Editing Tonya Harding (section)

== Assault of Nancy Kerrigan and legal proceedings ==
{{Cleanup split|Assault of Nancy Kerrigan|date=January 2022}}
{{main|Assault of Nancy Kerrigan}}

=== Nancy Kerrigan ===
On {{start date|1994|1|6}}, one day before the [[1994 United States Figure Skating Championships|U.S. Figure Skating Championship]] first Ladies' Singles competition, [[Nancy Kerrigan]] was attacked in a corridor after a practice session at the Detroit [[Cobo Center|Cobo Arena]]. The aftermath of the attack was recorded on a news camera and broadcast around the world. The assailant was Shane Stant, contracted to break her right knee; he turned himself in to the [[FBI]] in Phoenix on January 14.<ref name="anatomy of plot"/> Stant and his uncle, Derrick Smith, were hired for this assault by Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, and her bodyguard, Shawn Eckardt.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/nancy-tonya/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707093538/https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/nancy-tonya/ |archive-date=July 7, 2018 |work=NBC SportsWorld |title=Nancy & Tonya |year=2014 |type=documentary}} Tonya telling a reporter "Shawn is my bodyguard" while he walks beside her on January 10, 1994 - time code ca 0:29:14</ref> After failing to find Kerrigan in Massachusetts, Stant had taken a 20-hour bus trip to Detroit.<ref name="Traveling">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/23/sports/figure-skating-traveling-far-and-lying-low-to-get-nancy-kerrigan.html|title=Traveling Far and Lying Low to Get Nancy Kerrigan|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Joseph B. |last=Treaster |date=January 23, 1994|access-date=July 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710071440/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/23/sports/figure-skating-traveling-far-and-lying-low-to-get-nancy-kerrigan.html |archive-date=July 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Nancy Kerrigan was walking behind a curtain when Stant rushed behind her. Using both hands, he swung a 21-inch (53&nbsp;cm) [[ASP, Inc.|ASP]] [[telescopic baton]] at her right leg, striking above her knee. The attack was intended to seriously injure Kerrigan so that she could not compete in the Nationals (Kerrigan was the defending [[1993 U.S. Figure Skating Championships|1993 Champion]]) nor the Winter Olympics. Kerrigan's leg was not broken but severely bruised, forcing her to withdraw from the Championships, and forgo competing to retain the U.S. Ladies' title.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/07/sports/figure-skating-kerrigan-attacked-after-practice-assailant-flees.html|title=Kerrigan Attacked After Practice; Assailant Flees|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Jere|last=Longman|date=January 7, 1994 |access-date=July 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711055918/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/07/sports/figure-skating-kerrigan-attacked-after-practice-assailant-flees.html|archive-date=July 11, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 8, Harding won the U.S. title; she and Kerrigan were then both selected for the [[United States at the 1994 Winter Olympics|1994 Olympic team]].<ref name="Traveling"/>

===KOIN-TV interview, Eckardt and Smith arrests, USFSA comments===
On January 11, Harding was interviewed for [[KOIN|KOIN-TV]] in [[Portland, Oregon]]. Harding was asked whether someone she knew could have planned the attack. Harding replied, "I have definitely thought about it." Gillooly stood in her view behind the camera during the interview. The interview ended with Harding saying, "No one controls my life but me... if there's something in there that I don't like, I'm going to change it."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bruscas |first1=Angelo |last2=Clever |first2=Dick |date=January 13, 1994 |title=Husband, bodyguard implicated in attack – Police 'close' to arrest in Kerrigan case |newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel |volume=137 |number=12 |format=TIFF |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940113.1.12&srpos=32&e=-------en--20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |access-date=August 12, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813075316/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940113.1.12&srpos=32&e=-------en--20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |archive-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Haight |first1=Abby |last2=Vader |first2=J.E. |year=1994 |title=Fire on Ice |page=99 |publisher=Crown |isbn=9780525575313 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4R06DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT103 |url-access=subscription |via=Google Books |access-date=August 12, 2018 |quote=[Harding said] I just wish people would see that, you know, I'm out there trying just as much as everybody else is, and it's just really sad. It's sad that there's that kind of people out there." And she once again expressed her fierce determination. "No one controls my life but me.}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |title=Ann Schatz's 1994 interview with Tonya Harding at KOIN |publisher=[[KOIN]] 6 |date=January 11, 1994 |time=0:56 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGdpgWCTSug&t=56s |via=YouTube}} Excerpt of Tonya Harding claiming that she doesn't know how Nancy Kerrigan came to be attacked starts at 0<sup>m</sup>56<sup>s</sup>&nbsp;.</ref> Harding also confirmed she had spoken with [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] agents in Detroit and again in Portland.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=James |last2=Hogan |first2=Dave |last3=Haight |first3=Abby |date=January 12, 1994 |title=FBI investigating Tonya Harding's husband as part of alleged plot to sideline figure skater Nancy Kerrigan |newspaper=[[The Oregonian]] |place=Portland, OR |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/tonya-harding/1994/01/fbi_investigating_tonya_hardin.html |access-date=August 13, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111927/https://www.oregonlive.com/tonya-harding/1994/01/fbi_investigating_tonya_hardin.html |archive-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref> On January 13, Eckardt and Smith were arrested.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=James |last2=Hogan |first2=Dave |date=January 14, 1994 |title=Sheriff's deputies arrest Tonya Harding's bodyguard & another man |newspaper=[[The Oregonian]] |place=Portland, OR |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/tonya-harding/1994/01/sheriffs_deputies_arrest_tonya.html |access-date=August 13, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813112025/https://www.oregonlive.com/tonya-harding/1994/01/sheriffs_deputies_arrest_tonya.html |archive-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Timothy |last=Egan |date=January 14, 1994 |title=Police in Oregon make arrests in assault on Olympic skater|newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/14/us/police-in-oregon-make-arrests-in-assault-on-olympic-skater.html |access-date=July 13, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714051549/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/14/us/police-in-oregon-make-arrests-in-assault-on-olympic-skater.html |archive-date=July 14, 2018}}</ref> On January 14, the [[United States Figure Skating Association]] (USFSA) made a statement on whether Eckardt's arrest affected Harding's Olympic placement: "We will deal only with the facts."<ref>{{cite news |title=Harding keeps Olympic spot – for now |date=January 14, 1994 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel |volume=137 |number=13 |format=TIFF |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940114.1.13&srpos=1&e=-------en--20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-%22Speculation+where+it+involves+the+careers+of+young+athletes+is+pointless%22-------1 |access-date=August 12, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111937/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940114.1.13&srpos=1&e=-------en--20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-%22Speculation+where+it+involves+the+careers+of+young+athletes+is+pointless%22-------1 |archive-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Brennan |first1=Christine |last2=Walsh |first2=Edward |date=January 14, 1994 |title=Rival's bodyguard, one other arrested in assault |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_011494.htm |access-date=July 12, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042535/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_011494.htm |archive-date=July 13, 2018}}</ref> Harding's and Gillooly's separate lawyers confirmed the couple were in daily contact and cooperation with law enforcement.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Haight |last2=Vader |first2=J.E.