SPORTS digest | OHSAA sanctions Massillon Washington

OHSAA sanctions Massillon Washington

COLUMBUS

The Ohio High School Athletic Association concluded its investigation into Massillon Washington High School’s football program and determined several sanctions will be assessed for recruiting violations, OHSAA Interim Commissioner Dave Gray announced on Saturday.

The investigation involved several athletes who were recruited to attend Massillon Washington by head coach Nate Moore along with other Massillon Washington assistant football coaches and boosters. In addition to public reprimand, the penalties include a $5,000 fine, probation for three years and the suspension of Moore from coaching the team during the 2016 postseason playoffs if the team qualifies.

The OHSAA did not release names of the players involved, but multiple media outlets reported the player was highly touted offensive lineman Thayer Munford, who transferred from Cincinnati La Salle to Massillon Washington. Moore coached at La Salle two years ago. Coaches are barred from communicating with former players after leaving their job.

Moore and others with Washington regularly communicated with and visited Munford and provided extra benefits such as travel to summer camps. A second unidentified player was ruled ineligible for half this season for not meeting transfer bylaw exceptions.

Scrappers rained out

NILES

Saturday’s game between the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the Williamsport Crosscutters was postponed due to weather. A doubleheader has been scheduled for today, starting at 3:05 p.m. Both games will be seven innings.

Graham is medalist at Tannenhauf

Warren JFK golfer Jimmy Graham shot a 72 to win the afternoon session of the Tannenhauf Invitational.

In the afternoon round, Brookfield wonwith 318, two strokes ahead of Gilmour Academy. Connor Stevens and Nate Smoot led the Warriors with 75 and 77. West Branch was fourth (338) and Canfield was fifth (341).

In the morning session, Green won with 290. Poland tied Lake for fifth with 326. Zach Jacobson led the Bulldogs with 76.

Indians’ Brantley to have shoulder surgery

CLEVELAND

Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley, who has played in only 11 games this season for the AL Central leaders, will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder Monday.

Brantley had surgery in November and began the season on the disabled list. He was activated in late April but returned to the DL on May 10 with biceps tendinitis.

Brantley has attempted to return several times but was shut down with soreness in the shoulder while he was hitting. He received two cortisone shots and underwent a procedure to remove scar tissue, but the shoulder didn’t progress enough for him to return.

Marks wins Mid-Ohio Xfinity race

LEXINGTON

Justin Marks splashed through the rain at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Saturday for his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory.

The 35-year-old Marks pulled away on a restart with two left to go in the 75-lap race on the 2.085-mile, 13-turn road course, finishing 3.7 seconds ahead of pole-sitter Sam Hornish Jr.

Bryan leads John Deere Classic

SILVIS, Ill.

Wesley Bryan took the lead in the rain-delayed John Deere Classic on Friday, five days after earning a PGA Tour card with his third Web.com Tour victory of the year.

Bryan played 26 holes in 10 under Friday at TPC Deere Run, birdieing three of the final holes to finish off a first-round 66 and shooting a 64 in the second to reach 12-under 130.

Area favorite Zach Johnson faced a long day Saturday after not even getting onto the course Friday.

Staff/wire report