The NCAA has formally opened an investigation of Michigan State University over the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal, The New York Times reports.

The Times says the NCAA sent an official letter of inquiry to MSU on Tuesday.

"The NCAA has requested information from Michigan State about any potential rules violations," NCAA chief legal officer Donald Remy told The Times.

Member institutions are required by the NCAA to "protect the health, safety and wellbeing of athletes," according to The Times. Nassar abused several MSU student-athletes over the course of two decades.

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