Kathie Klages, 62, has stepped down as Michigan State University's head gymnastics coach after 27 years, announced by her attorney Tuesday according to an article by mlive. This comes just one day after she was suspended by the university due to allegations revolving around the Dr. Larry Nassar scandal.

According to the allegations, Klages downplayed athlete concerns when it came to Nassar's medical treatment at MSU and displayed a "passionate defense" of the doctor. Shirlee Bobryk, Klages' attorney, wrote in the announcement that the accusations against Klages have become a "serious distraction to her professional responsibilities and detrimental to her overall well-being," wrote Bobryk. 

Out of respect to the University and the gymnastics program in particular, Ms. Klages believes it is in everyone's best interests for her to retire from her current position at MSU.

Mike Rowe will serve as interim head coach of the gymnastics team for the remainder of the season.