Nationwide Reforms Protect Young Athletes in Wake of Nassar Case — But False Allegations Are on the Rise

January 2021 marked the beginning of a major shift in how the United States addresses athlete safety, accountability, and institutional abuse—sparked by the staggering revelations of sexual misconduct committed by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. His case made national headlines not only for the sheer number of victims—over 300 women and girls—but also for the systemic failures that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked for years.

As a result, Congress passed sweeping legislation aimed at preventing future abuse and holding national sports organizations accountable.

What Is the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act?

Signed into law in 2020, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act was co-authored by Rep. Ted Lieu and other members of Congress. This legislation is designed to overhaul the culture of U.S. athletics by prioritizing athlete welfare and enforcing stronger accountability measures on organizations like the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and national governing bodies for amateur sports.

Key provisions of the Act include:

• Mandatory reporting requirements for suspected abuse;
• Stronger legal liability for governing bodies that fail to protect athletes;
• Enhanced funding and independence for the U.S. Center for SafeSport;
• Protections against retaliation for whistleblowers and abuse survivors;
• Increased oversight and transparency in how allegations are investigated and resolved.

The goal is clear: to prevent the kind of widespread institutional failure that allowed predators like Nassar to operate without consequence.

Increased Reporting Can Lead to More Mistakes—and More False Allegations

While this kind of legislation is a necessary and welcome step toward justice, it brings with it a common side effect: a sharp rise in the number of abuse reports. In general, heightened public awareness after a high-profile scandal leads to more people coming forward—which is a positive development when it leads to real justice.

However, it can also lead to:

• Misunderstandings about intent or behavior,
• Exaggerated claims made under pressure or confusion,
• And in some unfortunate cases, completely false allegations, whether made maliciously or mistakenly.

This is especially concerning in the context of family court disputes, custody battles, or situations involving youth coaches, teachers, or caretakers, where a single accusation—true or not—can ruin careers, reputations, and families.

Accused of Sexual Abuse or Assault? Don’t Navigate This Alone.

At The Kronzek Firm, we’ve spent decades defending Michigan residents who were falsely accused of child sexual abuse, molestation, or other misconduct. We understand how damaging these accusations can be, even when there’s no basis in fact. CPS and law enforcement often act quickly and aggressively—sometimes without conducting a thorough investigation first.

That’s why it’s critical to act immediately if you or a loved one is facing allegations.

Our attorneys are:

• Available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Experienced in CPS investigations, criminal defense, and child protection law
• Trusted statewide—from Detroit and Lansing to Grand Rapids and everywhere in between

📞 Call us now at (866) 766-5245 to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Your freedom, your family, and your future may depend on what you do next.

When everything is on the line, don’t wait. Get the defense you deserve.