|first1=Abby |title=Fire on Ice |year=1994 |page=100 |publisher=Crown |isbn=9780525575313 |url-status=live |access-date=August 13, 2018 |quote=On Thursday, January 13, Dennis Rawlinson, Harding's lawyer (and husband of Tonya's coach), said that she would have plenty to say. The next day, a statement was issued: "Tonya Harding and Jeff Gillooly are meeting today with their lawyers ... [They] have cooperated with law enforcement" |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4R06DwAAQBAJ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024112902/https://books.google.ca/books?id=4R06DwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover |archive-date=October 24, 2018}}</ref> On January 15, Harding and Gillooly spoke with reporters, but declined to comment about the investigation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilstein |first=Steve |date=January 16, 1994 |title=Harding chances called 'grim' – New witness says skater knew of plot |newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel |volume=137 |number=15 |format=TIFF |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940116.1.14&srpos=39&e=-------en--20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |access-date=August 13, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814071326/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940116.1.14&srpos=39&e=-------en--20--21-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |archive-date=August 14, 2018}}</ref> On January 16, Harding's lawyer held a [[press conference]], in which he read a statement denying Harding's involvement in the attack on Kerrigan.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilstein |first=Steve |date=January 17, 1994 |title=Harding says she's innocent – 'Tonya is shocked and angry' |newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel |volume=137 |number=16 |format=TIFF |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940117.1.1&srpos=42&e=-------en--20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |access-date=August 13, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813112653/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940117.1.1&srpos=42&e=-------en--20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |archive-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=On Thin Ice |last=Swift |first=E.M. |date=January 24, 1994 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1994/01/24/130322/on-thin-ice-as-the-olympics-loomed-nancy-kerrigan-was-back-on-skates-and-tonya-harding-was-under-siege |url-status=live |access-date=July 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713042411/https://www.si.com/vault/1994/01/24/130322/on-thin-ice-as-the-olympics-loomed-nancy-kerrigan-was-back-on-skates-and-tonya-harding-was-under-siege |archive-date=July 13, 2018}}</ref> Harding left her home that evening to practice with her coaches, where she spoke with reporters and performed a [[Axel jump|triple Axel]].<ref>{{cite AV media |publisher=Paramount Domestic Television |date=January 1994 |title=Tonya Harding saga part&nbsp;7 |series=''[[Hard Copy]]'' |time=5:17 |via=YouTube}}{{full citation needed|date=June 2021|reason=missing YouTube URL}} report showing footage of Harding speaking with reporters on January 15, 1994; cut to footage of Harding training with her coaches late on January 16 performing a triple Axel from 5<sup>m</sup>17<sup>s</sup>&nbsp;.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Harding's ex-husband faces arrest |date=January 18, 1994 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel |volume=137 |number=17 |format=TIFF |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940118.1.28&srpos=49&e=-------en--20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |access-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814071339/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940118.1.28&srpos=49&e=-------en--20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |archive-date=August 14, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pieces falling together in Kerrigan attack case |date=January 18, 1994 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Journal Times |url=https://journaltimes.com/news/national/pieces-falling-together-in-kerrigan-attack-case/article_22cc4323-a981-5486-b2e3-4ef12f28766d.html |access-date=July 30, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062238/https://journaltimes.com/news/national/pieces-falling-together-in-kerrigan-attack-case/article_22cc4323-a981-5486-b2e3-4ef12f28766d.html |archive-date=July 31, 2018}}</ref>

=== Harding's confession ===
[[File:Tonya Harding Olympic practice at Clackamas Town Center 1994 3.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Harding's practice sessions at [[Clackamas Town Center]], in preparation for the 1994 Winter Olympics, were attended by thousands of spectators and dozens of reporters and film crews.]]
On January 18, 1994, Harding was with her lawyers when she submitted to questioning by the [[District attorney|DA]] and FBI.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940119.1.23&srpos=52&e=-------en--20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1|format=TIFF|title=Officials question Harding|agency=[[Associated Press]]|work=[[Santa Cruz Sentinel]]|volume=137|number=18|date=January 19, 1994|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814103109/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940119.1.23&srpos=52&e=-------en--20--41-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |archive-date=August 14, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> She was interviewed for over ten hours. Eight hours into the interview, her lawyer read a statement declaring her separation from Gillooly: "I continue to believe that Jeff is innocent of any wrongdoing. I wish him nothing but the best."<ref>{{cite news|last=Adams|first=Jane Meredith|title=Harding's Controlling Force |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/01/21/hardings-controlling-force/|access-date=July 8, 2018|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=January 21, 1994|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708133523/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-01-21/news/9401210113_1_harding-and-gillooly-jeff-gillooly-rival-skater-nancy-kerrigan|archive-date=July 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Her full FBI transcript was released on February 1. ''[[The Seattle Times]]'' reported on the transcript, stating that Harding had "changed her story well into a long interview [...] After hours of denying any involvement in trying to cover up the plot, an FBI agent finally told [her] that he knew she had lied to him, that he would tell her exactly how she had lied to him."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19940202/1893162/the-plot-according-to-jeff-gillooly|agency=S.T. News Services|title=The Plot According to Jeff Gillooly – Statements to FBI Allege Conspiracy Involving Harding |work=[[The Seattle Times]]|date=February 2, 1994|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707062448/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19940202&slug=1893162|archive-date=July 7, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the transcript's final passage, Harding stated, "I hope everyone understands. I'm telling on someone I really care about. I know now [Jeff] is involved. I'm sorry."<ref name="Janofsky">{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Janofsky|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/07/sports/winter-olympics-always-tonya-as-cool-as-ice-but-troubled.html|date=February 7, 1994|title=Always Tonya: As Cool as Ice But Troubled|access-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117044857/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/07/sports/winter-olympics-always-tonya-as-cool-as-ice-but-troubled.html|archive-date=January 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 19, Gillooly surrendered to the FBI.<ref name="charged in attack">{{cite news|last=Brennan|first=Christine |title=Rival Skater's Ex-Husband Charged in Attack |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012094.htm |access-date=August 14, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 20, 1994|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102205347/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012094.htm |archive-date=January 2, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 20, [[Diane Sawyer]] asked Harding on ''[[Primetime (American TV program)|Primetime]]'' about the case. Harding said she had done nothing wrong.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1994/01/25/figuring-out-tonya-harding/05da905d-3f96-44ff-bf38-020a883dfbfe/|title=Figuring Out Tonya Harding|first=Mary|last=McGrory |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 25, 1994 |access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923010052/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1994/01/25/figuring-out-tonya-harding/05da905d-3f96-44ff-bf38-020a883dfbfe/|archive-date=September 23, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 27, it was reported that Gillooly had been testifying about the attack plot since January 26, possibly implicating Harding as allegedly assisting. Harding's close friend, Stephanie Quintero, with whom she was living, spoke to reporters on her behalf: "[Tonya] was shocked, very hurt. She was believing in [Jeff]."