SPORTS DIGEST || Boardman’s Croutch commits to YSU

Boardman’s Croutch commits to YSU

Boardman

Boardman senior linebacker Evan Croutch announced on Twitter on Friday that he’ll be attending Youngstown State next year.

He tweeted: “Officially committed to continue my education and football career at Youngstown State University! Couldn’t be happier about my decision!!”

No Africa trip for U.S. after Ebola outbreak

The U.S. national team has canceled a trip to Senegal after the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo says Friday the Americans were disappointed to call off what would have been the national team’s first trip to the African continent, but “didn’t have any other choice” because of the risk.

The Americans were scheduled to travel to Dakar on Aug. 27 and conduct a joint clinic with the Senegal national team. They planned to tour Senegal’s Goree Island and attend a reception hosted by the Senegalese government. More than 1,000 people have died in West Africa in the last six months after the outbreak quickly spread to major cities in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

George still hopeful of returning this season

INDIANAPOLIS

Paul George hopes to make it back on the court next season despite the “freak accident” that caused a compound fracture in his right leg.

On Friday, the two-time All-Star responded to questions for the first time since the gruesome image of him colliding with a basketball stanchion.

George says the leg broke in two spots and that a rod was inserted during surgery Aug. 2. Doctors placed pins in the knee and ankle to hold the rod in place. The leg is now protected by a hard cast.

Coach Frank Vogel and Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird said Tuesday that George has not been ruled out for the season though they didn’t expect to have him.

Vandy coach dismisses 2 players from team

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Coach Kevin Stallings says guards Kedren Johnson and Dai-Jon Parker will not be allowed to rejoin the Vanderbilt Commodores this season and are transferring.

Stallings said being a Vanderbilt player is a privilege that comes with a “high level of responsibility” on and off the court. The coach said in a statement Friday night that standards were not met leading to his decision.

The coach says he agreed to wait on his announcement until Johnson and Parker had decided where they will transfer. Vanderbilt recruited six players who will be eligible this season.

Johnson was suspended all of last season for violating a university policy and averaged 8 points and 2.7 assists in two seasons. Parker averaged 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in three seasons.

WNBA players Griner, Johnson engaged

PHOENIX

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has proposed to the Tulsa Shock’s Glory Johnson and posted it on social media.

Griner showed a photo of her on one knee with a ring in her hand in front of Johnson on her Instagram account.

In the post, Griner wrote: “Last Night was a Night to Remember(,) I became the happiest person on this earth! (almost pass out but when that one word came out I came back to life) Me and my baby (at)missvol25 are in it for Life!”

Johnson also had a photo on her Instagram account of Griner lying in bed with an engagement ring resting on her shoulder.

Griner has embraced her role as a prominent gay athlete since her career at Baylor. Johnson played at Tennessee.

Golf scramble canceled

The Ron Meiss Jr Memorial Scramble at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course on Saturday, Aug. 30 has been canceled.

Staff/Wire reports