Michigan State President Keeps Job Despite Crass Sexual Assault Remark

John Engler said Larry Nassar abuse victim probably got a “kickback” from her lawyer.

The Michigan State Spartans logo on a pair of shorts during a college basketball game against the Maryland Terrapins at The Xfinity Center on January 28, 2018 in College Park, Maryland.  The Spartans won 74-68.  (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Michigan State Spartans logo on a pair of shorts during a college basketball game against the Maryland Terrapins at The Xfinity Center on January 28, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. The Spartans won 74-68. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
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Michigan State University interim president John Engler will not be ousted for a derogatory comment about one of Larry Nassar’s sexual assault victims, following a vote by trustees.

During a meeting about how to pay off a $500 million settlement with hundreds of female victims who were sexually assaulted by Nassar, trustee Brian Mosallam called for a vote to fire Engler. Despite Mosallam’s pleas to change the agenda, Mosallam’s motion was defeated 6-2.

Engler had previously written in an email that outspoken victim Nassar victim Rachael Denhollander had probably received a “kickback” from her attorney. Though Engler apologized later in a written statement, Mosallam apparently felt that wasn’t enough and wanted him gone.

The move to keep Engler may not help MSU much in the court of public opinion.

Under the terms of the settlement, the university will pay $425 million up front and keep the remaining $75 million to pay for future victims claims.

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