Congresswoman Debbie Dingell statement on Safe Sport Autorization Act / MSU coach Izzo and Dantonio deny complaints relating to handling of sexual assault allegations regarding players.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor and Publisher Jeff Brown.

In wake of the horrifically disturbing Nasser case, U.S Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI 12) has released the following statement on House passage of the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act.

“We all have a responsibility to protect our young people from despicable, predatory behavior, and this important legislation represents a first step in addressing the deep-rooted and systemic problems that came to light in the Dr. Larry Nassar case. This legislation sets up an independent body to investigate allegations of misconduct throughout Team USA and set up training for athletes, coaches and parents. This is an important step in the right direction, but we must continue to seek progress by ensuring the reforms made in this bill are fully funded.

“I am also pleased that leadership of the Energy and Commerce Committee agreed to my request to hold hearings and conduct a bipartisan investigation into the Dr. Larry Nassar case. Even though Dr. Nassar will spend the rest of his life in prison, we must work in a bipartisan manner to get to the root of this issue and put the right protections in place to ensure it never happens again.” 

Meanwhile, in light of a disturbing investigative report from ESPN'S "Outside the Lines", suggesting a pattern of widespread denial and inaction on part of the MSU athletic department relating to sexual assault, MSU head football coach Mark Dantonio and head basketball coach Tom Izzo, as of Saturday, have denied allegations relating to the handling of sexual assault allegations regarding players.