SPORTS DIGEST || Browns coach starts foundation, facility

Browns coach starts foundation, facility

BEREA

Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson is tackling a disturbing problem that’s not always visible.

Jackson and his wife, Michelle, have launched a foundation to support organizations that combat human trafficking and aid its victims, women who are exploited, abused and scarred for life.

On Thursday, The Hue Jackson Foundation announced a partnership with the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland to provide secure housing for women who have been victimized by human trafficking — modern-day slavery that involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.

Jackson’s affiliation will raise awareness to an issue that often goes unreported and undetected.

The 12-bed recovery facility, named in honor of Jackson, will offer a safe environment for victims to heal and focus on treatment. Officials say there are less than 100 beds available nationwide for the estimated 100,000 identified trafficking victims annually.

Ole Miss coach resigns for escort service call

Mississippi football coach Hugh Freeze resigned Thursday after university officials found a “pattern of personal misconduct” that started with the school’s investigation into a call to an escort service.

Freeze’s resignation brings a stunning end to a five-year tenure that saw a Sugar Bowl victory, but also a wide-ranging NCAA investigation into rules violations. His ultimate downfall came after school officials investigated Freeze’s phone records and found misconduct.

Freeze’s university cell phone records obtained by The Associated Press show a 1-minute call made on Jan. 19, 2016, to a Detroit-based number. An internet search shows the number linked to a site that offers various escort services.

Co-offensive coordinator Matt Luke has been named the interim coach.

Celtic fined for fans waving IRA banner

NYON, Switzerland

UEFA opened a second wave of charges against Celtic after fans raised a paramilitary-style banner at a Champions League game.

UEFA said Thursday a disciplinary case relating to an “illicit banner” will be judged on July 28, ahead of announcing verdicts from the Scottish champion’s previous game against Linfield of Northern Ireland.

The banner showing a masked soldier identified with Irish Republican imagery was shown by fans on Wednesday during Celtic’s 4-0 win in Glasgow in a Champions League second qualifying round, second-leg game.

Giants sign Sandoval to minor league deal

SAN FRANCISCO

A person with knowledge of his plans tells The Associated Press that Pablo Sandoval plans to sign a minor league contract to return to the San Francisco Giants.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Thursday because the agreement had not been announced.

Sandoval technically will not be free to agree to a deal with a team until 1 p.m. Eastern Friday.

The Boston Red Sox released Sandoval on Wednesday when the third baseman didn’t report after being designated for assignment last week.

It officially ended the Boston tenure for the slugger, who never was healthy enough to live up to the expectations that came with the $95 million free agent contract he signed in 2014.

Panthers cut Oher after failed physical

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

The Panthers have released the former starting left tackle Michael Oher after he failed a physical.

The move was announced Thursday, six days before they report to training camp.

Oher, the subject of the movie “The Blind Side,” started 16 regular games and three playoff games for the Panthers during their Super Bowl run in 2015. However, he sustained a concussion in the third game of last season and hasn’t played since.

Staff/wire report