Victims of sports doctor Larry Nassar to address Michigan State University board

Victims claim university, USA Gymnastics failed to protect them

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Victims of sports doctor Larry Nassar are demanding answers. 

They'll take their questions to Michigan State University's Board of Trustees on Friday as the university is accused of not doing enough to stop Nassar from assaulting the young athletes. 

It was a little more than a week ago when Nassar's victims were nearly celebrating. They were happy to know that his federal sentence of 60 years in prison for child pornography would essentially put him away for life. 

However, in the same breath they also were quick to point out that the story isn't over for them. 

"Today the justice feels very incomplete," said Rachel Denhollander. 

Many of the victims are blaming Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics. Nassar treated young women and girls from both organizations. His victims claim both programs failed to protect them even after the misconduct was reported. 

"The system failed these women for the past 20 years," said John Manly, attorney representing the victims. 

The victims, along with their attorney, claim they have been trying for months to have a discussion with the university. 

That's what Friday is all about. There is nothing on the Board of Trustees' agenda about dealing with Nassar's victims. However, the victims will be making statements during the public portion of the meeting. 

Meanwhile, Michigan State University has repeatedly state there was no wrongdoing. 

"MSU and its external counsel have consistently promised if it were to find any employee knew of and acquiesced in Nassar's misconduct, it would immediately be reported to la enforcement," a statement from the university reads. 


About the Author

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.

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