Holy Cross suspends multiple athletes
Holy Cross suspended an unidentified number of athletes yesterday after the school learned of potential transgressions of NCAA rules.
The school said in a statement it had been “made aware of potential NCAA violations involving current student-athletes.”
Those students have been suspended from athletics while Holy Cross conducts an investigation. Holy Cross would not identify the names of the athletes involved or the teams on which they play. The men’s basketball team hosts Navy tonight . ...
University of Connecticut athletic director David Benedict said the school will fight to protect its men’s basketball program, which is the subject of an NCAA investigation, and that he will evaluate the future of coach Kevin Ollie after the season.
Benedict, who met with reporters for the first time since the school confirmed the program is under investigation last month, declined to say what the NCAA is investigating or whether any potential violations might be major or minor in nature.
UConn, which last year had its first losing season in three decades, is 11-12 this season including 4-6 in the American Athletic Conference . . . .
James Madison has postponed men’s basketball games scheduled for tomorrow and Saturday to avoid a possible mumps outbreak in the program . . . .
Kentucky suspended injured forward Tai Wynyard from team activities until further notice for an unspecified violation of team rules. The 6-foot-10 sophomore has missed the past 10 games for the No. 24 Wildcats with what coach John Calipari said is a disk issue that will likely sideline him for the season.
Coach under investigation
Former U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team coach John Geddert is facing a criminal investigation following the final sentencing of disgraced ex-sports doctor Larry Nassar, who molested girls at Geddert’s elite gymnastics club in Michigan.
The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office said people recently came forward with complaints against Geddert, 60. The office declined to elaborate on the number of complaints, when they were filed or their nature, citing the ongoing investigation.
Giants to retire Bonds’ 25
Barry Bonds will have his No. 25 jersey retired in August by the San Francisco Giants when the Pittsburgh Pirates, his former team, are in town.
The Giants announced they would hold a ceremony to honor the former slugger and seven-time NL MVP on Aug. 11. He will become the 12th player from the New York or San Francisco Giants to have his number retired . . . .
Minnesota Twins righty Ervin Santana will miss the start of the regular season after surgery on his right middle finger.
The Twins said the 35-year-old righthander had the procedure done yesterday in New York by Dr. Charles Melone, after experiencing discomfort during a bullpen session last week . . . .
The Baltimore Orioles avoided arbitration with second baseman Jonathan Schoop, agreeing to terms on a contract for the 2018 season worth $8.5 million . . . .
Veteran infielder Darwin Barney has agreed to a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers that includes an invitation to major league spring training.
Mangan joins Olympic team
Alpine skier Tricia Mangan has been added to the U.S. Olympic team.
Mangan is a 20-year-old from New York who finished 19th in a World Cup combined event at Lenzerheide, Switzerland, this month.
The U.S. Olympic Committee announced that Mangan joined the roster after Jackie Wiles was ruled out of what would have been her second Winter Games because of a knee injury . . . .
Marty Hurney, the interim general manager of the Carolina Panthers, has been placed on paid administrative leave after his ex-wife accused him of harassment . . . .
The Tennessee Titans have hired Terrell Williams as defensive line coach, Keith Carter as offensive line coach and Tony Dews as running backs coach.