USOC sponsors are standing by the organization as its commissioned investigation into its own role in the USA Gymnastics sex abuse case gets underway, but some say they will watch the inquiry’s progress closely. SportsBusiness Journal asked every USOC domestic sponsor and global IOC sponsor for comment on the case during the Pyeongchang Games. The USOC and CEO Scott Blackmun have come under criticism by many, including Gold Medal-winning gymnast Aly Raisman, for failing to act more forcefully when informed in '15 of the allegations against former USAG team doctor Larry Nassar, who is now serving up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing athletes. The questions were: "Does the USOC enjoy your confidence as a sponsor? Does Blackmun? Are you reconsidering your business relationship with the organization?" Out of the 34 sponsors queried, 27 did not respond at all. Seven did, though two -- GE and Adecco -- issued responses that did not address the questions asked. The five responses that did are reprinted below:
* Bridgestone: Bridgestone Americas VP/Communications Paul Oakley said, “While we support the actions taken so far by the USOC (many of which were recently communicated by its leadership at a press conference on February 9), we agree that more work needs to be done to ensure a safe and positive environment for every athlete. We have expressed our concerns to the USOC and expect they will increase efforts to ensure a culture that fosters safety across all sports at every level. We are following this matter closely and, like everyone, await the results of the independent investigation. We continue to proudly support the athletes of Team USA, including those here at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.“
* Liberty Mutual: "We, like the rest of the world, were horrified by the sexual abuse committed against USA Gymnastics athletes by Dr. Nassar. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We will engage directly with the USOC about their knowledge and response to these crimes, and steps that are being taken to ensure something like this never happens again. At the same time, this does not detract from our immediate support for our Team USA athletes competing in PyeongChang in the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."
* Jet Set Sports: "As attention turns to, who is responsible, our focus should remain on supporting the courageous young women who endured such horrific abuse while training to achieve their Olympic Dreams -- and, of course, to amaze us. They should not be forgotten among the recriminations. We applaud USOC’s efforts over the past several years to bring safe sport to the fore, and given the autonomy of USA Gymnastics, it seems USOC and its officials acted according to policy. However, we await the findings of the independent investigation for more clarity. As important as it is to answer, who is responsible, determining, how to prevent it, is even more critical. We have faith USOC will develop the proper reforms; it will be up to the governing bodies to implement and enforce them. Overall, the Olympic Movement is a force for good, but, being an assemblage of human beings, it is not perfect. Bad actors can take advantage of good people and cause a great deal of harm. This must be addressed and corrected, so the Movement, having failed some, can endure and contribute to the development of others. Unless we are completely surprised by the findings of the independent investigation, we intend to continue supporting this very important Movement as it reforms its rules and heals its community."
* United Airlines: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedies involving USA Gymnastics and look forward to the results and actions of the USOC’s independent investigation."
* Coca-Cola: "This is a tragic situation that greatly concerns us. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on the situation as we do not have detailed information about the investigation."
Sponsors that did not respond include Omega, Alibaba, Atos, Dow, Intel, Panasonic, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, Visa, Samsung, The Hartford, Chobani, Dick’s Sporting Goods, 24 Hour Fitness, Comcast, Hershey, Deloitte, DeVry, Highmark, Kellogg, MilkPEP, Oakley, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Smuckers, Mondelez, USG.
