New leadership is coming to USA Gymnastics. The current members of the USAG board of directors will resign to comply with requirements laid out by the U.S. Olympic Committee in the aftermath of former national team doctor Larry Nassar being sentenced for 45 to 175 years in prison for criminal sexual misconduct.
USA Gymnastics board of directors to resign
USAG will comply with requirements laid out by the U.S. Olympic Committee to avoid decertification in the aftermath of the Larry Nassar case.
Matthew Dae Smith-USA TODAY Sports
USOC CEO Scott Blackmon sent a letter to USAG on Thursday indicating that it would be decertified as the sport’s national governing body if it failed to meet six conditions by specified dates. First among the conditions was the resignation by the entire USAG board of directors by Jan. 31.
“USA Gymnastics will comply with the USOC requirements,” Leslie King, a USAG spokesperson, told SB Nation on Friday via email.
According to the USOC requirements outlined in the letter, USAG will need to have an interim board in place by Feb. 12 and then the next iteration of the board in place within 12 months. With the exception of athlete representatives, current USAG board members will be prohibited from participation. Other requirements to avoid decertification include increased transparency and regular progress reports from the USAG board to the USOC, cooperation with an independent investigation into USAG’s handling of allegations against Nassar through the years, and increased training for USAG staff.
In a statement posted to its website Thursday evening along with a copy of the USOC letter, USAG previously indicated an acceptance of the requirements.
”USA Gymnastics completely embraces the requirements outlined in the Jan. 25, 2017 letter from the United States Olympic Committee and appreciates the opportunity to work with the USOC to accomplish change for the betterment of our organization, our athletes and our clubs,” USAG said in a statement posted to its website on Thursday along with a copy of the USOC letter. “We understand that the requirements imposed by the letter will help us enhance our ability to build a culture of empowerment throughout the organization, with an increased focus on athlete safety and well-being. Our commitment is uncompromising, and we hope everything we do makes this very clear.”
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