The Larry Nassar scandal has resurfaced as a hot topic during the backlash against Simone Biles for her support of trans athletes in women’s sports. Critics, including Riley Gaines, took issue with Biles’ stance, drawing comparisons to the Nassar situation. A USA Gymnastics spokesperson informed Fox News Digital that their transgender eligibility policy was removed from their site in May to evaluate legal compliance.
John Manly, the attorney for gymnasts affected by Nassar, commented on the comparisons between Nassar’s abuse and the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports. “Larry Nassar was sexually assaulting children, that’s fundamentally different,” he explained to Fox News Digital. Manly believes that the leadership at USA Gymnastics mirrors the same decision-making that let the Nassar scandal happen.
Manly stated that organizations create policies placing female gymnasts in uncomfortable situations alongside trans athletes. He expressed that Nassar thrived because there were no policies to prevent his actions. Manly emphasized, “Athletes are not first in this system… Money and medals are, and the people who run it are first.”
President Trump’s executive order, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” applies only to federally funded institutions, leaving USA Gymnastics unaffected as a private entity. Manly criticized the organization’s reasoning for deleting the policy pages as “corporate speak.” He argued that Nassar’s abuse was partly due to leadership putting athletes last and attempting cover-ups.
Manly clarified that trans athletes themselves aren’t always at fault, especially minors. He believes Biles intended to convey a similar message in her social media posts, though it was misunderstood. Manly, who has known Biles for years, respects both Riley Gaines and Simone Biles, despite the controversy.
In December 2021, Manly helped Biles and other gymnasts secure a $380 million settlement from USA Gymnastics over the Nassar abuse. He’s keeping an eye on Gaines’ lawsuit against the NCAA for including Lia “Will” Thomas in women’s swimming. Manly views the lawsuit as crucial to the future of women’s sports.
Manly expressed shock that the NCAA hasn’t settled with Gaines. He’s considering lawsuits against the USOPC if American Olympians present legitimate cases. “I’d file them to protect women, to protect female athletes,” Manly stated, hoping the USOPC would proactively protect athletes.
Looking toward the Los Angeles Olympics, Manly remains doubtful about policy clarity under current USOPC leadership. He expressed his lack of confidence in the board’s ability to implement fair policies by 2028. Fox News Digital continues to cover developments in this ongoing issue.
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Biles is a solid NIT-WIT and should take a flying leap into a lake! WOKEISM!!!