Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis announces retirement

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State University athletic director Mark Hollis announced his retirement Friday amid the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case making headlines across the country.

“My heart breaks thinking about the incomprehensible pain all of them and their families have experienced. Along with many I was brought to tears as I listened to the statements. There simply aren’t the right words to express our sympathy. Our campus and beyond has been attacked by evil," Hollis said.

He went on to say he consulted with his family, colleagues, student athletes and more, and announced his retirement. 

"I'm not running away from anything. I'm running towards something." 

Hollis says he did not know about Nassar's abuse until the first survivor came forward in Sept. 2016. He says he did not know about the 2014 investigation. "I was not asked to retire. I don't believe I was pressured in any way."

He went on to say that he feels good with every decision he made with the information he had.

Hollis has served as MSU's 18th athletics director since Jan. 1, 2008. His last day will be next Wednesday.

Nassar was sentenced to 40-175 years in prison Wednesday after more than 150 of his sexual abuse victims spoke out during a 7-day hearing. 

The former sports medicine doctor pleaded guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct while sexually abusing young girls under the guise of medical treatment while working for Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics.

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon resigned Wednesday amid calls to step down from Nassar's survivors, local politicians and many more, despite support from the MSU Board of Trustees.

Hollis says he's already been interviewed by the FBI and Michigan State University Police. He says he will continue to cooperate with any investigations to come.