Raisman confronts ex-doctor during sentencing hearing
Already in prison, Nassar faces more time for assaults.
Olym- LANSING, MICH. — pic gold medalist Aly Raisman on Friday confronted her former doctor who has pleaded guilty to multiple sexual assaults, warning him that the testimony of the “powerful army” of 140 survivors at his sentencing will haunt him in prison.
Roughly 80 of the women and girls whom Larry Nassar abused under the guise of medical treatment have stood before the court during a marathon sentencing hear- ing that be gan Tuesday, describing sometimes with tears the harm Nassar did and the impact he has had on their lives.
“You have not taken gymnastics away from me,” Raisman said. “I love this sport, and that love is stronger than the evil that resides in you, in those who enabled you to hurt many people.”
Facing pressure over how it handled allegations made against Nassar when he was employed by Michigan State University, the school’s board of trustees Friday asked the state’s attorney general to investigate. The board also was holding a closed-door meeting amid calls for school President Lou Ann Simon to resign or be fired.
Raisman said if just one adult had believed Nassar’s accusers and had “the cour- age and character to act, this tragedy could have been avoided. I and so many oth- ers would have never, ever met you. Larry, you should have been locked up a long, long time ago.”
Nassar pleaded guilty to molesting girls at his MSU office, at home and at a Lan- sing-area gymnastics club. Already sentenced to 60 years in prison on a separate federal child pornography conviction, the 54-yearold man can expect to be behind bars for the rest of his life. Raisman hoped the testimonies of her fellow survivors will never leave him.
“All these brave women have power, and we will use our voices to make sure you get what you deserve — a life of suffering spent replaying the words delivered by this powerful army of survivors,” Raisman said.
Under a plea deal, Nassar faces a minimum of 25 years in prison, but the judge could set the minimum as high as 40 years. State prosecutors requested a maximum 125year sentence, reflecting the number of women who at that time had come forward with allegations.
Nassar also used to be a team doctor at the Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. Earlier Friday another member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic gymnastics team — known as the “Fierce Five” — said she refused to let Nassar’s abuse ruin her dreams.
“Even though I’m a victim, I do not and will not live my life as one,” Jordyn Wieber said. “I’m an Olympian despite being abused. I worked hard and managed to achieve my goal. But I want everyone — especially the media — to know that despite my athletic achievements I am one of over 140 women and survivors whose story is important.”
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who is running for governor, said he would provide “a full and complete review, report and recommendation” of Michigan State’s actions over Nassar, but only after victims have had “their day in court.”