Embattled USOC head resigns amid review
Scott Blackmun resigned as chief executive of the U.S. Olympic Committee on Wednesday, stepping aside so he can tackle his worsening bout with prostate cancer and to allow the federation to move forward under new leadership to address the sex-abuse scandal that has rocked gymnastics and other sports.
Blackmun leaves as calls for his ouster were growing louder — from two U.S. senators and, more notably, from a number of gymnasts and other athletes who said neither he nor the USOC at large reacted properly to cases including those involving Larry Nassar, the doctor who sexually abused members of the U.S. gymnastics team.
The USOC is conducting an independent review of when Blackmun and others learned the details about abuse cases at USA Gymnastics and whether they responded appropriately.
NCAA
A diversity report released Wednesday on college sports finds little progress in improving racial and gender hiring practices.
The report card from The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at Central Florida says NCAA member schools continue to lag behind professional leagues in hiring women and minorities. The report covers hiring for coaches and administrators such as athletic directors.
NFL
GORE WITHOUT A TEAM>> The Indianapolis Colts have told Frank Gore they do not intend to re-sign him this offseason, general manager Chris Ballard announced.
Ballard says the team needs to get younger and he wants Gore to finish his career in a place of his choosing.
The 34-year-old running back is fifth on the NFL’s career rushing list with 14,026 yards. He needs 76 yards to pass No. 4 Curtis Martin.
FORTE HANGS IT UP>> Jets running back Matt Forte announced his retirement from playing after 10 NFL seasons. He had one year remaining on his contract, but knee issues during his two seasons in New York, as well as his age, made him a likely salary cap casualty.
Forte’s 9,796 yards rushing rank him 33rd on the NFL’s career list. PANTHERS RELEASE STEWART>> The Carolina Panthers have released running back Jonathan Stewart.
Stewart became the franchise’s career rushing leader in 2017, finishing with 7,318 rushing yards. Stewart’s 1,699 rushing attempts are also the most in franchise history, while his 58 touchdowns (51 rushing, seven receiving) are second in franchise history.
Stewart played all 10 seasons with the Panthers after being drafted by Carolina in the first round in 2008 out of Oregon.
Baseball
GURRIEL TO MISS TIME>> Houston first baseman Yuli Gurriel had surgery on his left hand Wednesday and is expected to miss the start of the season. Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow says doctors removed the hook of the hamate bone, which was broken before Gurriel arrived at camp.
TWINS SIGN MORRISON>> Logan Morrison and the Twins finalized a $6.5 million, one-year contract, a deal that includes a $5.5 million salary this year and an $8 million club option for 2019 with a $1 million buyout.