After days of powerful testimonies from countless victims who seemingly had eerily similar tales of abuse from Dr. Larry Nassar over the course of over two decades, the N.C.A.A. has opened an investigation into how MSU handled the case.
A statement released by the NCAA states, "The NCAA has sent a letter of inquiry to Michigan State University regarding potential NCAA rules violations related to the assaults Larry Nassar perpetrated against girls and young women, including some student-athletes at Michigan State." "We will have no further comment at this time."
Nassar, who worked as both a faculty member at the university as well as a doctor to athletes, many of whom were student-athletes. He was also doctor to many US Gymnastics members.
After six days of testimonies from hundreds of Nassar's victims, some of whom admitted to telling coaches and other MSU staff members, and many of whom pleaded for the truth from the University's role in the case to be exposed, the public's concern over how much MSU knew and covered up has grown. It was revealed that 14 members of MSU's staff were informed of the alleged abuse. Michigan State's student governing body, ASMSU, recently voted for the removal of President Lou Anna K. Simon, while the MSU Board of Trustees gave an almost unanimous decision to support keeping her in her position.
One board member went as far as to laugh at the idea that the NCAA would open an investigation into the university.
Tuesday night, the NCAA released a statement that it would, indeed open that investigation. Per NCAA guidelines, a university is required to protect the health, safety, and well-being of athletes.