Two former gymnasts, one an Olympic medalist, have "accused a prominent, longtime physician for USA Gymnastics of sexual abuse." The allegations are against Dr. LARRY NASSAR, who "served as USA Gymnastics' team physician during four Olympic Games and left his position last September with little public notice." Nassar has "not been charged with any crime" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 9/13). USA Gymnastics' "last three presidents," including current President & CEO STEVE PENNY were named in the suit. The organization yesterday acknowledged that it "became aware of allegations of sexual misconduct against Nassar last year" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 9/13).
HOLY GIFT: POPE FRANCIS yesterday was “presented an autographed Steelers football” by Saint Vincent Archabbot DOUGLAS NOWICKI at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Rome. The ball was a “joint gift" from the Rooney family, Nowicki and Saint Vincent College, where the Steelers hold their training camp. The ball was autographed by Steelers Chair DAN ROONEY, President ART ROONEY II, coach MIKE TOMLIN and several unspecified players (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 9/13).
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE: Fox News' BILL O'REILLY was on NBC's "Today" to promote his new World War II-based book "KILLING THE RISING SUN" and referenced 49ers QB COLIN KAEPERNICK's ongoing protest during the National Anthem. O'Reilly said, "I want Colin Kaepernick to read this book. I want the guy who won’t stand up during the National Anthem to read ‘Killing the Rising Sun’ and to understand how much brave Americans sacrificed to free millions of people all over the world in the Japanese theater and the European theater. I want Colin Kaepernick, and I’m sending him a copy, to read every single word of this book and tell me he shouldn’t be standing up during the National Anthem" ("Today," NBC, 9/13).
SHARING IS CARING: Cavaliers Owner DAN GILBERT and Dolphins Owner STEPHEN ROSS will each donate $5M to Wayne State Univ. Law School in "honor of outgoing" Dean JOCELYN BENSON. Both owners are alumni of the school. The announcement comes as Gilbert and Ross are "inducted, along with 11 others, as part of the inaugural class of the Miller Family Wayne Law Alumni Wall of Fame" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 9/12). The gifts are part of Wayne State's $750M “Pivotal Moments fundraising campaign” (AP, 9/13).
NAMES: Basketball HOFer YAO MING’s private equity firm, Yao Capital, has “acquired a significant stake in Singapore-based kickboxing organization Glory Kickboxing.” The “actual stake and percentage were not disclosed by the parties,” but the “acquisition is a big vote of confidence for Glory as it gets ready to host events in the Asian market.” Glory has “held 36 events since its founding” in ’12 (ESPN.com, 9/12)....Federal prosecutors last Friday “filed papers charging Arkansas businessman JOHN ROGERS with wire fraud.” Court papers show Rogers “used his businesses Sports Card Plus and Rogers Photo Archive to rip off at least” $10M from banks, investors and customers in a sports memorabilia scheme. The papers also claim Rogers “fraudulently obtained a $100,000 loan from an investor by offering a counterfeit BILLY SIMS Heisman Trophy as collateral” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 9/13)....Former Blizzard Entertainment Chief Creative Officer ROB PARDO “plans to announce the formation of a new company, Bonfire Studios, with a handful of game veterans.” Pardo, who will serve as CEO, recently raised $25M “in funding for the company from the Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and from Riot Games” (N.Y. TIMES, 9/12).
