USA Gymnastics has announced that lawyer Deborah Daniels will conduct an independent review of the organization following allegations of “sexual misconduct.”
The organization has been rocked after a number of women came forward to make sexual abuse claims against a former team doctor.
The Indianapolis Star reported that 16 women had made accusations against Larry Nassar, which remain unproven.
In August, the newspaper also alleged that top executives had failed to alert authorities to several allegations of sexual abuse by coaches.
The governing body, which is based in Indianapolis, is facing lawsuits.
Daniels will now probe USA Gymnastics’ bylaws, policies, procedures and practices.
She will consult with a variety of experts and organisations representing law enforcement, child welfare, the gymnastics community, state and local officials, as well as others.
A final recommendation will then be provided to the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors.
Daniels has practiced law at Krieg DeVault for 16 years, and is a former federal prosecutor.
She has served as both a US attorney and US assistant attorney general, as well as having supervised the sex offense and child abuse unit of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
“Deborah’s background makes her the right choice to lead this important effort because the well-being of our athletes is paramount,” said Steve Penny, President of USA Gymnastics.
“We believe Deborah’s review of our current practices against today’s standards in this critical area, coupled with interviewing members of the gymnastics community and authorities in related areas, will generate recommendations on what needs refinement to further promote athlete safety.”
By Dan Palmer
Republished with permission from insidethegames.biz.