Simone Biles: 'My Heart Aches' After Brother Tevin Charged with Murder
Sep 3, 2019
Simone Biles looks at the score during the senior women's competition at the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Superstar gymnast Simone Biles commented publicly Monday for the first time since her brother, Tevin Biles-Thomas, was arrested Thursday on multiple murder charges.
Biles released the following statement on Twitter:
According to Caitlin O'Kane of CBS News, three people were shot and killed at a New Year's Eve party in Cleveland and several others were wounded. Delvante Johnson and Toshaun Banks died at the scene, while Devaughn Gibson was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Per CNN'sMelissa Alonso and Doug Criss, Biles-Thomas has officially been charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault and perjury.
As of Friday, Biles-Thomas was being held at Liberty County Jail in Liberty County, Georgia, without bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 13 in Ohio.
The 24-year-old Biles-Thomas is the older brother of Biles, who is 22.
Biles is among the most successful and decorated gymnasts of all time. In addition to being a four-time all-round world champion, she is a five-time Olympic medalist.
At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Biles took gold in the team event, all-around, vault and floor exercise and won bronze in the balance beam.
Biles is a heavy favorite to win her fifth all-around gold at the world championships in Germany in October, and she is expected to bring home another significant medal haul from the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo.
Simone Biles' Brother Tevin Facing Murder Charge After Shooting in Cleveland
Aug 30, 2019
Spectators' seats lie poorly during a gymnastics event in Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010. The empty stadiums that marred the first day of competition at the crisis-hit Commonwealth Games may be filled by children and the underprivileged if attendance doesn't improve. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Tevin Biles-Thomas, the brother of United States gymnast and four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder stemming from a New Year's Eve shooting in Ohio, according to Ryan Gaydos of Fox News.
Per Gaydos, Biles-Thomas was charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault and one count of perjury Thursday.
WKYC reported an altercation broke out at a Cleveland apartment after an "uninvited group" showed up to a party on New Year's Eve at a rented apartment. Gunshots followed, leaving three people dead—all of whom reportedly suffered "multiple gunshot wounds"—and two injured.
According to Adam Ferriseof Cleveland.com,Biles-Thomas is the only person charged in the shooting. The 24-year-old was arrested in Georgia, where he was stationed as an active member of the U.S. Army.
"The relentless persistence of Cleveland police homicide detectives helped secure an indictment in this case," Cuyahoga County prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley said in a statement, per Ferrise. "It is through their hard work that we can begin to seek justice for these victims."
Biles-Thomas will be arraigned on Sept. 13 at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center.
Video: Simone Biles Makes History by Landing Triple-Double in Floor Competition
Aug 11, 2019
Simone Biles works on her floor exercise during practice for the senior women's competition at the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Simone Biles continues to raise the bar in competitive gymnastics.
The four-time Olympic gold medalist made history Sunday when she landed a triple-double during her floor routine at the United States championships:
🚨 Simone Biles makes history AGAIN 🚨@Simone_Biles becomes the first woman to land a triple double in competition on floor 😤
No one else has landed a triple-twisting double somersault in competition.
This came after Biles became the first person to land a double-double as part of a dismount on the balance beam.
The performance helped her take home first place in the All-Around competition, her sixth AA title in the U.S. championship. She had the best score on floor, beam and vault while ranking third on the uneven bars.
Clara Schroth-Lomady is the only other American to win six national AA titles, which she accomplished in the 1940s and 1950s.
With the way Biles continues to innovate, however, she could win many more championships in the years to come.
Video: Olympian Simone Biles Lands Historic Dismount at Gymnastics Championships
Aug 10, 2019
Simone Biles competes on the floor exercise at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships on Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
While competing on the balance beam at the 2019 U.S. Gymnastics Championships Friday night, Biles made history by becoming the first person to successfully dismount two flips and two twists:
Simone Biles is the first person EVER to land a dismount with two flips and two twists 👏
USA Gymnastics' Ashley Scoby put into perspective where Biles' latest feat fits in her growing legacy. Biles is the most decorated women's gymnast in the country with 25 medals combined between world and Olympic competitions, with her 20 world medals setting a record and specifically her 14 world gold medals the most in history.
And while Biles is just 22 years old, former UCLA gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field—widely known as Miss Val—already believes her to be the greatest of all time:
Biles rose to fame during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where sheclaimedfive medals (four gold, one bronze) as a member of theFinal Five.
