The sentencing of former Michigan State University gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar has led to an exodus of some of the school’s top leaders. MSU president Lou Anna Simon and athletic director Mark Hollis have both resigned following criticism relating to their inaction in the case.
Now, one of the school’s most recognizable alums is calling for a complete purge of any enabler of campus sexual assault.
In a series of tweets, Magic Johnson said he wants to rid the East Lansing campus of anyone who has attempted to cover up any form of assault against women.
If anyone was aware of the sexual assault happening to women on the MSU campus from the office of the President, Board of Trustees, athletic department, faculty & campus police, and didn’t say or do anything about it, they should be fired.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 29, 2018
Cookie and I stand in support of the victims and their families as they embark on the road to recovery; and I support the movement to hold everyone involved accountable.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 29, 2018
The roles of the new President, Board of Trustees, athletic department, faculty, campus police and students will be to work together to create new policies and procedures to ensure this never happens again.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 29, 2018
As a Spartan, I love MSU and want to work with Coach Izzo, the administration, and the students to be a part of the solution in any way that I can.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 29, 2018
An investigation by ESPN has found that several team members, coaches and affiliates have made widespread attempts to cover up misconduct during their tenure at the university. ESPN has obtained never-before reports of sexual or violent incidents involving members of both the Spartan football and basketball programs.
Since 2007, at least 16 MSU football players have been accused of sexual assault or violence against women — all under head football coach Mark Dantonio’s watch. Head basketball coach Tom Izzo is also facing scrutiny after the investigation found a former assistant coach of his remained on the staff after punching a woman at a bar back in 2010.