FOOTBALL
Winston cleared by school
Jameis Winston has been cleared of violating FSU’s code of conduct. “This was a complex case, and I worked hard to make sure both parties had a full and fair opportunity to present information. In sum, the preponderance of the evidence has not shown that you are responsible for any of the charged violations of the Code,” retired Florida Supreme Court chief justice Major B. Harding wrote in his findings in the case, according to a document obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. David Cornwell, Winston’s attorney during the hearing process, was the first to post the news on Twitter, listing a portion of the hearing finding. Winston partook in a two-day hearing Dec. 2-3 to determine whether he violated sexual misconduct and endangerment provisions in FSU’s code of conduct policy during an alleged sexual assault in December 2012. The hearing spanned at least 12 hours. Winston’s accuser has the option to appeal the ruling, although FSU’s code of conduct provisions do not allow for entire hearing to be conducted again with a different panel. Harding indicated in his ruling the lack of witnesses beyond Winston and his accuser had an impact on his decision. “[The accuser’s] statements concerning the night’s events have changed over time, but one point in which she has remained steadfast is that once in your room, you had sexual intercourse with her and that she did not consent to or actively participate in the intercourse. You, however, vehemently contradict [the accuser’s] recitation of the night’s events.” Harding later stated, “the evidence regarding the events that unfolded between you and [the accuser] once in your room are irreconcilable. In light of all the circumstances, I do not find the credibility of one story substantially stronger than that of the other. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. I cannot find with any confidence that the events as set forth by you, [the accuser] or a particular combination thereof is more probable than not as required to find you responsible for violations of the code. Therein lies the determinative factor of my decision.” Winston did not answer questions during the hearing but read a five-page written statement, a source told the Sentinel. “Rape is a vicious crime,” Winston’s statement obtained by the Sentinel read. “The only thing as vicious as rape is falsely accusing someone of rape. [The accuser] and her lawyers have falsely accused me, threatened to sue me, demanded $7,000,000 from me, engaged in a destructive media campaign against me, and manipulated this process to the point that my rights have and will continue to be severely compromised. [The accuser’s] and her lawyers’ public campaign to vilify me guarantees that her false allegations will follow me for the rest of my life.”
m Boise State tailback Jay Ajayi said he’s skipping his senior season to enter the upcoming NFL Draft. The junior ranks fourth in the nation with 1,689 yards rushing. He is second to Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon with 25 rushing touchdowns. Gordon has also declared for the NFL Draft. Ajayi’s final game at Boise State will be in the Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl against Arizona.
BASKETBALL
Harrell to miss 1 game
Louisville junior forward Montrezl Harrell was suspended for one game by the Atlantic Coast Conference on Sunday for a flagrant 2 foul and ejection in the Cardinals’ 76-67 victory at Western Kentucky on Saturday. Harrell, a preseason All-America first-team selection, must sit out the Cardinals’ game Tuesday night against Cal State Northridge, and will be eligible to return for Saturday’s rivalry game against top-ranked Kentucky. He was ejected with 38 seconds remaining in the first half after getting up from a loose ball scramble and throwing an elbow during a scuffle. Harrell apologized to teammates at halftime and again after the game. The conference stated in a statement Sunday evening that it considers the matter closed.
m Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari has a torn meniscus in his right knee and is expected to undergo surgery. The team has yet to announce a timetable for his return. Gallinari turned in one of his best games of the season Saturday in a victory over Indiana, scoring 19 points, including a three-pointer to spark a critical fourth-quarter run. Gallinari is averaging 7.8 points in 18.8 minutes this season.
SOCCER
Brazil, US draw
The Brazil women’s soccer team held on for a 0-0 draw with the United States to win the International Tournament of Brasilia on Sunday. Brazil had the tiebreaker in the final because it finished with the best result in group play at the four-team competition in the nation’s capital. Five-time world player of the year Marta and the rest of the Brazilians celebrated in front of a crowd of more than 11,000 at the Mane Garrincha, which hosted seven World Cup matches earlier this year. Brazil controlled possession during most of the game, but the Americans pressured late and almost scored a winner just before the final whistle when a header by defender Becky Sauerbrunn struck the crossbar after being tipped by Brazilian goalkeeper Luciana. Brazil had won its previous three matches. It beat Argentina 4-0, the U.S. 3-2 and China 4-1. Marta scored a hat trick in the come-from-behind victory against the Americans a week ago. Abby Wambach, contending for this year’s world player of the year award along with Marta, had a few chances off headers in each half.
BASEBALL
Padres seeking Hammels
The San Diego Padres have had discussions about trading for San Diego native Cole Hamels with new outfielder Wil Myers as potential bait, according to a baseball source. The Padres have been baseball’s busiest team since the Winter Meetings ended in San Diego earlier this month, acquiring three starting outfielders in Myers, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, starting catcher Derek Norris and a potential starting third baseman in Will Middlebrooks through a series of trades in the last week. As a rule, the Phillies front office does not discuss possible trades or free agents signings through the media. A week ago, the Boston Globe reported the Padres among the teams interested in Hamels, along with the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers. A potential deal involving Hamels and Myers would seem to make some sense. After trading Jimmy Rollins, the franchise’s all-time hits leader, to the Dodgers, General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. made it clear he’s listening to offers on all of his players. Hamels has been the most heavily rumored name among Phillies players this winter, simply because he holds the most trade value, and thus, the best chance for a rebuilding team to add more than a couple prominent pieces to move forward in that rebuild.
GOLF
Atwal wins in Dubai
India’s Arjun Atwal won the Asian Tour’s season-ending Dubai Open on Sunday, rallying on the final hole to beat 19-year-old South Korean Wang Jeung-hun by one stroke in Dubai. A shot behind entering the par-5 18th, Atwal closed with a birdie compared to Wang’s bogey. The 41-year-old Atwal won for the first time since the PGA Tour’s 2010 Wyndham Championship. He finished with a 6-under 66.