The U.S. Gymnastics Championships will wrap on Sunday at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Biles leads the field with a 58.650 following Friday's performance and is competing for her sixth U.S. all-around title.
Simone Biles Talks USA Gymnastics, Trying to Heal After Larry Nassar Scandal
Aug 7, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Simone Biles of the USA reacts after finishing her her performance on balance beam during the Superstars of Gymnastics at The O2 Arena on March 23, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
American gymnast and four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles spoke with Mechelle Voepel of ESPNW.com Wednesday and expressed anger, distrust and frustration toward USA Gymnastics in the aftermath of the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal:
"It's really sad for us, because it becomes a problem whenever we work with future people," Biles said. "How can we trust them? They bring in new people all the time, and I automatically put my foot up because the people that I had known for years had failed us. So it's hard for them to bring anyone up to us.
"It's really hard to talk about. I just feel like ... I don't mean to cry, but it's just ... it's hard coming here for an organization and having had them fail us so many times. And we have won gold. We've done everything they asked [of] us, even when we didn't want to. And they couldn't do one damn job. You had one job. You literally had one job, and you couldn't protect us."
Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State doctor, sexually abused more than 200 young women and girls under his care. He wassentencedup to 175 years in prison in 2018.
Marisa Kwiatkowski, Mark Alesia and Tim Evans of the Indianapolis Star shone a spotlight on USA Gymnastics, which failed to report cases of abuse by coaches. Former USA gymnast Rachael Denhollander then spoke with the Indianapolis Star and revealed Nassar's abuse. Eventually, more than 150 gymnasts came forward.
An investigation (h/t Nicole Chavez of CNN.com) led by United States senators Richard Blumenthal and Jerry Moran determined that the FBI, the U.S. Olympic Committee,USA Gymnasticsand Michigan State University had all "failed" to stop Nassar's abuse.
As for the present day, the healing process continues for Biles and others:
"There's no manual. I feel like as a gymnast, if we're hurt or if something goes wrong, you go to the doctor or your coaches, and they tell you all the right steps to the healing process. But for this, everybody's healing process is different.
"And I think that's the hardest part, because I feel like maybe I should be healed. ... But I feel like it will be an open wound for a really long time, and it might not ever get closed or healed. But it's what I go to therapy for."
Biles was also asked whether she could have "full faith" in USA Gymnastics again after the organization's inaction:
"All we can do at this point is have faith that they'll have our backs and they'll do the right thing," Biles said. "But at the end of the day, it's just a ticking time bomb. But, we'll see. It's a waiting game."
Biles, a 14-time world champion, will compete for her sixth U.S. Gymnastics Championships title on Friday and Sunday in Kansas City.
Ex-Michigan State Dean William Strampel Convicted After Larry Nassar Scandal
Aug 7, 2019
William Strampel appears on a monitor during his video arraignment, Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. Strampel, a Michigan State University official who oversaw Larry Nassar, was arrested Monday amid an investigation into the handling of complaints against the former sport doctor, who is in prison for sexually assaulting patients under the guise of treatment. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Former Michigan State University dean William Strampel was sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of neglect of duty for his lack of oversight of Larry Nassar and misconduct in office related to student allegations of sexual harassment, according to the Associated Press.
Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State doctor, pleaded guilty to multiple charges of sexual assault, sexual assault of minors and child pornography.
Strampel was facing up to five years of prison time after being accused of using "his public office to sexually harass, demean and proposition students who met with him to discuss academic issues," per that report, though he was acquitted on the most serious charges he was facing.
A number of former medical students said Strampel made "sexual comments and innuendo" during meetings and "accused him of staring at their breasts." And his work computer contained pictures of "nude and semi-nude young women with Michigan State logo piercings or clothing," according to investigators.
"Why was he so confident he could get away with it?" said Michigan State student Leah Jackson, who testified that Strampel made sexual remarks to her. "It makes me wonder how many other people he had done this to. He was supposed to protect us and he chose to betray us."
"While Mr. Strampel's sentence will never give back the years of pain and suffering his victims had to endure, the persistence of these courageous survivors made certain that he could no longer hide behind the title he once held to escape the reach of justice," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel added in a statement.
He was also convicted for knowingly failing to uphold protocols in place regarding Nassar, which required "a third person be present in the exam room for sensitive procedures and limiting skin-to-skin contact."
