Executive Leadership Steps Down at USA Gymnastics

Three members of executive leadership at the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors have resigned following a week of media coverage surrounding former team doctor Larry Nassar’s serial child sexual abuse of gymnasts. Chairman Paul Parilla, Vice Chairman Jay Binder, and Treasurer Bitsy Kelley all resigned over the weekend, effective immediately. “We believe this step will allow us to more effectively move forward in implementing change within our organization,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Kerry Perry. “We remain focused on working every day to ensure that our culture, policies, and actions reflect our commitment to those we serve.” An outside investigation reportedly found that the organization encouraged its clubs and members to implement policies that would prevent such abuse, but that there was no “actual obligation to do so—and no penalties if they didn’t,” according to the Indianapolis Star. Olympian McKayla Maroney claimed that she and USA Gymnastics agreed to a deal in 2016 that required her to keep quiet about the abuse she faced at Nassar’s hands. “They were willing to engage in a systematic coverup of the entire matter,” said Maroney’s attorney.