Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal forces the entire USA Gymnastics board to resign
The entire board of the US Gymnastics board is set to resign in the wake of the scandal involving the sexual abuse of more than 150 female athletes by former team doctor, Larry Nassar.
Nasser, 54 was sentenced to between 40 and 175 years in prison following a week of testimony by his victims. He pleaded guilty to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving girls who were 15 years old or younger. Nearly 160 women who were under his care have come forward
with abuse allegations against him.
On
Thursday, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) gave an ultimatum,
demanding the members of the Gymnastics board step aside before Jan. 31
or face termination as the sport's national governing body.
At least five members already had said they had resigned, months
after President Steve Penny stepped aside under pressure a result of the
scandal.On Friday, the sporting body confirmed the remaining 16 would also quit.
"USA Gymnastics will comply with the USOC requirements," spokeswoman Leslie King said.
Meanwhile, the scandal has also seen the US Gymnastics announced that they would close down their national team training centre in Texas, where Nassar abused many of his victims.
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