VONN: REPRESENTING PEOPLE, NOT TRUMP
Lindsey Vonn is one of the most heralded alpine skiers of all time, and for good reason: Her 77 World Cup victories are the most by a woman, and Ingemar Stenmark’s all-time men’s record of 86 is within reach. But for all of Vonn’s success, she only has two Olympic medals, a tally she would like to grow this winter at the PyeongChang Olympics.
And if she does, don’t expect her to celebrate with President Donald Trump at the White House.
“I hope to represent the people of the United States, not the president,” she told CNN. “I take the Olympics very seriously and what they mean and what they represent, what walking under our flag means in the opening ceremony. And, you know, I want to represent our country well, and I don’t think there are a lot of people currently in our government that do that.”
When asked if she would accept an invitation to the White House should she win an Olympic medal, Vonn replied: “Absolutely not. Nope. But I have to win to be invited so — no, actually I think every U.S. team member is invited. So, no, I won’t go.”
Sports doctor gets 60-year sentence.
GRAND RAPIDS,
MICH.» An elite Michigan sports doctor who possessed child pornography and assaulted gymnasts was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison in one of three criminal cases that ensure he will never be free again.
U.S. District Judge Janet Neff followed the government’s recommendation in the porn case, saying Larry Nassar “should never again have access to children.”
Neff said Nassar’s federal sentence won’t start until he completes his sentences for sexual assault. The 54-yearold will get punishments in those two cases in state court in January.
Nassar worked at Michigan State University and at USA Gymnastics. He admits he molested girls with his hands when they sought treatment for hip and back pain.
Marlins trade all-star Gordon.
The Miami Marlins traded two-time all-star Dee Gordon to the Seattle Mariners for three prospects in the first big deal involving new Marlins CEO Derek Jeter. He wants to cut payroll by more than 20 percent to $90 million or less.
Miami acquired right-hander Nick Neidert, the Mariners’ No. 2 prospect, along with infielder Chris Torres and right-hander Robert Dugger.
The Mariners get $1 million in international signing bonus pool allotment, boosting the amount they can offer Japanese star pitcher and outfielder Shohei Ohtani to a major league-high $3,557,500, just ahead of the Texas Rangers ($3,535,000).
Gausman to honor Halladay.
Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman, a Grandview High School graduate, will wear No. 34 next season as a tribute to Roy Halladay, an Arvada West High graduate who was killed in a plane crash last month.
Gausman announced the switch on his Twitter account. The right-hander wore No. 39 last year.
In a post next to a photo of his new jersey, Gausman wrote: “Roy gave me the inspiration that I could fulfill even my biggest of dreams — being a pitcher just like him.”
Footnotes.
Jim Hansen, who played at Colorado from 1989-92 and was a Rhodes scholar, will receive the prestigious NCAA Silver Anniversary Award. The award is in recognition of collegiate and professional achievements, and annually recognizes distinguished individuals on the 25th anniversary of the conclusion of their college athletics careers. … Mike Riley is returning to Oregon State as an assistant on new coach Jonathan Smith’s staff. Riley, most recently head coach at Nebraska, was coach at Oregon State twice, from 1997-98 and 2003-14. … Former U.S. national team goalkeeper Hope Solo says she’s running for president of U.S. Soccer. … In men’s college basketball, Vincent Edwards scored 15 points, Carson Edwards finished with 10 points, and No. 21 Purdue dominated Valparaiso 80-50. — Denver Post staff and wire services