USOC CEO Sarah Hirshland said late Friday it is "time to consider making adjustments” to the leadership of USA Gymnastics after a series of events Friday that once again brought the embattled governing body in for criticism. Earlier in the day, USAG asked its elite development coordinator, Mary Lee Tracy, to resign because she contacted Aly Raisman, a victim of convicted sexual abuser Larry Nassar who is suing the USOC and USAG. Hirshland, in one of her first public acts as CEO, cast serious doubts on USAG CEO Kerry Perry’s competency, and strongly suggested her time is limited. "We’ve been following their activity and as we close the day I’m afraid I can offer nothing but disappointment,” Hirshland said. “Under the circumstances we feel that the organization is struggling to manage its obligations effectively and it is time to consider making adjustments in the leadership. We are engaging with the USAG board to offer our perspective, and also our assistance, as they manage the situation. We expect some additional discussions will occur this weekend." The USOC historically has interpreted U.S. federal law to give it limited ability to influence staffing decisions at the independent nonprofits that operate specific sports. But after the USAG scandal, USOC officials have indicated they will take a stronger hand. The USOC helped force out Perry’s predecessor, Steve Penny, as the Nassar scandal developed. In '17, the USOC gave USAG $2.5M in grants, or more than 5% of its annual budget.
CONTROVERSIAL HIRE: Tracy was a controversial hire because she defended Nassar shortly after his '16 arrest, but USAG only pushed her out after it came to light that Tracy contacted Raisman directly. Raisman, a six-time Olympic medalist, is one of more than 350 gymnasts who said Nassar abused them. She is suing both USAG and USOC. USAG issued the following statement on Tracy: “We strongly believe in a culture that encourages our athletes and survivors to speak up and make their voices heard. As a representative of the organization, she inappropriately contacted a survivor, who is also a represented plaintiff, in response to that survivor’s public criticism of her. USA Gymnastics decided it would be best to move forward without Ms. Tracy in this role.” USAG was not able to be reached immediately after the Hirshland statement.
