The NCAA has ended its investigation into Michigan State University's handling of allegations of harassment against disgraced former sports physician Larry Nassar, according to a letter sent to the school's athletics department from Jonathan F. Duncan, the NCAA's vice president of enforcement.
"This review has not substantiated violations of NCAA legislation," Duncan wrote in his letter, which was dated Wednesday and addressed to Michigan State University athletic director Bill Beekman, the Associated Press reports. "Based on available information, it does not appear there is need for further inquiry."
"We welcome closure in regards to the NCAA inquiry," Beekman said in a statement, according to the Detroit Free Press. "MSU cooperated fully with the inquiry over the past several months and provided all requested documentation and access to key personnel."
"Based on available information, it does not appear there is need for further inquiry," Beekman added. "Should additional information become available, the enforcement staff will review this information with the institution to determine whether further inquiry is necessary."
Earlier this year, a Michigan court sentenced Nassar to 40 to 175 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to assault girls and women while working as a campus sports doctor for Michigan State athletes and gymnasts. His victims included some U.S. Olympians who trained at Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics. In total, it is estimated that Nassar physically abused no less than 150 of his patients in a series of assaults that date back to the mid 1990s.
The NCAA announced in January that it had opened an investigation into the school's handling of sexual assault claims against Nassar during his time working at the school.
Michigan State has denied any cover-up of Nassar's crimes. Still, the school's president Lou Anna Simon resigned and athletics director Mark Hollis announced his retirement in the wake of the scandal.
Associated Press reported Noah Trister notes, "The announcement from Michigan State came the same day that former gymnastics coach Kathie Klages, a longtime Nassar ally, appeared in court on charges of lying to investigators. Authorities say two teens complained to her back in 1997."
"The Nassar scandal caused a shake-up in school leadership early this year, and athletic director Mark Hollis retired," Trister wrote. "Around that same time, ESPN reported allegations of sexual assault and violence against women involving Michigan State football and basketball players. The report questioned how the athletic department handled those cases over the years."
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