Criminal Charges for U.S. Gymnastics, College Officials in Wake of Nassar Trial?
A Resounding ‘Yes’ from the Public
The Seton Hall Sports Poll asked whether Board members from U.S. Gymnastics Federation and officials at Michigan State University should face criminal charges for not acting on complaints from gymnasts regarding Dr. Larry Nassar, the American public shouted “yes” by 78% to just 6%, with 16% saying “don’t know or no opinion.”
“We have seen resignations in the wake of the Nassar conviction and sentencing,” said Rick Gentile, director of the poll, which is sponsored by the Sharkey Institute. “But public opinion says more punishment is needed, and this is really an overwhelming statement.”
The poll was conducted January 29-31 with random calls to 706 adults on landlines and cellphones across the country, and has a margin of error of +/- 3.8%.
The release may be found at http://blogs.shu.edu/sportspoll/2018/02/07/poll-finds-overwhelming-support-for-criminal-charges-against-u-s-gymnastics-over-nassar-case/
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About the poll:
This poll was conducted by telephone January 29-31 among 706 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.
Phone numbers were dialed from samples of both standard landline and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. The error for subgroups may be higher. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.
The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.
Media: Media: Marty Appel, AppelPR@gmail.com;
Michael Ricciardelli, Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu, 908-447-3034
The results:
1. A doctor who was employed by the U.S. Gymnastics Federation and practiced medicine at Michigan State University has been convicted of sexually abusing over 100 female gymnasts (including many minors) over a period of decades. As a result, the president and athletic director of Michigan State have resigned as has the entire board of the U.S. Gymnastics Federation. Do you think the gymnastics board members and university officials should face criminal charges for not taking action on the many complaints from victims?
1. Yes 78
2. No 6
3. Don’t know/No opinion 16