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940127.1.1&srpos=70&e=-------en--20--61-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1|format=TIFF|title='Walls are closing in' on skater (1)|first=Bob|last=Baum|work=Santa Cruz Sentinel|volume=137|number=26|date=January 27, 1994 |access-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816025525/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940127.1.1&srpos=70&e=-------en--20--61-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1|archive-date=August 16, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="walls closing2">{{cite news|url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940127.1.10&srpos=1&e=-------en--20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-%22she+was+believing+in+him%22+%22tonya+harding%22-------1 |format=TIFF|title='Walls are closing in' on skater (2)|first=Bob|last=Baum|work=Santa Cruz Sentinel|volume=137|number=26|date=January 27, 1994|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713164655/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940127.1.10&srpos=1&e=-------en--20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-%22she+was+believing+in+him%22+%22tonya+harding%22-------1|archive-date=July 13, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newsweek.com/tonya-harding-i-know-people-who-love-me-190276|first=Patricia|last=King|title=Harding: 'I Know The People Who Love Me'|magazine=[[Newsweek]] |date=February 20, 1994|access-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816025645/https://www.newsweek.com/tonya-harding-i-know-people-who-love-me-190276|archive-date=August 16, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Harding later held a press conference to read a prepared statement. She said she was sorry Kerrigan was attacked, that she respected Kerrigan, and claimed not to have known in advance of the plot to disable her. Harding took responsibility "for failing to report things [about the assault] when I returned home from Nationals [on January 10]. Failure to immediately report this information is not a crime."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012894.htm|title=Harding Admits Knowing of Plot After the Attack |first=Johnette|last=Howard |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 28, 1994|access-date=July 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706161709/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012894.htm|archive-date=July 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/01/28/text-of-tonya-hardings-statement/ccff4333-d36d-478d-939e-5a23b175727c/|title=Harding's Statement Text|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 28, 1994|access-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831174804/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/01/28/text-of-tonya-hardings-statement/ccff4333-d36d-478d-939e-5a23b175727c/|archive-date=August 31, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Many states' laws, including Oregon's, state that the act of concealing criminal knowledge alone is not a crime.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yossithecriminallawyer.com/concealing-an-offence/|title=Concealing an Offence |website=YossiTheCriminalLawyer.com|department=Blog|date=July 3, 2013|first=Yossi|last=Schochet|access-date=July 31, 2018|quote=In the U.S. almost every State has rejected criminal prosecution for [[misprision of felony]], primarily for policy reasons, as it encroaches on civil liberties. An exception is the state of South Carolina.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731153506/http://www.yossithecriminallawyer.com/concealing-an-offence/ |archive-date=July 31, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The attack on Kerrigan received a substantial amount of publicity, and news media crews camped outside Kerrigan's home.<ref name="heldin">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_011594.htm |first=William |last=Hamilton |title=Three Held in Assault on Kerrigan|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=January 15, 1994|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316112130/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_011594.htm|archive-date=March 16, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 1994, the story was on the covers of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'',  ''[[Newsweek]]'', and ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Martin|first1=Adam|last2=McDonald|first2=Mary G.|url=https://www.worc.ac.uk/gjseper/documents/Covering_womens_sport_An_analysis_of_Sports_Illustrated_covers_2012_1_81-97.pdf|title=Covering women's sport? An analysis of ''Sports Illustrated'' covers from 1987–2009|year=2012|journal=Graduate Journal of Sport, Exercise & Physical Education Research|volume=1|page=91|issn=2046-9357|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808132352/http://www.worc.ac.uk/gjseper/documents/Covering_womens_sport_An_analysis_of_Sports_Illustrated_covers_2012_1_81-97.pdf|archive-date=August 8, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> There was now much speculation about Harding's alleged involvement in the assault plot.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,980059-1,00.html|title=What Did Tonya Know?|last=Smolowe |first=Jill|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=January 31, 1994|access-date=July 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-02-04-sp-19048-story.html|date=February 4, 1994|first=John|last=Balzar|title=Commentary: Story Is So Big It's Right Out of Dumpster|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=July 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/17/sports/sports-of-the-times-harding-s-guilty-plea-anticlimactic.html|first=George|last=Vecsey|title=Harding's Guilty Plea Anticlimactic|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 17, 1994|access-date=July 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718055230/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/17/sports/sports-of-the-times-harding-s-guilty-plea-anticlimactic.html|archive-date=July 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://patch.com/oregon/portland/i-tonya-hardings-prosecutor-talks-case|first=Colin|last=Miner|title=Tonya Harding's Prosecutor Talks About The Case, 'I, Tonya'|work=[[Patch Media]]|publisher=Hale Global|date=January 29, 2018|access-date=August 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825143140/https://patch.com/oregon/portland/i-tonya-hardings-prosecutor-talks-case|archive-date=August 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Because Harding and Kerrigan would be representing the US in the February [[Lillehammer]] [[Figure skating at the 1994 Winter Olympics|Olympics]], speculation reached a media frenzy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-01-16-1994016004-story.html|title=A harsh light falls on skater's hard life|first=Bill|last=Glauber|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=January 16, 1994|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713140506/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1994-01-16/news/1994016004_1_figure-skating-tonya-harding-hard-life|archive-date=July 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_022394.htm|first=Christine|last=Brennan|title=All Eyes on Ice for Harding-Kerrigan Showdown|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=February 23, 1994|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815091034/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_022394.htm|archive-date=August 15, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Abby Haight and J.E. Vader, reporters for ''[[The Oregonian]]'', wrote a biography of Harding called ''Fire on Ice'', which included excerpts of her January 18 FBI interview.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2018/01/06/as-crazy-as-it-was-reporters-recall-the-nancy-kerrigan-tonya-harding-feeding-frenzy/|first=Jacob|last=Bogage|title='As crazy as it was': Reporters recall the Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan feeding frenzy|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=July 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509150308/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2018/01/06/as-crazy-as-it-was-reporters-recall-the-nancy-kerrigan-tonya-harding-feeding-frenzy/|archive-date=May 9, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Guilty pleas and sentencing of Gillooly, Eckardt, Stant, and Smith ===

