SPORTS DIGEST || Scrappers rained out, doubleheader today

Scrappers rained out, doubleheader today

NILES

Wednesday’s Mahoning Valley Scrappers game against the Batavia Muckdogs was rained out.

There will be a doubleheader today with the first game starting at 5:05 p.m. Game 2 will start 30 minutes after Game 1.

Anyone with tickets from Wednesday’s game can exchange them for any regular-season game ticket of equal or lesser value.

Fired Zach Smith goes on a Twitter rant

COLUMBUS

Fired Ohio State assistant coach Zach Smith denies that he abused his ex-wife and blames the university president for an investigation that led to the suspension of coach Urban Meyer.

In a series of tweets Wednesday, the 34-year-old Smith also lashed out at media, contended the investigation into his behavior was botched and said he hopes Meyer was forced by the university to apologize. He also posted a picture of his two children to tell critics that “your reckless & complete disregard for human beings hurts innocent children.”

Meyer was suspended for three games after an investigation found he mishandled domestic-abuse accusations and other bad behavior from Smith, the grandson of former Ohio State coach and Meyer mentor Earle Bruce.

Ohio State did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Clint Dempsey announces retirement

SEATTLE

Former U.S. national team captain and Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey has announced his retirement, effective immediately.

In a statement issued Wednesday by the Sounders, the 35-year-old Dempsey said he believes it’s the right time to step away from the game.

Dempsey is tied with Landon Donovan as the greatest U.S. goal scorer, scoring 57 international goals in 141 appearances. He captained the U.S. in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when the Americans reached the knockout stage before losing to Belgium in the round of 16.

Dempsey had a decorated career overseas in England, most notably with Fulham, before returning to MLS in 2013 with the Sounders. He missed the second half of the 2016 season with a heart condition that put his career in jeapordy, but returned to Seattle the next season after being cleared by doctors. Dempsey was the MLS Comeback Player of the Year last season when he again became the leading scorer for the Sounders and reclaimed a place on the U.S. national team.

Munoz to replace Wickens in IndyCar

PORTLAND, ORE.

Carlos Munoz will replace injured IndyCar driver Robert Wickens in the final two races of the season.

Munoz , from Colombia, will drive the No. 6 Honda at Portland International Raceway this weekend and Sonoma Raceway next month.

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports did not field Wickens’ car at Gateway last weekend. Wickens has been hospitalized in Pennsylvania since his Aug. 26 accident at Pocono Raceway. The Canadian had surgery to insert titanium rods and screws to stabilize his fractured spine.

Wickens also had surgery on his leg and arm and will require additional surgery and rehabilitation.

Brodeur takes business role with Devils

NEWARK, N.J.

Martin Brodeur is returning to the New Jersey Devils as executive vice president of business development.

Brodeur is back with the franchise he led to the Stanley Cup three times and became the NHL’s all-time-leading goaltender in victories. The 46-year-old shifts to the business side after three years in hockey management as assistant general manager of the St. Louis Blues.

The Devils announced Brodeur’s hire Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the Blues said he left the organization to pursue other opportunities.

Staff/wire report