Michigan State prez thanks alleged sexual assault victims for speaking up
In a video posted to the school's website Wednesday night, Michigan State president Lou Anna K. Simon thanked the women who've stepped forward with accusations of sexual assault against members of the football team and a former athletic department doctor.
The Spartans have had several players investigated for sexual assault in recent months, and those players remain suspended indefinitely while their cases are open. Doctor Larry Nassar, who's been charged with molesting at least 10 women, was fired from the school in September and has been in federal custody since December.
"This is a difficult time and it's been troubling for many, particularly for Spartans," Simon said. "The seriousness of the charges requires the most deliberate investigations possible. So I thank the Spartan community for your patience as we work with authorities to ensure justice is fully served. Most of all I want to thank each and every individual who has come forward to share details of personally traumatic events. This is truly a courageous act."
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Last month, Michigan State kicked defensive end Auston Robertson off the team after he was charged with third-degree sexual assault.
Simon came under fire in April after she said at a meeting with school trustees that it's "virtually impossible to stop a determined sexual predator and pedophile."
- With h/t to ESPN