Although Valeri Liukin has not been named as a direct enabler of Nassar, former US national team member Mattie Larson mentioned him in her victim impact statement in the Nassar case, claiming he made "my feel absolutely invisible." She mentioned this to draw attention to the overall atmosphere of USA Gymnastics... Liukin responded by stating that she had no knowledge of how Nassar treated his patients and did not help him do so. She also said that she was shocked to hear that Larson felt this way about her. "I never met nor spoke with Larson," Liukin said in a statement. "I have no idea what she may have heard or how she could make such an accusation. I am deeply disappointed by her comments and feel they are wholly inappropriate." Nassar's activities came to light in September 2016 when Michigan State University announced it was investigating allegations of sexual abuse against him. He was fired from his position at MSU the next day. In October 2016, Nassar entered a plea deal in federal court in which he admitted to sexually abusing girls under the age of 18 throughout Michigan and Florida during various sporting events over several years. As part of the agreement, he pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal conduct and was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. In January 2017, more than 250 women and girls filed lawsuits against Nassar and others alleging negligence.