Larry Nassar scandal reportedly forces Michigan State interim president to resign

A year after Michigan State’s president resigned over the Larry Nassar scandal, the man who replaced her has reportedly been forced to do the same.

John Engler has agreed to step down as interim president under pressure from the university’s board of trustees, the Detroit Free Press reported on Wednesday.

The board had previously scheduled a Thursday morning meeting to address Engler’s future given heavy criticism from Nassar victims, among others.

Hundreds of young athletes have accused Nassar — who worked as a sports doctor for not only Michigan State but also USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic team — of molesting them under the guise of providing medical treatment.

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Nassar, 55, is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to charges of sexual assault and possession of child pornography.

A wave of lawsuits emerged from the scandal, prompting Michigan State to establish a $500-million fund to settle current and future claims.

In January 2018, university President Lou Ann Simon resigned amid complaints about how she handled the issue. Simon has since been charged with lying to police during their investigation.

Engler triggered similar ire, most recently when he spoke to the Detroit News about some Nassar victims “in the spotlight who are still enjoying that moment at times, you know, the awards and recognition.”

david.wharton@latimes.com

Twitter: @LAtimesWharton