Over 150 women and girls testified that they were sexually assaulted by Nassar while he was a team doctor for the U.S. Olympic and Michigan Stategymnasticsteams.
UCLA Gymnast Katelyn Ohashi Wins 2019 Best Play ESPY
Jul 10, 2019
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 10: Katelyn Ohashi attends The 2019 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater on July 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Former UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi's perfect 10 for her floor routine at the 2019 Collegiate Challenge won the ESPY for Best Play on Wednesday evening.
Ohashi, a six-time All-American who won two gold medals at the 2018 NCAA Championships, took home the first-ever Best Play ESPY for gymnastics. Twelve of the winners since the award's inception in 2002 were for college or pro football moments.
Ohashi's perfect 10 (the fourth of her career) became a viral sensation overnight, generating tens of millions of views. UCLA Athletics' video of her performance has over 44 million views alone. That helped Ohashi win the Best Viral Moment ESPY, as well.
Ohashi delivered a powerful spoken-word speech after winning Best Play, notably calling out the sexism she and other women have routinely encountered via cyber attacks.
Ohashi beat a loaded Best Play field in which all finalists could have made a strong case for No. 1.
Former Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard's game- and series-winning buzzer-beater over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals was arguably the sports calendar's most clutch moment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CROx4XvLJTk
Leonard, who signed with the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month, proceeded to lead the Raptors to their first NBA title.
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry bowled over the Jacksonville Jaguars en route to a rumbling 99-yard touchdown dash:
And Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake capped off the Miami Miracle following a series of successful laterals to help the Fins defeat the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, 34-33.
Ohashi's victory marked just the third time a woman has won this ESPY.
Arike Ogunbowale of Notre Dame's game-winning, buzzer-beating three-pointer in the NCAA Division I women's championship earned the 2018 honor, and Abby Wambach's header against Brazil in the 2011 Women's World Cup off a Megan Rapinoe pass took home the trophy, as well.
USA Gymnastics Fires Top Doctor Edward Nyman 1 Day After Hiring Amid Backlash
Apr 30, 2019
The Olympic rings are on display near the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics venues in Gangneung, South Korea, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019. South Korea celebrates the 1st anniversary of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and Paralympics which were held from Feb. 9 to 25 and from March 9 to 18 in Gangwon Province last year. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Doctor Edward Nyman's tenure as the director of sports medicine and science for USA Gymnastics lasted a single day after the hiring was met with backlash.
"Dr. Nyman's employment will not continue due to a conflict of interest, and we will immediately renew our search to identify a qualified individual to lead our sports medicine and research efforts," the organization announced Tuesday, per John Barr of ESPN.com.
Barr explained Nyman's hiring was met with "instant reaction from the gymnastics community" as women in the sport, including many who said they were sexually assaulted by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, expressed "their discomfort with a male physician being in charge of athlete care."
Nassar was sentenced to 40-to-125 years on sexual assault charges to be served after a 60-year federal prison sentence after also being convicted on child pornography charges.
Attorney John Manly, who Barr noted represents more than 200 women who said Nassar sexually assaulted them, was one of those who criticized the Nyman hiring:
Competing elite gymnasts are stakeholders. A number of them were abused by Larry Nassar. None of them were consulted about this pick. None of my clients abused by Nassar want anything to do with male physicians. Typical. https://t.co/8yYAsUVn3d
"To provide clarity, the decision to terminate Dr. Nyman's employment was not based on any comments made on social media platforms or anywhere else," USA Gymnastics said, per Barr. "In accordance with our employment policies, we cannot comment further on this personnel matter."
Barr painted a picture of an organization that is reeling following Nassar's crimes being exposed and a series of poor decisions. President Li Li Leung—who was criticized for insensitive comments she made about Nassar during an appearance on the Today Show—is the fourth president and CEO of the organization in two years.
Steve Penny resigned in March 2017 and faces tampering charges in relation to the Nassar case, Kerry Perry then stepped down in less than a year and U.S. Rep. Mary Bono resigned after four days in an interim role.
USA Gymnastics also filed for bankruptcy in December.
Auburn Gymnast Sam Cerio to Undergo Surgery on Both Legs After Gruesome Injury
Apr 8, 2019
Ukraine's Oleg Verniaiev performs on the parellel bars during the Men's All-Around Final of the Gymnastics World Chamionships at the Aspire Dome in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
Auburn gymnast Sam Cerio is undergoing surgery for two dislocated knees and a number of torn ligaments in each of her legs, according to Matt Eisenberg of ESPN.com, after a gruesome landing during her floor routine at Friday's NCAA regional.
