MSU head women's gymnastics coach, Kathie Klages, will retire from her position at the university.
Michigan State University suspended Klages on Monday, they would not say why.
The suspension came two weeks after a lawsuit accused Klages of ignoring sexual abuse complaints against former MSU doctor Larry Nassar.
Her legal counsel released the following statement:
"Like many others, MSU Gymnastics Coach, Kathie Klages, is deeply disturbed by the recent allegations and lawsuits brought against Dr. Larry Nassar, Michigan State University, and others. Although she is not a named defendant in any lawsuit, she is extremely distressed by the accusations that have been made about her creating any sort of impediment to gymnasts reporting complaints of criminal sexual conduct or sexually inappropriate behavior.
Kathie Klages has proudly coached MSU gymnastics for 27 years. The MSU gymnastics team members and coaching staff have been her top priority for her entire career. She would never do anything to put any of them in harm’s way. Dr. Nassar was trusted by Ms. Klages to competently and ethically treat her team members. Had she ever received any information to cast doubt on the appropriateness of that trust in Dr. Nassar, she would have reacted immediately to protect her gymnasts.
Ms. Klages has and will continue to cooperate fully in all ongoing investigations and lawsuits. At the advice of legal counsel, she will not comment further on the specific allegations of the complaints so as not to interfere with the legal process. However, Ms. Klages looks forward to being able to testify under oath and fully answer all questions that relate to any involvement she is alleged to have had in the situation.
The underlying accusations involving Ms. Klages have been a serious distraction to her professional responsibilities and detrimental to her overall well-being. Her recent suspension as head coach is a consequence of that. Out of respect to the University and the gymnastics program in particular, Ms. Klages believes it is in everyone’s best interests for her to retire from her current position at MSU. She has the utmost confidence in Mike Rowe’s ability to serve as interim head coach of the gymnastics team."
