WHISTLEBLOWERS GIVE WADA HOTLINE 400 DOPING CASES

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B U E NOS A IR E S , A RG E NTIN A

World AntiDoping Agency has registered 400 cases after a flood of information from new whistleblowers, and added on Friday it supports a U.S. assessment that a 2016 hack of the agency was perpetrated by the Russian state.

The head of WADA’s investigations unit, Guenter Younger, said the agency has been approached by numerous whistleblowers in the wake of Russian doping scandals, which were sparked by insiders revealing widespread doping and coverups.

Younger said he was “overwhelmed” with information after WADA opened a whistleblower hotline in March 2017.

Texas denies corruption claims.

» Texas athletics direc, tor Chris Del Conte said Friday a university review into possible rules violations found nothing to substantiate claims made in testimony at a college basketball corruption trial in New York federal court.

Del Conte issued a statement following testimony this week from Brian Bowen Sr., who testified that his son, Brian Jr., was offered thousands of dollars to play at major programs.

IOC urged to delay athlete charter.

EVA» A coalition of athletes, their G E N global trade union, and human rights activists want the IOC to postpone an athlete charter due to be adopted next week.

The Olympic body’s Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration is set for approval at a meeting in Argentina to help safeguard athletes from issues including sexual and physical abuse, doping, and discrimination.

However, the World Players Association urged the International Olympic Committee on Friday to delay the project, claiming it failed to properly consult athletes or experts, and would “curtail fundamental athlete rights rather than protect them.”

» Brandt Snedeker birdied the final two holes for a 7under 65 and a threestroke lead over Phil Mickelson and two others Friday in the PGA Tour’s seasonopening Safeway Open.

Ronaldo ready to play Saturday.

» Cristiano Ronaldo is availMIL A N able to play for his Italian soccer team on Saturday. Ronaldo, who is facing a rape allegation in the United States, could play when Juventus faces Udinese in the Italian league, according to coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Ohio State has paid $1.5 million to investigate abuse claims.

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OHIO» Ohio State University has been billed about $1.5 million and counting for the investigation into a team doctor accused of sexual misconduct against scores of athletes and other young men decades ago.

Most of that cost is for Perkins Coie, the Seattlebased law firm hired to investigate claims raised this year about nowdeceased physician Richard Strauss, according to a list of invoices provided by the university.

NCAA to change transfer rules.

POLIS» The NCAA Division I IN D I A N A

Council has introduced legislation that would allow some athletes to transfer and be immediately eligible to play for a new school if there is a coaching change before the first day of fall classes.

Pavan, Bjerregaard share lead.

» Andrea PaST . A N D R EW S , S C OTL A N D van shot 9under 63 at Kingsbarns to share the lead with Lucas Bjerregaard after two rounds of the Dunhill Links Championship on Friday.

Pulisic, Adams hurt.

HICAGO» MidC fielders Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams will miss the United States’ Thursday exhibition games against Colombia and Peru because of injuries.