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USA Gymnastics revokes fine to allow gymnast to speak at sentencing of former doctor

USA Gymnastics has revoked a $100,000 fine on gymnast McKayla Maroney, allowing her to speak at the sentencing of former team doctor Larry Nassar.

Maroney, one of dozens of current and former gymnasts who say they were sexually abused by Nassar, reached a settlement with USA Gymnastics in 2016 that included a nondisclosure agreement, that, if broken, would result in the fine.

USA Gymnastics said Tuesday it would not fine Maroney if she spoke in court, after supermodel Chrissy Teigen offered to pay the fine for the gymnast, according to ABC News.

“USA Gymnastics encourages McKayla and anyone who has been abused to speak out,” according to a statement. “USA Gymnastics remains focused on our highest priority -– the safety, health and well-being of our athletes and creating a culture that empowers and supports them.”

Teigen early Tuesday tweeted a message of support to Maroney, writing that she would be “honored” to pay the fine for the gold-medal gymnast.

{mosads}Maroney responded to Teigen in a statement through her lawyer.

“I’m shocked by your generosity, and I just want you to know how much hope your words bring to all of us!” Maroney said in the statement. “I just can’t get over the fact that someone I don’t personally know is sticking up for me, let alone a strong woman that I’ve looked up to for years!”

Nassar was sentenced last month to 60 years in prison on federal charges of child pornography, but is also facing state charges of criminal sexual conduct, to which he pleaded guilty.

Nearly 100 women who say they were molested by Nassar will give their testimony in court this week.

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