By Anna Chiaradonna || Staff Writer
Former United States Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of sexually abusing young athletes under the guise of medical treatment, was assaulted inside a Florida federal prison. He was reported to have said that he wished girls were playing while watching the women’s Wimbledon tennis tournament with other inmates by sources familiar with the incident.
That comment provoked a fellow inmate to enter Nassar’s cell later in the day and stab him ten times— twice in the neck, twice in the back, and six times in the chest with a manufactured weapon. Sources said several inmates entered Nassar’s cell and pulled the attacker off the former doctor.
In addition to his 60-year federal prison sentence for possessing 37,000 images of child pornography, Nassar was sentenced in a Michigan state court to up to 175 years after over 150 women and girls accused Nassar of assault spanning the last two decades, including gymnasts Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas. Nassar pleaded guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct in Ingham County, Michigan, and admitted to abusing his medical authority to assault and molest girls.
“I just signed your death warrant,” Judge Aquilina, known for her provocative statements, said after announcing the prison terms. “As much as it was my honor and privilege to hear the sister survivors, it is my honor and privilege to sentence you. Because, sir, you do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again.”
In 2021, victims of Nassar reached a $380 million settlement with USA Gymnastics, the US Olympic Committee, and their insurers. The settlement is part of USA Gymnastic’s plan to exit bankruptcy, as the organization has had difficulty resurfacing after Nassar’s allegations headlined the media. This is the second nine-figure settlement for victims of Nassar’s abuse. In 2018, Michigan State University paid $500 million to settle lawsuits issued by 332 victims of Nassar.
Sophomore Anna Chiaradonna is a staff writer. Her email is achiarad@fandm.edu.