US Olympic chief quits after sexual abuse scandal but cites health issues as reason

Blackmun has received heavy criticism for how USOC handled the scandal

Blackmun cited health reasons rather than outside pressure for his resignation (Getty)

US Olympic Committee (USOC) chief executive Scott Blackmun has resigned, citing medical reasons, amid months of criticism of how the sexual abuse scandal involving USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.

Blackmun did not attend the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang despite USOC resisting calls to fire him over the Nasser case, which saw the former doctor jailed for life after pleading guilty to molesting female athletes under the guise of medical treatment.

Authorities say Nasser victimised more than 260 women and underage girls, including Olympic champions, with nearly 200 of them coming forward to offer testimony against him earlier this year.

The entire board of directors of USA gymnastics resigned in the wake of the scandal, with many calling for Blackmun to follow suit, accusing him and fellow USOC board members of failing to act promptly on complaints raised against Nasser and fostering a culture of silence.

“Scott Blackmun's resignation as CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee is long overdue,” John Manly, a lawyer representing 120 of Nassar's victims, said in a statement. “Under his leadership, USOC has focused nearly all its efforts on money and medals while the safety of our athletes has taken a back seat.”

The USOC statement did not address whether the sexual abuse scandal played a role in Blackmun's departure. His compensation in 2016 totaled $1.075m, according to USOC tax filings.

“Given Scott's current health situation, we have mutually agreed it is in the best interest of both Scott and the USOC that we identify new leadership,” USOC Chairman Larry Probst said in the statement.