USA Gymnastics (USAG) announced Monday that the executive leaders of its Board of Directors tendered their resignations as revelations continue in the ongoing Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal.
USA Gymnastics board members resign amid Larry Nassar scandal
“We believe this step will allow us to more effectively move forward in implementing change within our organization.”
Photo credit should read GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty Images
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Chairman Paul Parilla, Vice Chairman Jay Binder, and Treasurer Bitsy Kelley all tendered their resignations effective Jan. 21, 2018. These were accepted by USAG President and CEO Kerry Perry:
“USA Gymnastics thanks Paul Parilla, Jay Binder and Bitsy Kelley for their many years of service to this organization. We support their decisions to resign at this time. We believe this step will allow us to more effectively move forward in implementing change within our organization.
As the board identifies its next chair and fills the vacant board positions, we remain focused on working every day to ensure that our culture, policies and actions reflect our commitment to those we serve.”
In addition to the statement, USAG reinforced its “Commitment to Athlete Safety” policy, which it says requires “mandatory reporting, defines six types of misconduct, sets standards to prohibit grooming behavior and prevent inappropriate interaction, and establishes greater accountability.”
The changes at USAG come during Nassar’s multi-day sentencing hearing for criminal sexual conduct. More than 100 women, including Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman, have been delivering victim impact statements in court, many detailing how their claims of abuse were overlooked.
Raisman has been highly critical of USAG, saying the organization is “100 percent responsible” for fostering a culture that allowed Nassar to continue to abuse gymnasts under the guise of medical treatment.
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