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USA Gymnastics gave 'false excuses' to help cover Nassar during investigations into his abuse

May 24, 2018
<p>Ex-MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar is escorted out of the courtroom at the end of the sixth day of his sentencing on Jan. 23, 2018 at the Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing. (Nic Antaya | The State News)</p>

Ex-MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar is escorted out of the courtroom at the end of the sixth day of his sentencing on Jan. 23, 2018 at the Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing. (Nic Antaya | The State News)

USA Gymnastics officials agreed to provide "false excuses" for ex-MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's absences from major gymnastics events rather than disclose to parents and gymnasts he was under investigation for sexual abuse, according to a report done by the IndyStar.

According to emails obtained by the IndyStar, Nassar and a USA Gymnastics attorney negotiated on two occasions to cover up the real reason why Nassar was absent from two major events leading up to the 2016 Olympics. 

The first "false excuse" was that Nassar was sick. The other was that he wanted to focus on his private practice.

Indianapolis attorney Scott D. Himsel emailed Nassar on July 22, 2015, notifying him that his medical practices were under investigation and it was in everyone's best interest that he not attend a gymnastics event, according to the emails cited in the IndyStar report. 

Himsel then said USA Gymnastics would tell people Nassar was absent for "personal reasons," but Nassar replied, saying "Can we just say that i am sick? That would make more sense to everyone. Would that be ok?"

Nassar also asked if USA Gymnastics officials would explain another one of his absences by saying he was focusing on his private practices. Himsel agreed to have USA Gymnastics cover for him again.

USA Gymnastics was first made aware of athletes' concerns against Nassar when a coach overheard former gymnasts Aly Raisman and Maggie Nichols talking about his medical practices on June 17, 2015. 

Yesterday, USA Gymnastics CEO Kerry Perry apologized for Nassar's "despicable crimes" while testifying before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation, which is investigating the Olympic community's role in protecting athletes from sexual abuse. She said USA Gymnastics is currently in mediation with the Nassar survivors who sued the organization

Perry also outlined the actions USA Gymnastics has taken within the past five months to protect athletes from sexual abuse and misconduct, such as enhancing education, training staff and requiring mandatory reporting. 

"Like all of you, I was appalled and sickened by the despicable crimes of Larry Nassar," Perry said to the subcommittee. "We must do better."

It has been known that USA Gymnastics has withheld concerns regarding Nassar, but the emails obtained by the IndyStar reveal the organization also agreed to help protect Nassar's reputation and keep from disclosing the investigations to parents and gymnasts. 

Stay with The State News for further updates. 

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