On February 1, 1994, Gillooly's attorney negotiated a [[plea bargain]] in exchange for testimony regarding all involved parties in the attack. In July, he was sentenced to two years in prison and publicly apologized to Kerrigan, adding "any apology coming from me rings hollow."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/14/sports/figure-skating-gillooly-sentenced-to-2-years-in-jail.html|title=Gillooly Sentenced to 2 Years in Jail|work=[[The New York Times]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=July 14, 1994|access-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725004712/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/14/sports/figure-skating-gillooly-sentenced-to-2-years-in-jail.html|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Gillooly and Eckardt pled guilty to [[Racket (crime)|racketeering]]; Stant and Smith (who drove the getaway car and funneled money) pled guilty to conspiracy to commit second-degree assault.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/17/sports/figure-skating-kerrigan-attacker-and-accomplice-sent-to-jail.html |title=Kerrigan Attacker & Accomplice Sent to Jail |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 17, 1994 |access-date=November 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915121400/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/17/sports/figure-skating-kerrigan-attacker-and-accomplice-sent-to-jail.html |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="muldoon">{{cite news|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/tonya-harding/2014/01/tonya_harding-nancy_kerrigan_2.html|title=20 years later: highlights in a timeline|last=Muldoon|first=Katy|date=January 6, 2014|work=[[The Oregonian]]|access-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611182458/http://www.oregonlive.com/tonya-harding/2014/01/tonya_harding-nancy_kerrigan_2.html|archive-date=June 11, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Judge Donald Londer noted the attack could have injured Kerrigan more seriously.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/07/13/Gillooly-sentenced-in-Kerrigan-attack/5068774072000|title=Gillooly sentenced in Kerrigan attack|agency=[[United Press International|United Press International (UPI)]]|date=July 13, 1994|access-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725033205/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/07/13/Gillooly-sentenced-in-Kerrigan-attack/5068774072000|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Eckardt died in 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-12-17-0712170319-story.html|title=Former guard dead|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=December 17, 2007|access-date=February 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301201552/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-12-17-0712170319-story.html|archive-date=March 1, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===USFSA disciplinary panel===
On February 5, 1994, the USFSA disciplinary panel stated there were reasonable grounds to believe Harding had violated the sport's code of ethics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/222926632/Harding-v-USOC-Exhibit-USFSA-Disciplinary-Charges|title=Harding's Disciplinary Charges|website=[[Scribd]] |date=February 5, 1994|access-date=August 27, 2018}}</ref> Her admitted failure to report about an assault on a fellow competitor, supported by her FBI transcripts, led to Harding being formally charged with "[making] false statements about her knowledge." The USFSA recommended that she face a disciplinary hearing. [[Claire Waters Ferguson|Claire Ferguson]], president of the USFSA, decided not to suspend Harding's membership before a hearing took place. If she had been suspended, she likely still would have competed at the Olympics after filing suit, seeking an [[injunction]] against the USFSA, and asserting her rights under the [[Amateur Sports Act of 1978]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/28/sports/figure-skating-harding-to-get-olympic-spot-but-inquiry-continues.html|title=Harding to Get Olympic Spot but Inquiry Continues|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|first=Jere|last=Longman|date=January 28, 1994|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801094130/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/28/sports/figure-skating-harding-to-get-olympic-spot-but-inquiry-continues.html|archive-date=August 1, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The panel examined evidence, including: the testimonies of Stant and Smith, Harding's and Gillooly's telephone records, and notes found in a Portland saloon trash bin on January 30.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1887592-harding-kerrigan-20-years-later-remembering-the-stunning-life-changing-attack|first=Matt|last=Crossman|title=Harding-Kerrigan 20 Years Later: Remembering the Stunning Attack|department=The Evidence in the Dumpster|website=Bleacher Report, Inc|date=December 19, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721073247/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1887592-harding-kerrigan-20-years-later-remembering-the-stunning-life-changing-attack|archive-date=July 21, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Harding was given 30 days to respond.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/06/sports/winter-olympics-harding-ordered-to-appear-at-hearing.html|title=Harding Ordered To Appear At Hearing|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Jere|last=Longman|date=February 6, 1994|access-date=July 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721102903/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/06/sports/winter-olympics-harding-ordered-to-appear-at-hearing.html|archive-date=July 21, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Harding and Connie Chung travel to Norway ===
News media began attending Harding's Portland practices, and also filmed her on February 7, running barefoot to stop a tow truck from hauling her illegally parked vehicle.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/02/09/portland-city-under-seige/90e1cfc6-3b86-40a6-9934-6b50c9c0e9ae/|first=Serge F.|last=Kovaleski|title=Portland: City Under {{sic|Se|ige|nolink=y}}|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=February 9, 1994|access-date=August 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925104409/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/02/09/portland-city-under-seige/90e1cfc6-3b86-40a6-9934-6b50c9c0e9ae/|archive-date=September 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 10, 1994, [[Connie Chung]] interviewed Harding. When asked about Gillooly, Harding said: "I never did anything to hurt [Jeff]. If I ever did anything, it was to stick up for him and protect him."<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Benoit|first1=William L.|last2=Hanczor|first2=Robert S.|url=https://vdocuments.site/the-tonya-harding-controversy-an-analysis-of-image-restoration-strategies.html|format=TIFF|title=The Tonya Harding controversy: An analysis of image restoration strategies|date=Fall 1994|journal=[[Communication Quarterly]]|publisher=[[Routledge]]|location=Burlington, Vermont|volume=42|issue=4|page=424|doi=10.1080/01463379409369947|access-date=September 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908092803/https://vdocuments.site/the-tonya-harding-controversy-an-analysis-of-image-restoration-strategies.html|archive-date=September 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Chung also negotiated to fly on the same airplane with Harding to [[Oslo]], leaving on February 15. Chung admitted she would not have travelled to Norway were it not for the scandal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940216.1.14&srpos=138&e=-------en--20--121-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1|format=TIFF|title=Tonya hitting town – Kerrigan won't be in hugging mood|last=Rosen|first=Karen|work=[[Santa Cruz Sentinel]]|volume=137|number=46|date=February 16, 1994|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055354/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940216.1.14&srpos=138&e=-------en--20--121-byDA-txt-txIN-%22tonya+harding%22-------1|archive-date=August 15, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/22/sports/tv-sports-thirty-seconds-over-lillehammer-on-air-tonya.html|first=Richard|last=Sandomir|title=Thirty Seconds Over Lillehammer on Air Tonya|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 22, 1994|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055454/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/22/sports/tv-sports-thirty-seconds-over-lillehammer-on-air-tonya.html|archive-date=August 15, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Kerrigan and Harding share ice; Harding finishes eighth===
{{see also|Figure skating at the 1994 Winter Olympics – Ladies' singles}}
[[File:Hamar Olympic Amfi 2006 (cropped).JPG|thumb|Figure skating competitions for the 1994 Winter Olympics were held in the Hamar Olympic Amphitheatre, now known as the [[CC Amfi]].]]
