Sepp Blatter today resigned as FIFA President at a "hastily called news conference in Zurich" in the wake of an international corruption inquiry. Blatter, who led the governing body for 17 years and "had just won re-election for a fifth four-year term," delivered a "short speech." He said, "FIFA needs a profound restructuring. ... Although the members of FIFA have given me the new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everybody in the world of football." FIFA Audit & Compliance Committee Chair Domenico Scala said that a "special meeting of FIFA’s member nations will be called to elect a new president." According to FIFA’s rules, there "must be at least four months’ notice given to members for such a meeting." Blatter "will continue his duties in the meantime" (NYTIMES.com, 6/2).

ESPN’s Bob Ley said the news was “stunning.” He added the “trail of the money, the alleged bribes, has gotten closer and closer to the throne.” Ley: “It has the potential to reshape certainly the cast of the leadership at FIFA. It has potential to breathe life into the hopes of the United States to host the 2026 World Cup.” ESPN’s Ian Darke: “Something has happened in the last four days that has changed everything here. Somebody has confronted Sepp Blatter. It's not like him to not ride out the storm” (ESPN, 6/2).

Roundup of digital headlines:

London Times: "Blatter Stands Down As President Of Fifa"
AFP: "Blatter Quits As FIFA Corruption Pressure Mounts"
Reuters: "Blatter Rocks World Soccer By Quitting FIFA Amid Scandal"
MSNBC.com: "So Long, Sepp"

The Guardian offers a timeline of events leading up to Blatter's stepping down.

On Twitter, cautious optimism about FIFA’s future post-Blatter. SI’s Grant Wahl: “Great day for world soccer. But can FIFA be trusted to vote in a legitimate reformer to replace Blatter? The structure itself is rotten.” The N.Y. Post’s Brian Lewis: “Sepp's last line is spot-on. Today, football is the winner. Now I just hope #FIFA doesn't muck up this chance.” Writer Jeff Crandall: “This is a monumental day for our game. To the powers that be, please don't mess up this opportunity.” Writer Beau Dure: “Here's the big question: Does it bring the 2022 World Cup any closer to being moved?”

Also, speculation about the next president. The AP’s Steve Wilson: “Important to note that Blatter remains FIFA president until the next election.” The Guardian’s Simon Evans: “You would think the next FIFA president will be either a European or an Asian. But who?” The Boston Herald’s Jon Couture: “Maybe I'd wait to see who the impossibly corrupt world soccer organization replaces Blatter with before really partying.”

Simon Evans: "UEFA's threat of the 'nuclear option', World Cup boycott or split from FIFA, looks to have done the job." Boston Globe’s Shalise Manza Young: “Like a college coach whose school is about to get NCAA hammer...get out before it happens, someone else deals w mess.” The S.F. Chronicle’s Ann Killion: “Ding dong the wicked witch is dead.” Pac-12 Networks' J.B. Long: "Sepp Blatter's reign as 'president of everybody' snapped at 4 days. Still believed to be a Guinness World Record." Indianapolis-based WTHR-NBC columnist Bob Kravitz: "Sounds kind of Nixonian to me, except without him saying, 'I am not a crook.'" Philly.com's Rob Tornoe: "With Sepp Blatter stepping down, at least @iamjohnoliver won't have to drink a bottle of Bud Light Lime." ESPN's Keith Olbermann: "#Blatter exit, short version: Bye Felicia."

ESPN has signed Bob Ley to a long-term extension. Ley, who is represented by Octagon, is the network's longest-serving commentator, having joined ESPN in September '79 (THE DAILY).

This comes as Ley continues to draw praise for his analysis of the FIFA scandal and Sepp Blatter's resignation. ESPN's T.J. Quinn tweeted, "This is also one of those days when I brag to anyone within earshot that I know Bob Ley." ESPN L.A.'s Arash Markazi: "Not that we needed a reminder why Bob Ley is the best but, well, Bob Ley is the best." NFL.com's Bryan Fischer: "Bob Ley always brings the goods."

