Lessons from the Nassar case

The Indianapolis Star, editorial:

“Essential lessons from the Nassar case and from the broader USA Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal need to be discussed and applied for years to come. Perhaps the most critical: Believe children when they say they’ve been abused. And act. Victims first reported that Larry Nassar had molested them during medical treatments two decades ago. But Michigan Assistant Attorney General Angela Povilaitis said those children were ignored by adults in positions of authority. She noted that Nassar was halted only by the IndyStar investigation of USA Gymnastics.”

Olympian Shannon Miller, USA TODAY:

“A question at the heart of change is whether our sport needs a centralized training center. If the current semicentral system continues, then best practices should be reviewed. ... How- ever, I also believe we should seriously challenge the assumption that this type of system is warranted. Each gymnast has a personal gym and coach. We should objectively discuss if a decentralized system would lead to less abuse on a variety of levels.”

Mary Chartier, Detroit Free Press:

“I believe in the Constitution, which is why I support Shannon Smith, the attorney who was criticized for doing her job in the Nassar case. It is unpopular to be a criminal defense attorney, especially one who represents people accused of serious and often heinous crimes. I know. I do this for a living. The role of defense attorneys is crucial to our system of justice. Our nation’s Founders believed our job was of such importance that it was enshrined in our Constitution. It is defense attorneys who hold the government and our courts accountable. Without defense attorneys, there is no rule of law.”