Larry Nassar, shamed sports doctor, brutally attacked in Florida correctional facility

Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar stabbed multiple times in prison.

Larry Nassar, the disgraced sports doctor who was convicted of sexually abusing female gymnasts, including Olympic medalists, was stabbed multiple times during an altercation with another inmate at a federal prison in Florida, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The attack occurred on Sunday at the United States Penitentiary Coleman, and Nassar was reported to be in stable condition on Monday. One of the sources stated that Nassar had been stabbed in the back and chest. The sources spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.

Nassar is currently serving a decades-long prison sentence for his convictions in state and federal courts. He admitted to sexually assaulting athletes while working at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He also pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography. During victim impact statements in 2018, numerous athletes testified that they had informed adults, including coaches and athletic trainers, about Nassar's abuse, but it went unreported.

Over 100 women, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, collectively sought more than $1 billion from the federal government for the FBI's failure to stop Nassar when they became aware of allegations against him in 2015. However, he was not arrested until 2016. The Justice Department's inspector general conducted an investigation into the FBI's handling of the case and found "fundamental" errors and a lack of seriousness in investigating the allegations. More athletes came forward to say they were molested before the FBI took action.

The FBI's failure to promptly address complaints made in 2015 against Nassar was the subject of the inspector general's investigation. USA Gymnastics conducted its own internal investigation and reported the allegations to the FBI's field office in Indianapolis, but it took months for a formal investigation to be opened. At least 40 girls and women said they were molested while the FBI was aware of other sexual abuse allegations involving Nassar.

Michigan State University, which was accused of missing opportunities to stop Nassar, agreed to pay $500 million to over 300 women and girls who were assaulted by him. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee reached a $380 million settlement. In June 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court rejected Nassar's final appeal, stating that while there were concerns over the judge's conduct, they declined to expend additional judicial resources.

Overall, Nassar's stabbing in prison highlights the ongoing repercussions of his heinous actions and the failures of institutions, such as the FBI, to protect the victims. The survivors of Nassar's abuse continue to seek justice and hold those accountable for their negligence.

Share With Others