The PGA Tour and Ace Hardware today announced a multiyear sponsorship deal that designates Ace as the official hardware store of the PGA Tour and Champions Tour. This comes after Ace earlier this year announced a multiyear deal to sponsor golfer Hunter Mahan, which includes a TV spot and the Ace logo on Mahan's apparel. Ace also is activating with ads during PGA Tour coverage on Golf Channel and NBC Sports, as well as a presence on PGATour.com (PGA Tour).

Play was suspended at the French Open today "after a large metal side panel fell onto the crowd amid high winds at Roland Garros." The rectangular panel fell from a commentary box terrace, "forcing the evacuation of two rows of seats at the upper end of Court Philippe Chartier." Play was delayed for about 15 minutes in the Jo-Wilfried Tsonga-Kei Nishikori quarterfinal, and organizers said that "they needed '10 more minutes' to make the area safe" (INDEPENDENT.co.uk, 6/2).

Comcast-Spectacor this afternoon unveiled the new Spectra logo for its facility management, food service and ticketing divisions. Those three groups, formerly Global Spectrum, Ovations and Paciolan, are part of the new Spectra brand. The change takes effect today. Combined, the three businesses cover more than 300 clients at 400-plus properties. Spectra’s digital services group, a new division, will be introduced at a later date.

The NFL today announced that Commissioner Roger Goodell has informed the NFLPA he will not recuse himself and will hear Patriots QB Tom Brady's Deflategate appeal (Mult., 6/2).

Slide sandals maker ISlide has reached a licensing deal with the NBA to "produce official customizable NBA slides" (SLAMONLINE.com, 6/2).

Toys "R" Us today said that it has hired former Michigan AD Dave Brandon as Chair & CEO "beginning July 1" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 6/2).

'47 has partnered with the Black Fives Foundation on a multiyear licensing deal to create a new line of headwear, apparel and pendants. The foundation focuses on showcasing the pre-1950 history of African Americans in basketball ('47).

MLBPA today announced that it has hired former MLBer Kevin Slowey as Special Assistant/Bargaining (MLBPA).

“It’s a lot more money. It’s certainly a positive thing from the players’ side, and ultimately for the owners too. A lot of the money gets reinvested in the sport, whether it’s new arenas throughout the league, new practice facilities, better analytics” – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, on new TV deals going into effect in '16-17 (“Mike & Mike,” ESPN Radio, 6/2).

“We started the work that really looks at Germany, Mexico, potentially Brazil. Those are probably the three markets where we are most likely to play an international series game next, outside of the UK” – NFL Exec VP/Int’l Mark Waller, on the potential for more int’l games (AP, 6/2).

“Too much in Formula One is all about the wrong reasons. Money and position – it is not about the racing. In IndyCar, no one makes money. It’s just great, pure racing” – IndyCar driver Sebastien Bourdais, on why he feels IndyCar racing is better than F1. He has raced in both series (USATODAY.com, 6/2).

"Did Tiger do PEDs? There's no chance. Love him or hate him, Tiger always respected the game. He knows its history and people, its standing in sports and the world" – Caddie Steve Williams, on his former employer (GOLF DIGEST, 7/'15 issue). 

Goodell re Brady appeal: "I decline to rewrite our CBA." Translation: "I had the power, I kept the power, and I'm using the power."

— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) June 2, 2015

Rang my version of @TeamHendrick Victory Bell & re-used some @JimmieJohnson victory lane confetti to mark last radiation today. #fightingon

— Holly Cain (@_HollyCain) June 2, 2015

Chris Gronkowski also told us this morning that the Gronkowski family will be filming an episode of Family Feud this weekend. #Patriots

— Toucher and Rich (@Toucherandrich) June 2, 2015

Pre-season NHL schedules are starting to infiltrate my Inbox. Nothing yet from Vegas.

— Jason Kay (@JKTHN) June 2, 2015

New #NJDevils Head Coach John Hynes & his family is introduced to @PruCenter staff prior to today's press conference! pic.twitter.com/Tvg9954Bwd

— New Jersey Devils (@NHLDevils) June 2, 2015

U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn is featured in this IOC video publicizing June 23 as Olympic Day, with a promotion tied to the '16 Rio Games.

14,800 – Bid on eBay, at presstime, for the '05 Honda Accord formerly owned by UFC fighter Ronda Rousey, who once lived out of the vehicle with her dog, Mochi (THE DAILY).