On February 17, 1994, Harding and Kerrigan shared the ice at a practice session in the [[Hamar Olympic Amphitheatre]]. Approximately 400 members of the press were there to document the practice.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_021894.htm|first=Christine|last=Brennan|title=Harding, Kerrigan Practice Together Under Scrutiny|newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 18, 1994|access-date=July 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217052520/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_021894.htm|archive-date=February 17, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Scott Hamilton (figure skater)|Scott Hamilton]] thought the sport was depicted as a "tabloid event."<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hamilton |page=255 |first1=Scott |first2=Lorenzo |last2=Benet |title=Landing It: My Life On and Off the Ice |year=1999 |publisher=[[Kensington Books]] |location=New York City|isbn=1-57566-466-6}}</ref> It was noted that Nancy Kerrigan chose to wear the same skating costume at the practice session that she was wearing when Stant attacked her.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/18/sports/winter-olympics-for-practice-a-two-ring-circus-in-one-rink.html |first=Jere|last=Longman|title=For Practice, a Two-Ring Circus in One Rink|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 18, 1994|access-date=August 14, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815091004/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/18/sports/winter-olympics-for-practice-a-two-ring-circus-in-one-rink.html |archive-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940218.1.15&srpos=1&e=-------en--20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-%22a+subtle+reminder+to+tonya%22-------1|format=TIFF|title=Tension on ice – Kerrigan, Harding quietly share Olympic practice space |work=[[Santa Cruz Sentinel]]|volume=137|number=48|date=February 18, 1994|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815055348/https://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=SCS19940218.1.15&srpos=1&e=-------en--20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-%22a+subtle+reminder+to+tonya%22-------1 |archive-date=August 15, 2018|url-status=live|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Kerrigan later confirmed that her choice of dress that day was deliberate: "Humor is good, it's empowering."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/nancy-tonya/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707093538/https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/nancy-tonya/ |archive-date=July 7, 2018 |url-status=live |work=NBC SportsWorld |title=Nancy & Tonya |year=2014 |type=documentary}} Nancy Kerrigan explaining her decision to wear the same white skating costume on February 17, 1994 – time code ca 0:43:16</ref> The tape-delayed broadcast of the February 23 Ladies' Olympic technical program is one of the most watched telecasts in the US.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=chart_pass&charttype=chart_topshowsalltime |magazine=Variety|title=Top 100 TV Shows of All Time|date=August 6, 2000|access-date=July 26, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315021343/http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=chart_pass&charttype=chart_topshowsalltime|archive-date=March 15, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/24/business/the-media-business-winter-olympics-ratings-on-record-pace-for-cbs.html|first=Richard|last=Sandomir|title=Winter Olympics Ratings On Record Pace for CBS|work=[[The New York Times]] |date=February 24, 1994|access-date=July 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718055043/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/24/business/the-media-business-winter-olympics-ratings-on-record-pace-for-cbs.html |archive-date=July 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 25, Harding finished eighth in the Olympics; a bootlace broke early in her free skate routine, and amid jeers from the crowd, she was allowed to restart.<ref name="8th"/> Nancy Kerrigan, having recovered from her injury, won silver behind [[Oksana Baiul]] from [[Ukraine]].<ref name="8th"/>

=== Guilty plea, admissions ===

On March 9, 1994, Judge [[Owen M. Panner|Owen Panner]] granted Harding a requested stay until June on her disciplinary hearing.<ref name="USFSA decision">{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/210813255/USFSA-s-decision-regarding-Tonya-Harding |title=USFSA's decision regarding Tonya Harding |website=[[Scribd]] |date=June 30, 1994 |access-date=July 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105031817/https://www.scribd.com/doc/210813255/USFSA-s-decision-regarding-Tonya-Harding |archive-date=November 5, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1994/03/22/jury-harding-in-on-plot/966b6613-14e9-4fcd-a2fc-c585deb3f4fc/|title=Jury: Harding in on Plot|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|first=Johnette|last=Howard|date=March 22, 1994|access-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901215908/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1994/03/22/jury-harding-in-on-plot/966b6613-14e9-4fcd-a2fc-c585deb3f4fc/|archive-date=September 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/11/sports/a-clear-path-for-harding.html|title=Clear Path for Harding|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 11, 1994|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721132744/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/11/sports/a-clear-path-for-harding.html|archive-date=July 21, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Meanwhile, Portland authorities stated the criminal investigation would conclude by March 21, with any [[indictment]]s and a [[Grand juries in the United States|grand jury]] report to be made at that time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_021594.htm|title=Thousands Watch Harding's Final Portland Workout|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|first=Christine|last=Spolar|date=February 15, 1994|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721132724/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_021594.htm|archive-date=July 21, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 16, 1994, Harding pled guilty to [[Obstruction of justice|conspiracy to hinder prosecution]] as a [[Classes of offenses under United States federal law|Class C felony offense]] at a [[Multnomah County]] court hearing. She and her lawyer, Robert Weaver, negotiated a [[plea bargain]] ensuring no further prosecution.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_031794.htm|title=Harding Admits Guilt in Plea Bargain, Avoids Prison|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|first=Johnette|last=Howard|date=March 17, 1994|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630152531/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_031794.htm|archive-date=June 30, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Judge Donald Londer conducted routine questioning to make certain Harding understood her agreement, that she was entering her plea "knowingly and voluntarily." Harding told Londer she was. Her plea admissions were: knowing of the assault plot after the fact; settling on a cover story with Gillooly and Eckardt on January 10; witnessing pay phone calls to Smith affirming the story on January 10 and 11; and lying to FBI with the story on January 18.<ref name="oregonlive.com"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_020294.htm|title=Gillooly Pleads Guilty, Says Harding Approved Plot|last=Buckley|first=Stephen|date=February 2, 1994|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715161227/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_020294.htm|archive-date=July 15, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="articles.orlandosentinel.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1994-02-02-9402020823-story.html|title=Attorney: 'What Did Tonya Know And When?'|date=February 2, 1994|work=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|access-date=June 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724093255/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-02-02/news/9402020823_1_nancy-kerrigan-tonya-harding-eckardt|archive-date=July 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Law enforcement had known about the pay phone calls, as investigators had been following and videotaping the co-conspirators since January 10.