Abuse Fallout Widens for USA Gymnastics

3 top board members resign as testimony continues against Larry Nassar
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 22, 2018 1:08 PM CST
3 Board Leaders Resign From USA Gymnastics
Larry Nassar is escorted into the courtroom, Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, in Lansing, Mich.   (Dale G. Young/Detroit News via AP)

More gymnasts told their stories of sexual abuse in court on Monday as the fallout over the scandal widened. Three top members of the USA Gymnastics board of directors resigned as testimony continued in the trial of former sports doctor Larry Nassar, reports USA Today. “We support their decisions to resign at this time," said USA Gymnastics president Kerry Perry, referring to board chairman Paul Parilla, vice chairman Jay Binder, and treasurer Bitsy Kelley. "We believe this step will allow us to more effectively move forward in implementing change within our organization.” The organization is the sport's governing body, and many of the victims speaking out in court have accused USA Gymnastics of not protecting them.

Meanwhile, testimony continued against Nassar, who has admitted molesting athletes in his care at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State. "Larry, how many of us are there? Do you even know?" asked Clasina Syrboby in court Monday, per the AP. "You preyed on me, on us," she said. "You saw a way to take advantage of your position—the almighty and trusted gymnastics doctor. Shame on you Larry. Shame on you." The 54-year-old Nassar already has been sentenced to 60 years for child pornography, and he could get a similar sentence over the molestation. (More gymnastics stories.)

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