Michigan State has agreed to pay $500 million to 332 alleged victims of disgraced former sports physician Larry Nassar, settling lawsuits filed by the victims, both sides announced Wednesday.

“This historic settlement came about through the bravery of more than 300 women and girls who had the courage to stand up and refuse to be silenced,” said John Manly, one of several attorneys representing victims, in a statement. “It is the sincere hope of all of the survivors that the legacy of this settlement will be far reaching institutional reform that will end the threat of sexual assault in sports, schools and throughout our society.”

The settlement will pay $425 million to the 332 girls and women who have come forward to date, averaging about $1.28 million per victim. Michigan State will set aside an additional $75 million in a trust fund for any victims who come forward in the future.

“Michigan State is pleased that we have been able to agree in principle on a settlement that is fair to the survivors of Nassar’s crimes,” said Robert Young, a lawyer for the university.

The settlement does not apply to other organizations still facing lawsuits over Nassar’s abuse, including the United States Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics and famed former Olympic coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi.

Penn State University paid out $109 million to 35 victims in the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Jamie White, a lawyer who represented dozens of women who sued the university, told the Detroit Free Press of the victims, “I don’t think they can ever be made whole, but this is a step in the right direction.”


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.