Larry Nassar Sentenced To 175 Years For Abusing Gymnasts

Ex-USA gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar, is going to spend 175 years in jail for abusing female gymnasts.

The Ingham Country Circuit Court Judge sentenced him. Nassar assaulted 160 women, some of whom were in the room. They applauded and embraced at the verdict.

The president of Michigan State University, where Nassar worked, is resigning. She faced criticism for not doing enough to halt the abuse. The US Olympic committee chief has called for all USA Gymnastics directors to resign

Nassar apologised to the victims in the courtroom. "I will carry your words with me for the rest of my days," he said. 

Sentencing came after a week of stories from victims

Olympic gold medallists like Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney spoke about him. Maroney called him a monster human being. A former member of the US national team said she had depression and an eating disorder because of the abuse. 

Gold medallists Simone Biles, Jordan Wieber and Gabby Douglas also accused Nassar.

“I’ve been forever changed by all of this and I will never feel small again,” Bailey Lorencen said. She had been an anonymous accuser until she spoke in court this week. “I have a different confidence in myself as a woman.”

140 women filed lawsuit against Nassar

The women filed a lawsuit against Nassar, USA Gymnastics and MSU. They said the institutions did not act on the allegations.

Nassar pleaded guilty to 10 counts of sexual assault against girls and women. He has already got 60 years in prison for possessing child pornography.

"Victims were silenced, intimidated, told they were receiving medical treatment, and at times sent back to be further abused,” said Rachael Denhollander

Denhollander, who first accused Nassar publicly, spoke out against the MSU. "How much is a little girl worth? How much is a young woman worth?"

The National Collegiate Athletic Association said it will probe MSU’s handling of the gymnast’s abuse claims.

US Olympic Committee Apologises 

The US Olympic Committee issued an open letter on Wednesday. “We are sorry for the pain caused by this terrible man, and sorry that you weren’t afforded a safe opportunity to pursue your sports dreams,” the statement read.

Also Read: Sexual Abuse Survivors Hold a Mirror to Larry Nassar at the Hearing