The United States Olympic Committee in an email Thursday demanded the resignation of the entire 21-member board of directors at USA Gymnastics, which will lose its status as the sport's national governing body if the demand is not met.
The call for complete turnover follows the sentencing this week of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who faces 40 to 175 years in prison for abusing athletes in his care.
“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 Scott Blackmun wrote in the email. “Our position comes from a clear sense that USAG culture needs fundamental rebuilding.”
As reported by USA Today, the other conditions imposed by the USOC are:
-- All USA Gymnastics staff and board members must complete SafeSport training offered by the U.S. Center for Safe Sport within three months.
-- All staff and board members must complete a comprehensive ethics training unit within the next six months.
USA Gymnastics responded with a statement on its site, including, “USA Gymnastics completely embraces the requirements outlined in the [email]. 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.”
As of Friday, all links to "Board of Directors" at usagym.org revealed nothing about the board, much less a list of names.