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012394.htm|department=Chronology of Kerrigan Attack|title=Tonya Harding Remains the Public Enigma|last=Brennan|first=Christine|date=January 23, 1994|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=August 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127035654/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012394.htm|archive-date=November 27, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/01/sports/figure-skating-lawyer-for-skater-s-ex-husband-says-he-has-tied-her-to-attack.html|title=Lawyer for Skater's Ex-Husband Says He Has Tied Her to Attack|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Michael|last=Janofsky|date=February 1, 1994|access-date=August 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803074051/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/01/sports/figure-skating-lawyer-for-skater-s-ex-husband-says-he-has-tied-her-to-attack.html|archive-date=August 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Her penalties included three years of [[probation]], a $100,000 fine, and 500 hours of community service. She agreed to reimburse Multnomah County $10,000 in legal expenses, undergo a psychiatric examination, and volunteered to give $50,000 to the [[Special Olympics]] Oregon (SOOR) charity.<ref name="Longman">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/20/sports/figure-skating-harding-deal-handed-something-to-both-sides.html|title=Harding Deal Handed Something to Both Sides|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Jere|last=Longman|date=March 20, 1994|access-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725033155/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/20/sports/figure-skating-harding-deal-handed-something-to-both-sides.html|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Oregon sentencing guidelines carried a maximum penalty of five years in prison.<ref name="Balzar">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-17-mn-35216-story.html|title=Harding Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Justice. Olympian resigns.|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|first=John|last=Balzar|date=March 17, 1994|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716092703/http://articles.latimes.com/1994-03-17/news/mn-35216_1_figure-skating-team|archive-date=July 16, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Harding's plea conditions imposed her U.S. Figure Skating Association resignation, necessitating her withdrawal from the [[1994 World Figure Skating Championships|1994 Worlds]] (for which she was scheduled to leave on March 17).<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/17/sports/figure-skating-judge-accepts-harding-plea-in-conspiracy.html|title=Judge Accepts Harding Plea In Conspiracy|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Michael|last=Janofsky|date=March 17, 1994|access-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724063033/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/17/sports/figure-skating-judge-accepts-harding-plea-in-conspiracy.html|archive-date=July 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> District attorney Norman Frink said if Harding had not agreed to the plea, she would have faced "an indictment on all possible charges...punishment was taking away [skating] privilege."<ref name="oregonlive.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/tonya-harding/2014/01/tonya_harding-nancy_kerrigan_h.html |title=Harding found guilty of hindering investigation |last1=Long |first1=James |last2=Hogan |first2=Dave |date=March 17, 1994 |newspaper=[[The Oregonian]] |access-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623222100/https://www.oregonlive.com/tonya-harding/2014/01/tonya_harding-nancy_kerrigan_h.html |archive-date=June 23, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2018/02/i_was_tonya_hardings_prosecuto.html|title='I, Tonya'? Well, I prosecuted. And Tonya Harding was guilty as charged|last=Frink|first=Norm|date=February 24, 2018|work=[[The Oregonian]]|access-date=March 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043915/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2018/02/i_was_tonya_hardings_prosecuto.html|archive-date=March 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Response from defense and USFSA ===

[[Phil Knight]], CEO of [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], donated $25,000 toward Harding's legal fees.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_020294a.htm|first=Mark|last=Asher|title=Nike Steps Up With $25,000 for Harding's Defense|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=February 2, 1994|access-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725122806/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_020294a.htm|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.newsweek.com/ropes-190372|first=Mark|last=Starr|title=On The Ropes|magazine=[[Newsweek]]|date=February 13, 1994|access-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064344/https://www.newsweek.com/ropes-190372|archive-date=August 1, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> She had also made approximately $600,000 from an ''[[Inside Edition]]'' deal.<ref name="learn limits">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/19/sports/figure-skating-harding-learns-limits-of-a-felon-s-life.html|title=Harding Learns Limits of a Felon's Life|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Jere|last=Longman|date=March 19, 1994|access-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725063716/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/19/sports/figure-skating-harding-learns-limits-of-a-felon-s-life.html|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newsweek.com/deal-tonya-190122|first=J.|last=Adler|title=A Deal For Tonya|magazine=[[Newsweek]]|date=February 20, 1994|access-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725122827/https://www.newsweek.com/deal-tonya-190122|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Weaver said the plea agreement was satisfactory to Harding, partly because she avoided prison: "We would have prevailed at trial."<ref name="Longman"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/18/sports/figure-skating-harding-plea-bargain-is-called-a-time-saver.html|title=Harding Plea Bargain Is Called a Time-Saver|last=Janofsky|first=Michael|date=March 18, 1994|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=June 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724215052/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/18/sports/figure-skating-harding-plea-bargain-is-called-a-time-saver.html|archive-date=July 24, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> An executive of the USFSA commented, "[We] don't know if Tonya is innocent or guilty...if [she was involved before] the national championship."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/17/sports/figure-skating-skating-group-is-angry-kerrigan-is-silent.html|title=Skating Group Is Angry; Kerrigan Is Silent|last=Longman|first=Jere|date=March 17, 1994|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725034931/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/17/sports/figure-skating-skating-group-is-angry-kerrigan-is-silent.html|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 18, Claire Ferguson decided Harding's disciplinary hearing would proceed in June. The USFSA's executive committee met to discuss Harding seeking reinstatement, and whether they might strip her of the 1994 National Championship title. Neither issue was decided at that time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/18/sports/figure-skating-skating-association-schedules-hearing-in-june-on-harding.html|title=Skating Association Schedules Hearing in June on Harding|last=Longman|first=Jere|date=March 18, 1994|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=June 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725035235/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/18/sports/figure-skating-skating-association-schedules-hearing-in-june-on-harding.html|archive-date=July 25, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Grand jury indictment===
[[File:Tonya harding returning from norway 1994.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Harding arriving at [[Portland International Airport]] amid a crush of reporters after the 1994 Olympics.]]
