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Sources: USOC Pushing For Resignation Of USA Gymnastics' Penny Amid Scandal

Officials within the USOC say USA Gymnastics President & CEO Steve Penny "must resign so the national governing body can move forward in the midst of a sex abuse scandal," according to sources cited by Christine Brennan of USA TODAY. More than 360 cases in which gymnasts "accused coaches of sexual transgressions over 20 years have been reported," and more than 80 gymnasts "have come forward with sexual abuse allegations against Larry Nassar, the national gymnastics team physician" from '96-'15. The USOC "cannot fire Penny -- only the board of USA Gymnastics can do that -- but the USOC holds great sway as the organization in charge of oversight and governance of all national governing bodies, including USA Gymnastics." In that role, the USOC "can put any significant pressure on Penny to leave for the good of the organization." The sources said that they "believe Penny must leave USA Gymnastics for the organization to have a fresh start." Among the concerns, the sources "cited Penny's failure to immediately report Nassar after allegations of sexual abuse by the doctor were reported to USA Gymnastics" in June '15. Brennan notes USA Gymnastics has "previously said it reported claims of abuse to law enforcement and has emphasized its commitment to policies to prevent abuse and encourage the reporting of allegations" USAG last night "released a statement" defending Penny (USA TODAY, 3/9). The WALL STREET JOURNAL's O'Brien & Futterman note the "differing opinions of the USOC and USA Gymnastics boards" about Penny's future "sets up a confrontation between one of the country's leading governing bodies and the organization that oversees Olympic sports" in the US. The "groundswell of calls" within the USOC for Penny's resignation developed yesterday during committee meetings (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 3/9).

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