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Nassar in the news: Counts bound over, USA Gymnastics needs "complete culture change"

June 28, 2017
Larry Nassar looks at his defense attorney Matt Newburg during the final day of the preliminary examination hearing in the 55th District Court on June 23.
Larry Nassar looks at his defense attorney Matt Newburg during the final day of the preliminary examination hearing in the 55th District Court on June 23.

USA Gymnastics: Sexual assault investigation urges cultural change | USA TODAY | June 27, 2017

According to a critical review by former federal prosecutor Deborah Daniels, USA Gymnastics needs a "complete cultural change." 

Her 100-page report said USA Gymnastics is not doing enough to educate its staff, members and athletes about protecting children from sexual abuse. She also said the organization is failing to ensure that safeguards were being followed.

The USA Gymnastics board unanimously accepted the 70 recommendations Daniels made in the report.

Bill would make U.S. Center for SafeSport eligible for federal funding | USA TODAY Sports | June 23, 2017

The Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 was announced by two senators to allow the U.S. Center for SafeSport to be established as independent and eligible to receive federal funding.

The goal of the bill is to "lessen conflicts of interests" for the Center for SafeSport, as the organization relies on funding from the U.S. Olympic Committee and national governing bodies that oversee sports facing controversy, including USA Gymnastics.

If passed, the bill would still provide a majority of funding from the United States Olympic Committee and the national governing bodies to the Center for SafeSport, but the NBA and NCAA have contributed funds, as well.

17 counts against Nassar bound over to Ingham County Circuit Court | The State News | June 23, 2017

An additional 17 counts of criminal sexual conduct against ex-MSU doctor Larry Nassar were bound over to the Ingham County Circuit Court, where Nassar already faces charges. The counts come from six alleged victims. 

Of the 17 counts, 12 are criminal sexual conduct of the first degree and five are criminal sexual conduct of the third degree.

Nassar is currently being held without bond and is in federal custody. No additional court date has been determined yet, as it will be up to Nassar and his attorneys to determine whether or not Nassar will want to go on trial against these charges.

How "socially skilled" child molesters get us to ignore red flags | Michigan Radio | June 21, 2017

Nassar was an icon in the gymnastics world, and his "gymnast first" approach may have been what kept allegations at bay for years. 

He once said in an interview, "if you break their train of trust, you’re done. Because they’ll never trust you again. And they’ll tell the other gymnasts."

Clinical and forensic psychologist Carla van Dam said the big problem is adults don't think people they like and trust could hurt children, and said these people often establish themselves as "upstanding" in their communities.

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