On March 21, 1994, a Portland grand jury issued an indictment stating there was evidence Harding participated in the attack plot. The indictment concluded more than two months of investigation and witness testimonies from Diane Rawlinson; Harding's choreographer Erika Bakacs; freelance figure skating writer Vera Marano; and Eckardt's college instructor and classmates.<ref>{{cite news |first=Christine |last=Brennan |date=January 21, 1994 |title=Bodyguard says Harding knew of plot |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012194.htm |access-date=July 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127225704/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012194.htm |archive-date=January 27, 2018}}</ref><ref name="oregonlive.com"/><ref name="Bruscas"/><ref name="pleads guilty">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-02-02-mn-18226-story.html|title=Ex-Spouse Pleads Guilty & Implicates Harding|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|first=John|last=Balzar|date=February 2, 1994|access-date=July 7, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526042504/http://articles.latimes.com/1994-02-02/news/mn-18226_1_2-year-prison-term|archive-date=May 26, 2018}}</ref> It stated there was evidence Harding fraudulently used USFSA-provided skating monies to finance the assault. It also read that Harding, Gillooly, Eckardt, Smith, and Stant agreed to "knowingly cause physical injury ... by means of a dangerous weapon." The grand jury said the evidence implied Harding was "involved from the beginning or very close." She was not charged in the indictment due to the terms of her March 16 plea agreement.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="Los Angeles Times">{{cite news |title=Indictment says Harding involved in Kerrigan plot |date=March 22, 1994 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-22-sp-36995-story.html |access-date=July 25, 2018}}</ref>

===USFSA disciplinary panel meeting in June===
On June 29, 1994, the USFSA disciplinary panel met for nine hours over two days to consider Harding's alleged role in the attack.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/30/sports/sports-people-figure-skating-harding-punishment-under-consideration.html |title=Harding Punishment Under Consideration |date=June 30, 1994 |newspaper=The New York Times |url-status=live |access-date=August 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812054143/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/30/sports/sports-people-figure-skating-harding-punishment-under-consideration.html |archive-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref> On June 30, chairman William Hybl stated,
: "By a [[Burden of proof (law)|preponderance of the evidence]], the panel did conclude that she had prior knowledge and was involved prior to the incident. This is based on [[Civil procedure in the United States|civil standards]], not [[United States criminal procedure|criminal standards]] ... bank records, phone records – the way they came together to establish a case."
The panel decided that pertinent FBI reports, court documents, and Harding's March 16 plea agreement presented:
: "a clear disregard for fairness, good sportsmanship, and ethical behaviour."<ref name="USFSA decision"/>
Harding did not attend or participate in the two-day hearing. Weaver said the decision disappointed her, but was not a surprise, and that she had not decided on an appeal.<ref name="1994-title">{{cite news |title=U.S. title is taken back from Harding |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 1, 1994 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/01/sports/figure-skating-us-title-is-taken-back-from-harding.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131015035/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/01/sports/figure-skating-us-title-is-taken-back-from-harding.html |archive-date=January 31, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Christine |last=Brennan |author-link=Christine Brennan |date=July 1, 1994 |title=Harding stripped of title; banned for life |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_070194.htm |url-status=live |access-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715171131/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_070194.htm |archive-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> Harding was stripped of her 1994 U.S. Championship title, and banned for life from participating in USFSA events as either a skater or coach. The USFSA has no authority over professional skating events, but after the scandal, Harding was ''[[persona non grata]]'' on the pro circuit. Few skaters and promoters would work with her, and she did not benefit from the ensuing boom in professional skating after the scandal.<ref name="Ham&Ben">{{cite book |last1=Hamilton |first1=Scott |author1-link=Scott Hamilton (figure skater) |first2=Lorenzo |last2=Benet |title=Landing It: My Life On and Off the Ice |year=1999 |publisher=Kensington Books |isbn=1-57566-466-6 |url=https://archive.org/details/landingitmylifeo00hami }}</ref>

=== Later interviews ===
Shortly before the [[1998 Winter Olympics]], the [[CBS News|CBS]] and [[Fox Sports|Fox]] news divisions re-examined the scandal for two televised special reports.<ref>{{cite news |title=TV Sports: CBS Provides Entertaining Moments|first=Richard|last=Sandomir|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=July 6, 2018 |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/specials/olympics/nagano/021798oly-tv-sports.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706132456/https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/specials/olympics/nagano/021798oly-tv-sports.html|archive-date=July 6, 2018|url-status=live|date=February 17, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/2778394bd828127ee9f32fb76299fa55|title=Nancy & Tonya, Together |first=Josh|last=Dubow |work=[[Associated Press]]|date=February 5, 1998|access-date=July 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705175403/https://apnews.com/2778394bd828127ee9f32fb76299fa55|archive-date=July 5, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Harry Smith (American journalist)|Harry Smith]] hosted the CBS special. He reported that Harding still held to her statement from her press conference given on January 27, 1994: "I had no prior knowledge of the planned assault on Nancy Kerrigan." Smith then interviewed Kerrigan, asking how she responded to that statement. Kerrigan referred to transcripts she had read from Harding's FBI interview on January 18, 1994. After reading through the interrogation of that day, she concluded that "[Tonya] knew more than she admits."<ref>{{cite web |last=3Axel1996 |date=February 1998 |title=Fluff Pieces, Set No. 15 – 1998 Nagano, Figure Skating |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh_4iGxKdP0 |work=CBS News |via=YouTube → |postscript=Nancy Kerrigan recalling Harding's FBI transcripts}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=3Axel1996 |date=February 1998 |title=Fluff Pieces, Set No. 16 - 1998 Nagano, Figure Skating |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4RYw8LQap0 |access-date= |website=CBS News |via=YouTube → |postscript=Nancy Kerrigan recalling Harding's FBI transcripts}}</ref><ref name="Bruscas">{{cite news |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]|url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/334609/RECORDS-INDICATE-HARDING-LIED-ABOUT-PHONE-CALLS.html|via=[[Deseret News]]|title=Records Indicate Harding Lied About Phone Calls|date=February 4, 1994 |first=Angelo|last=Bruscas|access-date=August 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927192851/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/334609/RECORDS-INDICATE-HARDING-LIED-ABOUT-PHONE-CALLS.html |archive-date=September 27, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Buckley">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/02/05/a-case-of-he-said-she-said/e85b11fd-e964-40f8-a3f6-1196083d2dd5/|title=A