Shocking Twist: Notorious USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar Survives Brutal Stabbing in Florida Prison: Exclusive Report
Disgraced physician Larry Nassar, convicted of sexually abusing Olympic gymnasts and other patients, reportedly stabbed multiple times in a Florida prison
Larry Nassar Rena Laverty/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Larry Nassar, the disgraced physician convicted of sexual assault, allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with another prisoner while incarcerated in a federal prison. According to the Associated Press, on July 10th, Nassar, 59, suffered multiple stab wounds during an incident that occurred the day before at the United States Penitentiary Coleman in Florida. Although he was struck in the back and chest, Nassar's condition is reported to be stable.
Nassar, who had previously worked for both Team USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, was indicted in November 2016 on state sexual assault charges. These charges spanned from 1998 to 2005. In total, he faced 22 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving minors. However, in December 2016, he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
After his arraignment, Nassar was arrested on federal charges. The FBI discovered child pornography on computer drives that he had attempted to discard in trash bins outside his residence. Due to the severity of the charges, he was denied bail. In July 2017, he finally admitted guilt to receiving and possessing child pornography, as well as tampering with evidence. For these crimes, he received a 60-year prison sentence and will be subject to a lifetime of supervised release.
Throughout 2017, numerous women and girls alleged that Nassar, while serving as the U.S. women's gymnastics team doctor, had subjected them to sexual abuse. Notable figures who spoke out included Olympians McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman. (Simone Biles and Jordyn Wieber also eventually disclosed their own encounters with Nassar as the scandal unfolded.)
Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, and Maggie Nichols were photographed together during the SAUL LOEB/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock event. In November 2017, Nassar admitted guilt to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving minor victims, some as young as 13 years old. At his sentencing hearing in January, Raisman and several other victims delivered impactful statements recounting the abuse they endured.
Raisman expressed that Larry, she possesses both power and voice, and is just beginning to utilize them. She emphasized that all the courageous women also have power and will use their voices to ensure he receives the punishment he deserves.
On the other hand, Wieber reflected on the feelings of shame and confusion caused by Nassar's actions. She expressed her struggle to understand how she remained unaware of what was happening to her and how she was manipulated by Nassar and the individuals at USA Gymnastics, whom she believed were supposed to support her.
Nassar expressed his apologies to his victims in a concise statement, acknowledging that words were insufficient to convey the profound sorrow he felt for the events that had transpired. He assured them that their words would forever remain with him.
Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina sentenced Nassar to a prison term of 40 to 175 years, stating that it was her esteemed duty and privilege to ensure his incarceration. She firmly declared that he did not deserve the opportunity to be free beyond prison walls.
In February 2018, Nassar was sentenced to an additional 40 to 125 years in prison after a trial in Eaton County, Michigan. During the court proceedings, Judge Janice Cunningham expressed her doubts about Nassar's understanding of the gravity of his actions and the profound harm he caused to the victims, their families, and friends, stating, "I'm not convinced that you truly understand that what you did was wrong and the devastating impact you have had on the victims, their families and friends. You are in denial."
Later on, Biles and others sought $1 billion from the federal government due to the FBI's failure to investigate Nassar when the allegations against him initially surfaced in 2015.
Following the scandal, Michigan State University agreed to compensate Nassar's victims with a sum of $500 million, while USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee settled for $380 million.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
