Pac-12 commissioner discusses demands with players group
Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott spoke with representatives from the #WeAreUnited college player group, with much of the discussion focused on the conference’s health and safety protocols.
The call lasted two hours Thursday night and 12 players took part, according to a person familiar with the discussion who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the meeting was private and the league had no official comment.
The players demanded the Pac-12 address a list of concerns about COVID-19 protocols, racial injustice in college sports and economic rights for college athletes. They have threatened to opt of of practices and games if their demands are not addressed by the conference.
Members of the players’ group did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the meeting. The person familiar with what was discussed said the Pac-12 said it expects to provide next week an update on medical protocols and whether athletes could be permitted to retain eligibility if they opt out of the season because of COVID-19 concerns.
The players’ financial demands, which included sharing 50% of revenue each sport makes with the the players and reducing the salary of Scott and other administrators, were a small part of the conversation, the person said.
Meanwhile, the Mountain West became the latest conference to have its players take a public stand of unity, echoing the Pac-12 and Big Ten player groups in asking for assurances about COVID-19 protocols and testing, along eligibility and scholarship retention.
• The Big Sky Conference postponed its football season to the spring because of the coronavirus pandemic and called for the FCS playoffs to be moved to the second semester as well. The Big Sky’s decision all but officially ends any chance of the FCS playoffs. The FCS’ Pioneer League also announced it will not have a fall football season.
• Maryland senior quarterback Josh Jackson opted out of the upcoming football season, leaving the Terrapins with very little depth and experience at the pivotal position.
• The Southeastern Conference will require football players and others in direct contact with the program to be tested at least twice weekly during the season.
Ko in position for third Marathon Classic win
Lydia Ko shot a 6-under 65 for a one-shot lead over Jodi Ewart Shadoff (63) going into the weekend at the Marathon Classic at Highland Meadows in Sylvania, Ohio. Ko is a two-time winner there.
• The LPGA Tour’s ANA Inspiration announced that it will not have fans Sept. 10-13 at Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage. The major is typically the first of the year in early spring, but was postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Andy Sullivan carded a blistering 62, including 28 on the back nine, to sit atop of a leaderboard after the second round of the English Championship in Ware. He’s one shot clear of Laurie Canter and Dean Burmester.
Giants’ Baker charged with robbery
New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker was formally charged with four counts of robbery with a firearm in connection with a fight at a cookout in May, a prosecutor said. Baker is accused of stealing cash and watches from four men. The punishment in event of conviction is a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in state prison.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar, who also was arrested, won’t be prosecuted because of insufficient evidence, Broward County (Fla.) State Attorney Mike Satz said.
• Washington released running back Derrius Guice after he was charged in multiple domestic violence incidents. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department said that Guice was arrested on one count of strangulation, three counts of assault and battery and one count of destruction of property. Strangulation is a Class 6 felony in Virginia.
• Linebacker Vic Beasley reported to the Tennessee Titans, and he was activated off the Reserve/DidNot Report list. The Titans also put defensive lineman Jack Crawford on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, meaning he had either tested positive for COVID-19 or has been quarantined after coming in close contact with someone who’s infected.
• Coaches will have their own category for being voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — at least for the next four years.
Smith earns first Truck Series victory
Zane Smith scored the first Truck Series win of his career with a last-lap pass in double overtime at Michigan International Speedway.
• Darlington Raceway has gotten state approval to have fans in the stands when it runs NASCAR’s Southern 500 next month.
The state Commerce Department gave the track an exemption to have up to 8,000 fans in the stands.
Svitolina, Bertens to skip U.S. Open
Two more top-10 women, Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens, will miss the U.S. Open, joining No. 1 Ash Barty in skipping the Grand Slam tennis tournament during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus seized on defensive mistakes to lead host Manchester City to a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League, Man City reaching the quarterfinals with a 4-2 aggregate victory.
• Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice but could not prevent Juventus from going out of the Champions League despite a 2-1 victory over Lyon in its rearranged second-leg match in Turin, Italy. The French team moved to the quarterfinals on away goals after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.
• Dutch cyclist Fabio Jakobsen is in good condition after he was brought out of an induced coma following a controversial crash near the finish line at the Tour of Poland. octors at the hospital in southern Poland where Jakobsen is being treated said he was responsive, breathing on his own and could move his limbs. “We have good news, the patient is in really good condition with no neurological symptoms,” said Dr Pawel Gruenpeter, deputy director of St.Barbara’s Specialized Hospital in Sosnowiec. Jakobsen also suffered injuries to an eye socket and his jaw, requiring five hours of surgery.
• Former Florida State basketball center Michael Ojo, 27, died Friday after collapsing while training in Serbia, his former team Red Star Belgrade said.