesting seven girls, mostly under the guise of treatment at his Lansing-area home and a campus clinic.
All but one of his accusers was a gymnast.
He faces similar charges in a neighbouring county and lawsuits filed by more than 125 women and girls.
Olympic gymnasts Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas are among the women who have publicly said they were among Nassar’s victims.
Some of his accusers attended the hearing in a packed Ingham County courtroom today. Some were crying.
Nassar admitted to digital penetrating the victims and agreed that his conduct had no legitimate medical purpose and that he did not have the girls’ consent.
The plea deal in Ingham County calls for a minimum prison sentence of 25 years, but a judge could set the minimum sentence as high as 40 years. In Michigan, inmates are eligible for parole after serving a minimum sentence.
Sentencing was set for 12 January 2018.
The girls have testified that Nassar molested them with his hands, sometimes when a parent was present in the room, while they sought help for gymnastics injuries.
“He convinced these girls that this was some type of legitimate treatment,” Assistant Attorney General Angela Poviliatis told a judge last summer.
Why would they question him? Why would they question this gymnastics god?
Separately, Nassar is charged with similar crimes in Eaton County, the location of an elite gymnastics club. He also is awaiting sentencing in federal court on child pornography charges.
The Michigan criminal cases against Nassar followed reports last year in the Indianapolis Star about how USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians, mishandled complaints about sexual misconduct involving the doctor and coaches.
Women and girls said the stories inspired them to step forward with detailed allegations of abuse, sometimes when their parents were in the exam room at Michigan State.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
“At least 25 years in prison” …. Now thats the way to deal with these dirt bags. Compare this to our “your’e an awful man, now promise me that you wont do this anymore” level of sentencing.
This disgusting behavior is now rampant in all walks of life.Time to look beyond the Catholic Church, and unfortunately be suspicious of all organisations that our children interact with.
@Tedser: Ah. the poor catholic priests.
Disgusted at Gabby Douglas’ behaviour recently who victim shamed her own team mates and said “it goes both ways”. They were underage when this began
It seems our world is just full of perverts…
@siobhan pat mulcahy: There are good people. What we need to do is teach our kids to have the mental strength to speak up immediately someone touches their swim suit covered body parts.
@siobhan pat mulcahy:
Unfortunately the world has always been full of perverts. It’s only now with the availability of information and the different avenues with which people can speak out that we are becoming all too aware just how prevalent it is.
@siobhan pat mulcahy: Thankfully only a minority but their power is being called out.
digital penetration really?
@Frederic Slimane: Idiot! It means using his fingers. Clearer now? That is all that bothered you from reading this about this despicable excuse of a human? You need to get yourself checked.
@Frederic Slimane: I wondered about that too.
@Paul Watchorn: you two might be better off clarifying why you were doing so much wondering about this
@Frederic Slimane: you are a fvcking dope.
This kind of craic will never,ever end. Disgusting animals everywhere in every walk of life and we’re all painted with the one brush by some commenters here,feeding their disdain for men.
@An Observer: no it’s some men being called out for the disrespectful and even criminal way they treat women that’s being called out. But men taking it personally and defending these creeps that’s upsetting rather than believe the victims.
@Deborah Behan: We don,t defending the creeps but the men that behave respectful to women but by some commentators painted with the same brush.
@Hans Vos: Come off it, these were young people he was targeting, plus he had child porn. If it was a woman coach we’d say the same. Glad he was caught, pity it took so long.
Absolutely disgraceful this man did this to these amazing athletes who’s dedicated their whole lives to Gymnastics sport and there country and top officials who knew what was going on kept this a secret huge respect for the girls who came forward I really hope they can find peace may he never be free from prison
have your say