Larry Nassar addresses the court and his accusers before being sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison. USA TODAY Sports
USA Gymnastics said Friday that it will comply with U.S. Olympic Committee order that calls for the board to resign after the Larry Nassar scandal.
In a statement, the organization said:
"USA Gymnastics supports the United States Olympic Committee’s letter and accepts the absolute need of the Olympic family to promote a safe environment for all of our athletes. We agree with the USOC’s statement that the interests of our athletes and clubs, and their sport, may be better served by moving forward with meaningful change within our organization, rather than decertification. USA Gymnastics supports an independent investigation that may shine light on how abuse of the proportion described so courageously by the survivors of Larry Nassar could have gone undetected for so long and embraces any necessary and appropriate changes. USA Gymnastics and the USOC have the same goal – making the sport of gymnastics, and others, as safe as possible for athletes to follow their dreams in a safe, positive and empowered environment."
USOC CEO Scott Blackmun had also called for the board to resign as part of the conditions for USA Gymnastics to maintain its status as the sport's national governing body. He gave the board six days to carry it out in an email sent Thursday to the board.
While Blackmun had called on the board to resign Wednesday in an open letter to the Olympic community, the email was far more specific in both what the USOC expects from USA Gymnastics and the repercussions if it doesn’t deliver.
The letter came a day after former national team doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing more than 150 girls and young women, including Olympic champions Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, Gabby Douglas and Jordyn Wieber.
“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,” Blackmun wrote. “Our position comes from a clear sense that USAG culture needs fundamental rebuilding.”
More: Michigan State AD Mark Hollis resigns
More: 2014 police report sheds light on how Nassar avoided criminal charges
In victim impact statements during Nassar’s sentencing hearing, USA Gymnastics and the USOC repeatedly were criticized for not doing enough to protect athletes from abuse. Raisman has been the most pointed, saying in court last week that USA Gymnastics was an organization “rotting from the inside,” and calling out the USOC for its lack of public support.
While the chair, vice chair and treasurer resigned Monday, Blackmun said the rest of the 21-member board had to go, too. The federation, Blackmun wrote, needs a "categorically fresh start at the board level."
Contributing: Nancy Armour and Rachel Axon, USA TODAY Sports
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14 of 46![Larissa Boyce, right, hugs former gymnast Megan Halicek]()
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18 of 46![Kaylee Lorincz, R, is embraced by Larissa Boyce after]()
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26 of 46![With her coach at her side, gymnast Kaylee Lorincz]()
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28 of 46![Rachael Denhollander wipes a tear from her eye as Larry]()
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30 of 46![Annie Labrie, right, hugs Rita Wieber, outside the]()
31 of 46![Rachael Denhollander, left, talks with Morgan McCaul,]()
32 of 46![Akemi Look, formerly known as Taryn Look, articulates]()
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34 of 46![Attorney John Manley looks on during a press conference]()
35 of 46![Rachael Denhollander, center, stands with others who]()
36 of 46![Morgan McCaul speaks during a press conference on Wednesday,]()
37 of 46![Attorney John Manley speaks during a press conference]()
38 of 46![Sue Moore, left holds her daughter Danielle Moore as]()
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40 of 46![Supporters of the female athletes victimized by Larry]()
41 of 46![Former sports doctor Larry Nassar sits with one of]()
42 of 46![Judge Rosemarie Aquilina looks at the defendant Larry]()
43 of 46![Angela Povilaitis, lead prosecutor in the Larry Nassar]()
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