Case of He Said, She Said |first=Stephen|last=Buckley|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=February 5, 1994|access-date=July 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806183244/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/02/05/a-case-of-he-said-she-said/e85b11fd-e964-40f8-a3f6-1196083d2dd5/|archive-date=August 6, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Fox special report was called ''Breaking the Ice: The Women of '94 Revisited'', hosted by [[James Brown (sportscaster)|James Brown]], and featured interviews of Harding, Gillooly, and Kerrigan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsok.com/article/2601780/fox-relives-figure-skating-feud-tonight|title=Fox Relives Figure Skating Feud Tonight |first=Mel|last=Bracht|work=[[The Oklahoman]]|date=February 5, 1998|access-date=July 6, 2018}}</ref> Gillooly (granted a name change to Jeff Stone in 1995) said that Harding having avoided prison did not anger him, and that he felt his own punishment was just. Stone reflected on Harding's position of "limited involvement" in Kerrigan's attack, and speculated that a "guilty conscience" still troubled her. Brown then mediated a joint interview with both Kerrigan and Harding present. The two former competitors shared sincere desires for happy families and general well-wishes. Kerrigan said that she hoped Harding could learn from past mistakes and "find happiness."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/02/08/for-openers-many-eyes-were-closed/2f226bf6-6cb3-422c-9ffe-d1c55790b5b6/|title=For Openers, Many Eyes were Closed|first=Leonard|last=Shapiro |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=February 8, 1998|access-date=July 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805233553/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/02/08/for-openers-many-eyes-were-closed/2f226bf6-6cb3-422c-9ffe-d1c55790b5b6/|archive-date=August 5, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Harding said she was grateful to personally express remorse to Kerrigan again.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1998-02-06-9802060057-story.html|title=Harding's Apology Rejected |first=Sharon |last=Robb |work=[[Sun-Sentinel]] |date=February 6, 1998 |access-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705150853/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1998-02-06/sports/9802060057_1_harding-and-kerrigan-harding-s-ex-husband-nancy-kerrigan |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In Harding's 2008 biography, ''The Tonya Tapes'' (transcribed by Lynda D. Prouse from recorded interviews), she stated that she wanted to call the FBI in 1994 to reveal what she knew, but decided not to when Gillooly allegedly threatened her with death following a gunpoint [[gang rape]] by him and two other men she did not know. Gillooly responded with surprise that "groundless claims" against him could be published and specifically contended her gang rape accusation to be "utterly ridiculous."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/news/tonya-harding-reveals-her-side-roller-coaster-life-1C9015579 |title=Tonya Harding reveals her side of 'roller-coaster life'|date=May 15, 2008|first=Mike|last=Celizic |website=[[Today (American TV program)|Today.com]]|access-date=July 4, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901024350/https://www.today.com/news/tonya-harding-reveals-her-side-roller-coaster-life-1C9015579|archive-date=September 1, 2017}}</ref> In 2013, ''[[Deadspin]]'' sought Gillooly for an interview, and he again defended himself against the gunpoint gang rape allegation. He expressed regret that Harding is often "remembered for what I talked her into doing," meaning allegedly plotting to injure Kerrigan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/02/sports/figure-skating-what-gillooly-says-and-what-harding-says.html |title=What Gillooly Says, and What Harding Says |first=Joseph B. |last=Treaster |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=February 2, 1994 |access-date=June 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623085123/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/02/sports/figure-skating-what-gillooly-says-and-what-harding-says.html |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Buckley"/><ref name="https">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012994.htm|first=Johnette|last=Howard|title=Phone Records Could Link Harding to Attack|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 29, 1994|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714050807/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/longterm/olympics1998/history/timeline/articles/time_012994.htm|archive-date=July 14, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="anatomy of plot">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1994/02/14/130460/anatomy-of-a-plot-even-in-their-version-of-events----which-differs-from-tonya-hardings----the-confessed-conspirators-in-the-nancy-kerrigan-assault-were-at-once-goons-and-buffoons |first=E. M. |last=Swift |title=Anatomy of a Plot |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=February 14, 1994 |access-date=November 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623141054/https://www.si.com/vault/1994/02/14/130460/anatomy-of-a-plot-even-in-their-version-of-events----which-differs-from-tonya-hardings----the-confessed-conspirators-in-the-nancy-kerrigan-assault-were-at-once-goons-and-buffoons |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Janofsky"/><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Randall|last=Sullivan|title=The Tonya Harding Fall |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=July 14, 1994 |issue=686/687 |page=80 |via=[[Scribd]]|access-date=October 22, 2021 |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/534375847/Tonya-Harding-Fall|quote=Jeff saw [Tonya] for the first time in six days on...Jan. 25...loading their furniture into the bed of the blue Ford pickup. Tonya told him, "I just want you to know that I really do appreciate you taking the blame for all this," Jeff recalled, then asked for a hug. The FBI already had enough to arrest her, Jeff warned. They couldn't prove anything, Tonya replied. She said, "Good luck," Jeff recalled, squeezed his hand, gave him a wink and left. It was the last time he saw her.}}</ref> Gillooly admitted that his past "stupidity" was part of Harding's 1994 ruin, and maintained that he still considered her a great figure skater. He also said, "I've had it easy, compared to poor Tonya... she tends to be the butt of the joke. It's kind of sad to me."<ref>{{cite news |title=Finding Gillooly |last=Nelson |first=Amy K. |author-link=Amy K. Nelson |website=[[Deadspin]]|date=December 13, 2013 |url=https://deadspin.com/finding-gillooly-what-happened-to-figure-skatings-inf-1482669790|access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622084054/https://deadspin.com/finding-gillooly-what-happened-to-figure-skatings-inf-1482669790|archive-date=June 22, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, Nancy Kerrigan addressed the scandal during a brief interview with sportscaster [[Bob Costas]]: "Whatever apology Tonya has given, I accept it. It's time for all us—I've always wished [Tonya] well. She has her own family, I have my family. It's time to make that our focus, and move on with our lives."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/nancy-tonya/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707093538/https://sportsworld.nbcsports.com/nancy-tonya/ |archive-date=July 7, 2018 |url-status=live |work=NBC SportsWorld |title=Nancy & Tonya |year=2014 |type=documentary}} Costas spoke on air with Kerrigan after ''Nancy & Tonya'' (2014) played on NBC. Costas asked Kerrigan about the ''Breaking the Ice'' (1998) meeting with Harding and whether Kerrigan felt any sense of closure – time code ca 1:01:16</ref>