Before tackling this piece’ headline, I am happy that PSC Com. Ramon Fernandez is successfully steering the karate money scandal to a fruitful conclusion.
He brought the concerned athletes to the weekly PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) media forum where national team members of the Philippine Karate Federation (PKF) came out to denounce the dirty practices in the NSA that led to the suspension of financial assistance.
PSC Head Butch Ramirez did right in placing the karatekas temporarily in the care of the Philippine Sports institute as they train and prepare for the coming Asian Games.
As regards the headline, a former sports doctor in Michigan has been sentenced from 40 to 175 years in prison for sexually molesting young patients under the guise of medical treatment over a long period of time.
A news dispatch from the Associated Press identified the convict as Dr. Larry Nassar that capped a swift seven-day hearing where 150 women and girls presented themselves as victims and witnesses in the 16-month old case.
The judge, Rosemarie Aquilina screamed: “It is my honor and privilege to sentence you. You do not deserve to walk outside a prison ever again. You have done nothing to control those urges and, anywhere you walk, destruction will occur to those next vulnerable.”
Nassar’s actions were described by the judge as “precise, calculated, manipulative, devious, and despicable.”
As the avalanche of personal testimonies from the victims descended upon the courtroom, Nassar pleaded guilty to seven people in the Lansing area, using the basement of his home and his campus office where he worked at the MSU and USA Gymnastics that trains Olympians.
Hours after the sentence was read, MSU President Lou Anna Simon handed in her resignation, forced thereupon by Michigan lawmakers who overwhelmingly voted for a House resolution calling for her removal.
Accusers describe Nassar would use a sheet or his body to block the view of parents watching over the treatment procedure.
They said Nassar would ungloved his hand to penetrate them. Without explaining why, while they were lying on a table seeking help for various sports injuries.
Because of his renowned status in the university, the victims were afraid to speak up and were initially in denial.
Several former elite athletes also talked about how Nassar gently won their approval with candy, Olympic trinkets and encouraging words amidst constant scrutiny from their demanding coaches.
Nassar will first serve a 60-year federal sentence for child pornography crimes. Even if he completes that sentence for good behavior in about 55 years, the 54-year old molester will by more than 100 years old by then – if still alive.
Wow, I am at a loss for words.
This is a very sensational crime in the US.
The Nassar case remained unnoticed for a long time that allowed the sports doctor to continue plying his nefarious trade.
To quote the AP report: “Rachel Denhollander is a Kentucky lawyer who stepped forward in 2016 after the sport’s governing body, USA Gymnastics, was accused of mishandling sexual assault complaints. She said Nassar groped and fondled her when she was a 15-year old gymnast in Michigan.”
Nassar made a brief statement after, saying the victims’ accounts had “shaken me to the core.”
“I will carry your words with me for the rest of my days,” he said.
Denhollander was the last victim of sexual molestation who offered the first strong testimony against Nassar.
Come to think of it, I have heard of some sleazily stories that have happened here. But cover-up attempts prevented them from getting out of hand.
At any rate, parents are advised to always accompany their young children who undergo treatment for sports injuries. You never know what goes on when the white cover sheet is pulled down.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Prov. 22:9. “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
