Michigan State: NCAA finds no violations in Nassar scandal
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State University says the NCAA has cleared it of any rules violations in the Larry Nassar sexual-assault scandal.
Athletic director Bill Beekman says the university "cooperated fully with the inquiry" and welcomes the NCAA's conclusion. The school says it got a letter this week from the NCAA's vice president for enforcement, Jonathan Duncan.
Nassar pleaded guilty to assaulting girls and women while working as a campus sports doctor for Michigan State athletes and gymnasts in the region.
Separately, the university says the NCAA found no violations in how the football and basketball teams responded to assault allegations against players.
Beekman's statement was released Thursday, the same day former gymnastics coach Kathie Klages appeared in court . She's charged with lying to investigators about complaints about Nassar. Her attorney says she'll fight the charges.
The NCAA has cleared Michigan State university for the way the school investigated convicted sex offender Larry Nassar.
NCAA looked into how Michigan State investigated the disgraced former doctor the school's gymnastics team. It determined that there does not need to be any 'further inquiry' into the investigation and it did not violate the NCAA laws.
Read the full statements below
"Michigan State athletics has received notification from Jonathan F. Duncan, Vice President of Enforcement for the NCAA indicating that "it does not appear there is a need for further inquiry." MSU Athletic Director Bill Beekman, states that the NCAA review has not substantiated violations of NCAA legislation. The enforcement staff appreciates the institution's cooperation and its responsiveness to both inquiries."
The NCAA also conducted a second and additional review stemming from reporting by an ESPN program 'Outside the Lines' related to the way the institution handled allegations of student conduct involving student-athletes in Michigan State's football and men's basketball programs. Again, the Duncan letter states the NCAA review "…….has not substantiated violations of NCAA legislation."
Michigan State Athletic Director Bill Beekman released this statement:
"We welcome closure in regards to the NCAA inquiry. MSU cooperated fully with the inquiry over the past several months and provided all requested documentation and access to key personnel.
In regards to the crimes committed on our campus by Larry Nassar, the NCAA findings do not change a thing. NCAA member organizations have a specific set of rules to which we hold each other accountable. And while we agree with the NCAA that we did not commit a violation, that does not diminish our commitment to ensure the health, safety and wellness of our student athletes. That pledge permeates everything we do as part of a larger university commitment to making MSU a safer campus.
As it relates to the handling of student-athlete conduct issues, at Michigan State we are committed to following all appropriate policies and procedures. Today's findings provide external validation of Mark Dantonio and Tom Izzo and the way they administer their programs. Mark and Tom represent the athletic department and Michigan State University with integrity."
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The Associated Press contributed to this report