FIFA President GIANNI INFANTINO and IAAF President SEBASTIAN COE are "set to be snubbed" by the IOC next month when the body is "likely to again overlook them for membership." A source said that neither Infantino nor Coe are "expected to be proposed for IOC membership despite taking up their posts two and three years ago respectively." For years, membership of the IOC for the heads of soccer and athletics was "seen as almost automatic." But FIFA and the IAAF have been "left out ... as they struggled with widespread corruption and doping scandals" (REUTERS, 1/22).
NAMES: In Tampa, Ernest Hooper profiled Lightning VP/HR KEITH HARRIS, who is the "first African-American chairman of the 90-year-old Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay." He is "helping the organization chart new initiatives and extend its mission." Harris said Lightning Owner JEFF VINIK sends a "clear message to his staff that he encourages and wants to see you involved in community activities." Harris: "I’m a Tampa native. The point is not lost on me that they see me as one of the few African-American executives in this community, and with a brand like the Lightning, I’m challenged to say, 'How can I utilize it to help?' So one of the things that drives me is that it’s professionally supported" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 1/20)....Astros CF GEORGE SPRINGER on Saturday married fiancee CHARLISE CASTRO (HOUSTONCHRONICLE.com, 1/21).
IN MEMORY: Ravens Dir of Ticket Sales & Hospitality MIKE BURKE died Friday at 39 after battling lung cancer for more than two years. He leaves behind his wife, MICHELE, and four children. Burke was diagnosed with stage IV terminal lung cancer in '15. He joined the Ravens in '00 (Ravens)....An autopsy released Friday showed that late MLBer ROY HALLADAY had "evidence of morphine, amphetamine, and zolpidem in his system in November when he fatally crashed his single-engine plane into the Gulf of Mexico" (PHILLY.com, 1/19).
