NCAA opens formal investigation of MSU in Larry Nassar Case

The NCAA has sent a letter of inquiry to Michigan State University, which officially opens an investigation into the school’s handling of the Larry Nassar case, several sources have confirmed.

Nassar has pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault just in Ingham County, and more than 190 women have accused him of similar crimes. During this time he was a doctor for Michigan State’s athletic department and the United States gymnastics team.

University officials, most notably President Lou Anna K. Simon, have come under fire, as many believe she knew about Nassar’s behavior and didn’t do enough.

The backlash isn’t just coming from the outside, some of the university’s most vocal critics have been the ones who attend class on the MSU campus. Students are set to protest for Simon’s resignation on Friday at 6 p.m. in front of “the rock,” near the school’s auditorium, per an MLive report. Additionally, the State News, the student newspaper, was among the first publications to call for Simon’s resignation.

Despite the criticisms from students and the general public, Simon appears to have the support of the Board of Trustees, though new reports seem to suggest that the board may not be as united as originally thought.

Donald M. Remy, executive vice president of law, policy & governance and chief legal officer at the NCAA, confirmed the investigation in a phone interview on Tuesday, according to the New York Times. “The NCAA has requested information from Michigan State about any potential rules violations,” Remy said.

The New York Times article also states that Michigan State University was reviewing the letter before issuing a response.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has also stated that he will conduct a “full and complete review, report and recommendation of what occurred at Michigan State University,” though he was waiting to do so until after the trial, to allow the victims their time of healing.

Nassar is set for sentencing today and faces up to a 125-year sentence.

Update: Nassar was sentenced to 45-175 years in prison.

Our hearts and prayers are with the victims.