Michigan State has been informed by the NCAA that its athletic department has been cleared of any rules violations in relation to the Larry Nassar sexual assault scandal, the university announced in a statement released Thursday.
The NCAA notified Michigan State that "it does not appear there is a need for further inquiry" and the review “has not substantiated violations of NCAA legislation.”
“We welcome closure in regards to the NCAA inquiry,” Michigan State athletic director Bill Beekman said in a statement. “MSU cooperated fully with the inquiry over the past several months and provided all requested documentation and access to key personnel.
“In regards to the crimes committed on our campus by Larry Nassar, the NCAA findings do not change a thing. NCAA member organizations have a specific set of rules to which we hold each other accountable. And while we agree with the NCAA that we did not commit a violation, that does not diminish our commitment to ensure the health, safety and wellness of our student athletes. That pledge permeates everything we do as part of a larger university commitment to making MSU a safer campus.”
The NCAA sent a request to Michigan State on Jan. 23 asking the university to send any possible violations connected to the Nassar scandal. Michigan State responded March 23, saying the athletic department didn't believe it violated any NCAA rules.
Nassar, who served as a MSU team doctor, pleaded guilty to assaulting hundreds of girls and women while working at the university, including students and student-athletes.
Additionally, the university has been cleared regarding sexual assault allegations made against athletes in the football and basketball programs. According to the statement, the NCAA launched a second investigation in response to a report by ESPN's "Outside the Lines," which related to how MSU handled the allegations against the players.
