Strange Incident: Former Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar stabbed while in jail

Ben Madilynn July 11, 2023

Larry Nassar, an ex-gymnastics physician who was convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of young girls under the guise medical treatment, has reportedly been stabbed while in prison. Nassar faced public outrage after he was sentenced to a long term for sexually abusing young girls while posing as a doctor. Violence is never acceptable, but this incident serves to remind us of the anger and pain that Nassar’s victim and the community as a whole feel.

The justice system exists to hold individuals accountable, such as Nassar. Although this incident may satisfy a desire for retribution in some, justice is best served through the proper legal channels. It is important to continue supporting Nassar’s victim and seek long-term changes in institutions that will prevent abuses like this from occurring again.

Larry Nassar listens to the judge during the sentencing phase of court proceedings in Lansing, Michigan, USA, 24 January 2018 (reissued 17 May 2018). Michigan State University has agreed to pay 500 million US dollar to gymnasts that were abused by former Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar. EPA-EFE/RENA LAVERTY — Larry Nassar listening to the judge in Lansing Michigan, USA on 24 January 2018. (Reissued May 17, 2018). Michigan State University has agreed that it will pay 500 million US dollars to gymnasts abused by Larry Nassar. *EPA/EFE/RENA LAVERT*

Media reports claim that Larry Nassar – the former US National Gymnastics team doctor who was convicted for sexually abusing young female athletes – has been stabbed several times in prison.

Federal Bureau of Prisons announced on Monday that a prisoner at US Penitentiary Coleman (Florida) had been beaten a day prior.

The prison in which Nassar is currently serving his sentence has not been identified.

“Responding staff immediately initiated life-saving measures,” Benjamin O’Cone, a spokesperson for the bureau, said in a press release.

“The inmate was transported by [emergency personnel] to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation,” He added.

What we know so far about the attack

Joe Rojas is the president of the local union of correctional officers. He told AFP, that Nassar (59) was stabbed in the neck twice, six times, in the chest and two more times, in the back.

He said that the attack occurred on Sunday afternoon.

Nassar, who was the first news agency to report on the attack, was said to be in a stable condition as of Monday.

Prison authorities report that no inmates or staff were injured.

Rojas added that the prison also suffered a “severe staffing crisis.”

Why Nassar served time in a federal prison

Nassar, who served as the primary doctor of US Olympic gymnasts during 18 years, has been accused by over 330 women and young girls of sexual abuse.

He was reported to the FBI in 2015 by USA Gymnastics. However, he continued working at Michigan State University where he ran a clinic and assaulted 70 women more before he was arrested.

The coaches, trainers, and other officials ignored their complaints.

Nassar confessed to sexually abusing athletes, and pleaded to guilty of possessing child pornography.

After a number of athletes came forward to testify about the abuse he had committed over two decades ago, he received a sentence up to 175-years in prison.

Rachael Dehollander, the woman who made the public accusation of Nassar on Monday, said that none the women with whom she spoke were rejoicing at the attack. “We’re grieving the reality that protecting others from him came with the near-certainty we would wake up to this someday.”

In 2021, athletes including Olympic gold medallists Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney, reached a settlement requiring the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, USA Gymnastics and their insurers to pay them a $380 million (€336 million, at the time).

Michigan State University has agreed to pay $500 million in settlements with hundreds of women who claimed that he had sexually abused them.