USA Gymnastics parts ways with key official who knew about Nassar abuse

Rhonda Faehn, believed to be the first USA Gymnastics official made aware of sexual abuse allegations against former team doctor Larry Nassar, is no longer employed by the Olympic organization, officials announced today.

A statement issued on behalf of CEO Kerry Perry said: "Rhonda Faehn is no longer with USA Gymnastics. This is a personnel matter that we will not discuss in detail."

USA Gymnastics did not respond to questions about other staff cuts reported Friday. The organization, however, did issue another statement on behalf of Perry.

"I am writing today to share some important developments in our ongoing commitment to create an empowered culture focused on the highest standards of care and well-being for our athletes. In the coming weeks, we will share more positive plans that continue to move our organization forward," the statement said.

It went on to note "we are transforming our structure to more strongly reflect our commitment to empowering athletes and, as a result, we will be better equipped to support them. I recognize that change can sometimes be difficult for some, but I believe it is necessary and we will not be deterred."

The statement said the organization is "expanding and decentralizing our Safe Sport Department" with five new positions, including four in the field.

"Today, I ask you, member clubs, coaches, athletes, parents, administrators and the entire gymnastics community to align with us in this important effort to create the culture our athletes of all ages and skill levels deserve," Perry said in the statement.

Faehn's departure followed recent criticism from many Nassar survivors, most notably Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman, who called for Faehn to step down in an interview last week with IndyStar.

Faehn, senior vice president for women's programs, was first told about what USA Gymnastics has characterized as "athlete concerrns" about Nassar on June 17, 2015, according to a timeline provided in 2017 by the Indianapolis-based national governing body.

About a month later, Raisman said, she told Faehn "in graphic detail" what Nassar had done to her, but Faehn and other USA Gymnastics officials still waited another week to report Nassar to the FBI.

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"I reported my abuse to Rhonda Faehn and so did Maggie Nichols, and I don't know what she did or didn't do with that information, but I didn't get contacted by the FBI for over a year, and in that time 50 to 100 gymnasts were molested," Raisman told IndyStar. "This is my frustration of she's still working there, and we need to understand what she did or didn't do, because her and Steve Penny were fully aware of what's going on. I mean, she's still there."

Penny is the former USA Gymnastics CEO.

Raisman said Faehn and other officials who were slow to act on complaints about Nassar need to be removed from the organization for USA Gymnastics to regain credibility with athletes.

Earlier this week, IndyStar submitted a number of question to USA Gymnastics seeking information about Faehn's actions in the Nassar investigation, and Raisman's claims.

Social media responses to Faehn's departure from USA Gymnastics revealed a rift in the gymnastics community. Some gymnasts and others affiliated with the sport were supportive of the organization cutting ties with Faehn, while others called it a mistake to get rid of her. One gymnast called Faehn "an exceptional coach, human being and mentor."

California-based attorney John Manly, who represents many Nassar survivors, said Faehn should have been fired long ago. He said USA Gymnastics botched her dismissal by doing it during a national team camp, without explanation to athletes. He said that approach caused confusion, discord and blame aimed at Nassar survivors.

"It is the hope of our clients that someone explain to these young athletes that but for Maggie Nichols, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and the other survivors speaking up, they would have been molested by Larry Nassar this very week," Manly said.

Faehn's departure from the embattled national governing body comes as officials from USA Gymnastics and several other Olympic organizations are preparing to face questioning at two congressional hearings next week. Lawmakers are looking into the organizations child protection practices.

Call IndyStar reporter Tim Evans at (317) 444-6204. Follow him on Twitter: @starwatchtim.

Call IndyStar reporter Marisa Kwiatkowski at (317) 444-6135. Follow her on Twitter: @IndyMarisaK.