SPORTS DIGEST || Football HOF offering discounts for fans

Football HOF offering discounts for fans

canton

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox can all see the Pro Football Hall of Fame for a discounted rate this weekend.

Any Steelers, Jets, Cleveland, New England or Boston fan dressed in their team’s gear who mentions the promotion at the Hall’s box office will receive a $5 discount on regular price adult, senior or child museum admission.

The promotion runs from Fridaythrough Monday. The Hall of Fame is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For additional information about visiting the Hall of Fame, visit: www.ProFootballHOF.com/visit/.

Correction

In Tuesday’s story about the Division I girls golf sectional, Canfield’s Carmel Cerimele was among the individual qualifiers for district play. She shot a 91 to finish in 17th place.

Former Cavs coach receives ring

CLEVELAND

Former Cavaliers coach David Blatt has accepted a championship ring from the team despite being fired last season.

Blatt was dismissed midway through his second season by Cleveland. The Cavs were 30-11 at the time he was replaced by assistant Tyronn Lue, who guided the Cavs to an historic comeback in the finals to capture the first major sports championship by a Cleveland team since 1964.

Blatt told Israel-based reporter David Pick that he accepted the ring from the Cavs “because they presented it to me in a way that was very respectful.” He said the Cavs told him that he contributed to the championship.

The Cavs confirmed that general manager David Griffin offered the ring to Blatt and he accepted.

One of Europe’s most celebrated coaches before he was hired in Cleveland, Blatt, now coaching in Turkey, went 83-40 in his tenure with the Cavs.

Texas president tweets support for Strong

austin, texas

The University of Texas president offered support Wednesday for beleaguered football coach Charlie Strong ahead of the Longhorns’ rivalry game against Oklahoma.

“Had a great call w/ Coach Strong. We’re behind our student-athletes and coaches as they prepare for OU and rest of the season,” President Greg Fenves tweeted.

Strong is 13-16 in three seasons and under mounting pressure to turn things around. Strong demoted defensive coordinator Vance Bedford this week after the Longhorns gave up 50 and 49 points in consecutive losses.

After last week’s loss at Oklahoma State, athletic director Mike Perrin told a reporter he needed to evaluate what happened. A school spokesman said the comments were about the coaching staff needing to evaluate the game.

Fenves’ statement is notable in that it only addresses this season. Strong has two more years left on a guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per season. A Fenves spokesman said the president would have no further comment.

Fenves didn’t hire Strong but is personally invested in his success. Fenves surprised many when he flew with Strong and Perrin to Tulsa, Oklahoma, last December to woo offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert to the Longhorns after consecutive losing seasons.

Game to stay in S.C.

columbia, s.c.

South Carolina officials said the Gamecocks’ game against Georgia this weekend will be played in Columbia, although they acknowledged the date and time could change because of impending impact of Hurricane Matthew.

The school said in a statement the “USC vs. UGA game will be played in Columbia.”

Officials said they are monitoring Matthew’s track and will most likely make a decision on any changes Thursday. The school said it was communicating with the National Weather Service, the Southeastern Conference and state and local authorities.

Gov. Nikki Haley said the school was told Wednesday the state would not be able to spare personnel to help with a football game.

Staff/wire report