Gymnastics board agrees to quit

Demand among many in Olympic Committee letter

EAST LANSING, Mich. —USA Gymnastics confirmed Friday that its entire board of directors would resign as requested by the U.S. Olympic Committee in response to its handling of sexual abuse allegations against the disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar.

The USOC had threatened to decertify the organization, which besides picking U.S. national teams is the umbrella organization for hundreds of clubs across the country.

Calling for a “categorically fresh start,” USOC officials threatened to decertify the national governing body if it does not satisfy a series of swift reforms.

The demands were included in a letter sent Thursday to the gymnastics organization’s Indianapolis headquarters, shortly after Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for molesting young athletes.

“We do not base these requirements on any knowledge that any individual USAG staff or board members had a role in fostering or obscuring Nassar’s actions,” USOC Chief Executive Scott Blackmun wrote. “Our position comes from a clear sense that USAG culture needs a fundamental rebuilding.”

Scores of women — including Olympic champions such as Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman and Mckayla Maroney — have said Nassar sexually abused them while he was serving in an official capacity for USA Gymnastics, Michigan State University and other organizations.

USA Gymnastics vowed to adhere to the latest USOC demands.

“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,” the national governing body said.

The USOC has asked that an interim board be established by the end of February and that permanent replacements be found within 12 months. It also seeks to have a designated liaison present at all future board meetings.

USA Gymnastics has been ordered to cooperate with an independent investigation commissioned by the USOC to determine when complaints were first brought against Nassar and why his actions went unaddressed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.