IN BRIEF
CFL OWNER CITES ‘NEGATIVITY’ FOR BRILES The CEO for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Scott Mitch
ell, said in a radio interview that his Canadian Football League team “underestimated the tsunami of negativity” that would accompany the hiring of former Baylor football coach Art
Briles and that once it became clear the sexual abuse scandal was still a “fresh issue,” that led the team to backtrack. The Tiger-Cats ultimately reversed their decision to hire the embattled coach as an assistant to
June Jones, the former Hawaii and SMU coach. “Most of the tsunami of negativity started in the (United) States,” Mitchell said on SN590 The Fan in Toronto. “I think most of the social media activity was generated out of the States, where Art Briles and Baylor is still a very, very fresh issue. I think we clearly underestimated that.” Mitchell said he felt strongly that Briles deserved a second chance despite the team’s ultimate decision and deflected blame toward the media and public perception as to why Briles has remained jobless since May 2016. MARYLAND SCHOOL BANS REDSKINS GEAR A private elementary school in the Maryland suburbs of Washington has asked students and staff not to wear clothing with the team name or logo of the Washington NFL club when the new school year begins next week. A letter sent to families of Green Acres School in Bethesda says “the term ‘Redskin’ is a racial slur. Its use, whether intentional or not, can be deeply insulting and offensive.” The letter, signed by
Neal M. Brown, head of school, said the issue was raised last fall by thirdgrade students during their study of Native Americans. He said a Native American family with a student at the school objected to such clothing around the same time. “We certainly don’t want to vilify anyone who comes to school in violation of this,” Brown told USA TODAY Sports. “Ultimately, most kids won’t wear that kind of clothing because they understand why it is upsetting to some people.” Tony Wyllie, the Washington team’s senior vice president for communications, declined to comment.
COLLEGE PLAYER DIES A sophomore from Georgia collapsed and died during football practice at a Florida university. Stetson officials said in a statement that Nicholas Adam
Blakely, 19, collapsed during a Monday evening practice. The accounting major from Lawrenceville, Ga., was on the sideline when he complained of not feeling well. He collapsed and was taken to Florida Hospital DeLand, where he died. Blakely was a defensive back who was redshirted last season and never played in a college football game. The team was preparing for its season opener at Sacred Heart on Saturday in Connecticut.
OLYMPIC RUNNER DIES
An Olympic runner was found dead in a swimming pool at an apartment complex in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Monday morning, police said. David Torrence, 31, was found at the bottom of the pool at Center Court Condominiums about 7:30 a.m., Scottsdale police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Torrence left his home in Malibu, Calif., to train in Arizona a few weeks ago.
ELLIOTT APPEAL GOES TO SECOND DAY
An appeal hearing for Dallas Cowboys running back
Ezekiel Elliott will extend to a second day. After meeting for several hours in midtown New York on Tuesday, Elliott’s appeal of his six-game suspension for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy will continue into Wednesday, according to NFL Network. Elliott’s suspension, levied Aug. 11, stems from his alleged role in a domestic violence incident last year. He was not arrested or charged for the incident, but the NFL felt there was sufficient evidence to suspend him. Elliott’s penalty can be upheld, reduced or vacated following his appeal. — Lorenzo Reyes
VALPARAISO SUED
The Horizon League has filed a $500,000 lawsuit against Valparaiso and the Missouri Valley Conference claiming the school breached a one-year notification agreement before leaving the league for the MVC. Valparaiso announced it was leaving for the MVC in May.