The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Ex-MSU president charged with lying to police about Nassar
LANSING, MICH. >> Former Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon was charged Tuesday with lying to state police during a probe of Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse — the fourth person other than the imprisoned ex-campus sports doctor to face criminal charges related to the scandal.
Simon, who stepped down earlier this year, was asked by investigators in May if she was aware of any investigation involving Nassar before 2016. She said she knew in 2014 that a sports medicine physician was the subject of review. The charging document, however, says she knew it was Nassar. It also accuses her of falsely stating that she was unaware of the nature of the sexual misconduct complaint that was being investigated.
The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from Simon’s attorney.
If convicted, Simon faces up to four years in prison. She is the third former university official to face criminal charges related to Nassar’s serial molestation of young female athletes under the guise of treatment. In Texas, a grand jury indicted a former sports medicine trainer.
Numerous other people have lost their jobs or been sued.
Hundreds of girls and women have said Nassar molested them when he was a physician, including while he worked at Michigan State and Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics, which trains U.S. Olympians. Nassar, 55, last year pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting nine victims and possessing child pornography, and his sentences equate to life in prison.
For more stories on Larry Nassar and the fallout from his years of sexual abuse of young women and girls: https://www. apnews.com/LarryNassar
Cavs, Smith parting ways amid stormy season
CLEVELAND >> Disgruntled Cavaliers forward J.R. Smith has gotten his wish: He is parting ways with Cleveland.
The Cavaliers announced Tuesday that Smith “will no longer be with team as the organization works with JR and his representation regarding his future.”
Smith requested a trade earlier this season. The 33-year-old has been dismayed with his role and the team’s direction in the first season since LeBron James left for the second time as a free agent.
Smith’s departure is the latest upheaval in a stormy season for Cleveland, which is league-worst 2-13. Coach Tyronn Lue was fired last month and All-Star forward Kevin Love is sidelined indefinitely following foot surgery.
Smith came to the Cavaliers in a trade from the Knicks in 2015. While his play has been inconsistent, Smith was a major contributor on Cleveland’s 2016 championship team.
— The Associated Press