Doctor disputes USA Gymnastics claim
A longtime team physician for USA Gymnastics on Tuesday disputed the Olympic organization's statement that he had been fired in 2015 following athlete complaints.
The disagreement over why Dr. Larry G. Nassar left the volunteer position he held for 29 years came after IndyStar published a story Monday detailing two former gymnasts' accusations that Nassar had sexually assaulted them during treatments.
IndyStar also learned Tuesday that Nassar was the subject of a misconduct complaint involving a third alleged victim in 2014. The complaint was brought by a recent female graduate of Michigan State University, where Nassar is a faculty member. It alleged "abuse during a medical procedure."
A university spokesman said Nassar was investigated and the prosecutor did not file charges. Nassar has not been charged with any crime in connection with the allegations revealed by IndyStar. Nassar's attorney has said his client "adamantly denies any misconduct at this or any other time.”
Nassar has been "relieved of clinical and patient duties" at the university since Aug. 30, when campus police received an allegation by one of the women who came forward in response to IndyStar's investigation of USA Gymnastics and its handling of sexual abuse complaints.
In response to questions from IndyStar last week, Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics said it had received prior complaints about Nassar from gymnasts other than those in the IndyStar story.
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“Dr. Nassar is no longer affiliated with USA Gymnastics," the statement said. "Upon learning of athlete concerns, USA Gymnastics immediately notified law enforcement. Since then, we have cooperated fully with the law enforcement agency, including refraining from making further statements or taking any other action that might interfere with the agency’s investigation. We are grateful to the athletes for coming forward to share their concerns.”
The organization, which serves as the sport’s national governing body and selects the Olympic team, would not respond to specific questions about its handling of the allegations against Nassar, including the law enforcement agency where it reported Nassar.
But after the story was published on IndyStar.com, USA Gymnastics issued a subsequent statement with more detail, including that Nassar had been "relieved" of his position. USA Gymnastics stood by the statement Tuesday.
Nassar's attorney, Matt Borgula, issued a statement Tuesday disputing that claim.
"Dr. Nassar was never 'relieved' of his volunteer position at USA Gymnastics," the statement said. "He considered retirement in 2013, long before the current allegations came to light, but was asked to stay on by the coaches and athletes because they relied on his expertise to care for the gymnasts that represent our country. He later retired in 2015 after 29 years of service.
"His decision was not influenced by the current allegations because he was unaware of those allegations until yesterday. Instead, he retired because it was a voluntary position and he wished to pursue other interests outside of USA Gymnastics. During his retirement, Dr. Nassar continues to support USA Gymnastics and has been called upon by coaches and staff many times since his retirement to assist the athletes with various health issues. Since the allegations came to light, he has received words of support from dozens of former gymnasts and other members of the USA Gymnastics program."
The IndyStar investigation revealed that two former gymnasts, one an Olympic medalist, have accused Nassar of sexual abuse.
One of the women filed a civil lawsuit Thursday in California that was released Monday. The other filed a complaint two weeks ago with police in Michigan.
The women, in separate interviews with IndyStar, provided detailed accounts that closely mirrored each other as they outlined their allegations against Nassar. Nassar served as USA Gymnastics’ team physician during four Olympic Games and left his position last September with little public notice. In 2014, he resigned as USA Gymnastics' national medical coordinator, saying in a letter to the board of directors that it is "a perfect time for me to step back and allow others to lead."
The women said they were molested during multiple treatments in the 1990s and early 2000s. The two women said the doctor fondled their genitals and breasts. One of them said Nassar also spoke about oral sex and made other inappropriate comments when they were alone, according to court records. The other woman said she told police Nassar was visibly aroused as he examined her during one medical visit.
Call IndyStar reporter Tim Evans at 317-444-6204. Follow him on Twitter: @starwatchtim.
Call IndyStar reporter Mark Alesia at 317-444-6311. Follow him on Twitter: @markalesia.
Call IndyStar reporter Marisa Kwiatkowski at 317-444-6135. Follow her on Twitter: @indymarisak.
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