Here's more scandal at Michigan State University.
George Perles (MSU photo)
A federal lawsuit alleges that imprisoned ex-doctor Larry Nassar videotaped the rape of a young field hockey player that led to her pregnancy in 1992 – and that when her coach repported it to then-athletic director George Perles, he covered it up, Kim Kozlowski of The Detroit News writes.
“This proves that not only did defendant Michigan State University have knowledge that Defendant Nassar sexually abused and sexually assaulted minors, but that it would also go to great lengths to conceal this conduct,” according to the court documents filed Monday. “Defendant Michigan State University could have stopped defendant Nassar’s conduct back in 1992, but did not.
“Michigan State University could have prevented hundreds of young girls and women from being sexually assaulted by defendant Nassar had they only acted appropriately, decently and lawfully in 1992.”
Perles, who was a MSU legend, was the football coach for 12 years, starting in 1982. From 1990-92, while still coaching, he served as athletic director.
In 2006, he was elected to MSU's Board of Trustees. In 2014, he won another eight-year term.
MSU spokeswoman Emily Guerrant issues a statement Tuesday in response to the new case:
“We are deeply sorry for the abuses Larry Nassar has committed, and for the trauma experienced by all sexual assault survivors. Sexual abuse, assault and relationship violence are not tolerated in our campus community. While the protocols and procedures mentioned in this lawsuit do not reflect how sexual assault claims are handled at MSU, we are taking the allegations very seriously and looking into the situation."
