Can You Blame the Dad Who Charged Larry Nassar?

Hello there. Let me introduce myself to you. I am Ashley, the Digital Managing Editor for Townsquare Media Evansville-Owensboro market. I manage all the content you see on our radio station websites and occasionally write about local things that are happening in our community.

Recently, I was asked by our leadership team to write for our national news brand. Stories on a national, and sometimes international level are syndicated out to all of our markets for use so their local people can also focus on local content. Well, I picked up my first story today. It was about the father who charged at Larry Nassar, the former doctor who sexually abused more than 150 women and girls.

Most people can write a story, publish it, and go on with their lives. Most of the time I can do that too. I'll let you in on a secret... Journalists aren't calloused and heartless. Sometimes you have to distance yourself because if you get too close to all these stories, you'll never make it. This one, though... it got to me. It got to me so much that my boss asked me to take a photo with some guests today and I declined because I couldn't muster a smile on my face at that moment after hearing these women talk about what he had done to them and seeing the hurt within this father.

Randall Margraves is the father of three girls who were all abused by Nassar. I know as a parent I would feel extreme guilt that I could have let this happen to not only ONE of my kids but THREE. I can't imagine having to listen to it and see his horrible, ugly little face. I can't imagine being chastised on national television for calling the guy who assaulted my child a "son of a bitch." I can't imagine the stress, the anxiety, and the shame.

And what is even more astounding to me is that this guy got to all of these women and children without being stopped. Reports are coming in that those in leadership positions knew the abuse was happening and that law enforcement didn't investigate properly when a victim came to them for help.

None of that matters though when it's your kid. It's up to you to protect your child, come hell or high water. Can any of us blame him for his outburst? I certainly can't.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of any kind of abuse, don't stop until justice has been served. So many of these attacks could have been prevented if Nassar was brought to justice early on. And I sincerely hope that each one of the people who is responsible for allowing this continue will also be held accountable.

If you or your child is the victim of abuse, do not hesitate to reach out to our local resources. These are truly good people who want to help.

Holly's House: Holly’s House is a non-residential child and adult advocacy center for victims of intimate crimes.  It’s a safe location where adult and child victims of intimate violence are interviewed and connected to community resources and services as needed.  Our agency is also active in the community to work toward the prevention of such crimes.
(812) 437-7233

New Beginnings: New Beginnings offers confidential crisis and long-term therapy services to sexual assault survivors of all ages, as well as their family and friends.
Crisis Line: 800-226-7273