Eisenberg noted Cerio suffered the injury after she "landed awkwardly as she was trying to execute a double front with a blind landing."
"Sam is a fighter and is in great spirits," Auburn coach Jeff Graba said. "We couldn't have a better leader for this team."
Dr. James Andrews will perform the surgery, per Eisenberg.
On Instagram, Cerio announced that she was ending her gymnastics career after the incident:
"Friday night was my final night as a gymnast. After 18 years I am hanging up my grips and leaving the chalk behind. I couldn't be prouder of the person that gymnastics has made me to become. It's taught me hard work, humility, integrity, and dedication, just to name a few. It's given me challenges and roadblocks that I would have never imagined that has tested who I am as a person. It may not have ended the way I had planned, but nothing ever goes as planned."
Simone Biles Talks Injuries, Says 'It Feels Weird If I'm Not in Pain'
Mar 21, 2019
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 03: Simone Biles of the USA competes on the the Floor during day ten of the 2018 FIG Artistic Gymnastics Championships at Aspire Dome on November 3, 2018 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Simone Biles has revealed she's had so many injuries that it's unusual for her to be pain-free.
The 22-year-old, who won four gold medals at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and also has 14 World Championship golds to her name, spoke to the Daily Mail's Riath Al-Samarrai about the injuries she's suffered over the years:
"Pain is just something I live with and that is pretty odd for my age, right? It feels weird if I'm not in pain.
"I was thinking about this—I've been quite fortunate with injuries but there's been some stuff. There's been a calf I have partially torn two or three times, I broke a rib in 2016, and oh yeah, it turned out my toe was shattered in five pieces after the last Olympics without me knowing.
"That was weird. I had it for ages and used to tell people it was going to fall off. One day I had it X-rayed and they were asking how long it had been bad. I'd had it about two years. Oh, and my shoulder, I'm not even going to go into specifics but that, too.
"I guess that is it. If you are jumping up in the air all the time, sometimes gravity says no."
Biles took up gymnastics at the age of six, and she has been competing since 2011.
She has enjoyed almost unprecedented success in the sport and is considered by many to be the greatest gymnast ever. Only the retired Svetlana Khorkina can match her World Championship haul of 20 medals, but the Russian has five fewer golds to her name.
As Al-Samarrai observed, Biles has not lost an all-around title since 2013. In the six years since, she has participated in 19 meets.
Her most recent was the Stuttgart World Cup earlier in March, her first competition of the year:
Her success has taken a toll, though, as she reflected:
"Oh, this body. It starts when I wake up. I can tell you almost straight away if it is cold or not because my bones will shake. I joke to my friends a lot that I am going to be in a wheelchair at 30.
"My body feels like it is maybe in its 30s or 40s. Maybe older. Inside it is screaming and yelling at me."
Biles was also among more than 250 women and girls who came forward to accuseformer USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar of sexual abuse.
Nassar, 55, will spend life in prison after being found guilty of multiple charges of sexual assault and possession of child pornography.
Biles recently told Good Morning America she has sought therapy and is taking anxiety medication following the abuse:
After taking 2017 off following the Olympics, Biles returned to the gymnastics circuit last year and competed in her first international event since Rio at the World Championships in October.
She collected medals in every event—becoming the first woman to do so since 1987—including four golds.
To make her achievement even more impressive, Biles entered after suffering from a kidney stone on the eve of the competition, and she was unable to take painkillers due to doping rules.
"It was pretty bad," she said. "The pain was coming in waves—I was walking around and then I'd be literally crawling on the floor because it hurt so bad."
After a trip to the hospital revealed she had a kidney stone, doctors wanted Biles to remain there overnight due to concerns the pain could get worse, but she refused.
"I was competing the next day. I think I said something like, 'OK, well, if it gets worse I'll probably call you guys or be in an ambulance so...' Anyway, I discharged myself."
Biles went on to win the all-around by a margin of 1.693. For comparison, the gap between silver medallist Mai Murakami and 12th-placed Ellie Black was 1.565.
And yet, perfectionist Biles was visibly annoyed on the podium. "It wasn't the performance I wanted," she told Al-Samarrai. "I was a bit upset to perform like that for my country."
