INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Indiana's Attorney General is investigating Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics.
The office is concerned with two consulting firms being used by USAG.
The attorney general wants the consulting firms to agree to:
- Comply with all laws and rules regarding the reporting of suspected child abuse
- Monitor and promote compliance with the policies designed to protect and promote athlete welfare
- Work toward full implementation of the recommendations contained in the Daniels Report. (The “Report to USA Gymnastics on Proposed Policy and Procedural Changes for the Protection of Young Athletes” was issued by attorney Deborah Daniels on June 26, 2017.)
“The allegations against USA Gymnastics are extremely disturbing,” Attorney General Curtis Hill said. “While my office typically refrains from commenting about ongoing investigations, we can confirm today that we have been investigating USA Gymnastics for nearly a year. Today we took an initial step toward strengthening protections for athletes participating in USA Gymnastics events and at member gyms around the country. We will continue working diligently to ensure non-profit entities in Indiana act with integrity."
Two weeks ago, USAG filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in an attempt to reach settlements in the dozens of sex-abuse lawsuits it faces and to forestall its potential demise at the hands of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
USA Gymnastics issued the following statement to Eyewitness News about the investigation (updated Thursday afternoon):
USA Gymnastics has cooperated fully with the Indiana Attorney General’s investigation. At a hearing this morning, the Court granted USA Gymnastics’ request to employ two operational consultants over the objections of the United States Trustee and the Indiana Attorney General. USA Gymnastics is committed to the safety and well-being of its athletes. All current employees, Board members, and our membership are required to follow federal and state law, as well as all of the reporting and safe sport procedures we have implemented.