Michigan versity head resigns over comments on sex abuse victims

The interim president of Michigan State University has resigned after he said victims of a major sex abuse scandal were "enjoying" the attention.

John Engler, who was appointed a year ago, said gymnasts who were abused by ex-team doctor Larry Nassar were "hanging on" to the scandal.

He made the remarks in an interview with the Detroit News last week and was roundly criticized.

Nassar has been sentenced to more than 300 years for molesting young gymnasts.

John Engler, who had resisted pressure to step down over previous remarks, announced his plans in an 11-page letter to Dianne Byrum, chairwoman of Michigan State's Board of Trustees. It makes no mention of recent criticism of his comments and instead lists what he considers to be his accomplishments in his one year of service, saying the university is a "dramatically better, stronger institution."

"It has been an honor to serve my beloved university," he wrote.

Engler said he was in Texas attending a burial service for his late father-in-law. His resignation, which he said he was making at the trustees' request, is effective January 23.

Nassar, a former Olympic doctor was convicted last year on hundreds of counts of abuse at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University.

"There are a lot of people who are touched by this, survivors who haven't been in the spotlight," Engler said in the interview with the Detroit News.

"In some ways, they have been able to deal with this better than the ones who've been in the spotlight who are still enjoying that moment at times, you know, the awards and recognition," he added.

He said that several members of the board had asked him to resign.

Last year, the university agreed to pay $500m (£371m) in compensation to the athletes who were abused by Nassar.

According to the lawyers, $425m will be paid to the claimants, and another $75m would be set aside for any future allegations against Nassar, 54, and the university.