DETROIT _ I don't know whom to believe at Michigan State right now.
I only believe those courageous victims of Dr. Larry Nassar, who stood up and shined a bright light on a monster who sexually abused more than 150 girls and young women. They are true heroes.
Everybody else deserves only skepticism and sharp questions about the culture at MSU, after this insane, horrific week that went from Nassar to an ESPN report that detailed a number of allegations of sexual assault and violent attacks on women that occurred with Spartan football and basketball players.
On Friday evening, my wife received an email from the MSU Board of Trustees, presumably because our son is a senior at MSU.
"Dear MSU Community," wrote Brian S. Breslin, the chairman of the MSU Board of Trustees. "As you know, this week has been deeply significant for the survivors of Larry Nassar's predation and abuse. One after another, they spoke out bravely in open court last week. They asked that their voices be heard, for responsiveness, for action. We acknowledge their voices and say to the survivors, their families, and everyone in our community affected by sexual violence that we are deeply sorry and we recognize that change is overdue."
Finally, this tone-deaf administration hit the right tone.
But forgive me if I'm skeptical about this sudden concern.
The root of the problem at MSU has been far more concern about the victories and protecting the program than the victims.
"We acknowledge that there have been failures at MSU, not only in our processes and operations, but in our culture, and we are united in our determination to take all necessary steps to begin a new day and to change the environment at the university," Breslin wrote.
Those are easy words to say, especially now in hindsight.
Where was that kind of language, just a week ago?
