Sen. Feinstein rebukes USA Gymnastics on sex abuse

Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Wednesday again rebuked USA Gymnastics for how it is answering the concerns of U.S. senators about the national governing body's handling of sexual abuse allegations.

Feinstein said USA Gymnastics' Feb. 18 response to four senators, including herself and Indiana's Joe Donnelly, "failed to commit to a policy that requires that law enforcement be notified of all reports of abuse, including sexual abuse."

“Allegations of sexual abuse received by amateur athletic governing bodies or the adults who work with young athletes must be promptly reported to local and federal law enforcement," Feinstein said Wednesday. "No other policy is acceptable."

A day after IndyStar's first article in an investigation of USA Gymnastics and sexual abuse in August, the senators wrote a letter to USA Gymnastics president Steve Penny, expressing concern and asking for information. The article detailed USA Gymnastics' failure to promptly notify law enforcement about sexual abuse complaints. Some of those coaches went on to abuse more girls.

IndyStar investigation:

Out of Balance: An IndyStar investigation into USA Gymnastics

There have been two exchanges of letters between the senators and USA Gymnastics that have been made public. On Jan. 31, the senators wrote to Penny to say his response in September to their concerns was "inadequate." The senators also included specific policies that they the senators told Penny they "urge you to implement."

In USA Gymnastics' Feb. 18 letter that Feinstein released Wednesday, the Indianapolis-based organization said it is "working diligently to strengthen our approach to this important issue."

It noted that recommendations are expected by mid-April by a former federal prosecutor that USA Gymnastics hired to evaluate existing policies. It also said a committee of USA Gymnastics' board of directors "will work closely with our staff to ensure the organization takes the appropriate steps to fully implement recommendations, policy changes and governance matters while refining best practices."

The response also discussed the U.S. Center for Safe Sport, saying the new agency will have a "1-800 reporting line" for the reporting of abuse allegations. It was unclear whether that reporting line will be available at all hours and be anonymous, as the senators suggested.

Near the end of its response, Penny wrote, "We believe these important steps will provide an improved framework for enhancing the safety of our young people throughout the sport of gymnastics. Our suggestion is that we provide you regular updates over the next few months as these developments occur."

Feinstein said that answer fell short of her expectations.

“The Ted Stevens Amateur and Olympic Sports Act must also be amended to make it easier for victims to safely report abuse to trained adults and ensure coaches accused of abuse aren’t hired at other gyms," she said. "I am working to finalize legislation to do this and welcome feedback from USA Gymnastics and other athletics governing bodies. But the simple truth is that more must be done to stamp out sexual abuse, and in amateur athletics that must start with the governing bodies.”

Call IndyStar reporter Mark Alesia at (317) 444-6311. Follow him on Twitter: @markalesia.

Call IndyStar reporter Marisa Kwiatkowski at (317) 444-6135. Follow her on Twitter: @IndyMarisaK.

Call IndyStar reporter Tim Evans at (317) 444-6204. Follow him on Twitter: @starwatchtim.