Nassar, USA Gymnastics Hid Real Reason for Absences

Parents were told he was sick or focusing on his private practice
By Janet Cromley,  Newser Staff
Posted May 24, 2018 5:46 PM CDT
Nassar, USA Gymnastics Made Up Excuses for Absences
Dr. Larry Nassar, 54, appears in court for a plea hearing in Lansing, Mich. on Nov. 22, 2017.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

USA Gymnastics helped disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar hide from parents the fact that he was under investigation for child sexual abuse, reports the Indianapolis Star. On at least two occasions, Nassar and an attorney for the gymnastics organization developed cover stories for his absences from events that preceded the 2016 Olympics. One cover story was that he was sick, and another that he was focusing on his private practice. In one email conversation, attorney Scott Himsel advised Nassar that due to the investigation into abuse allegations, it would be best for Nassar not to attend a particular event and that USA Gymnastics would cite personal reasons for Nassar’s absence. In response, Nassar asked, "Can we just say that i am sick? That would make more sense to everyone. Would that be ok?" The Star's full report is here. (More Larry Nassar stories.)

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