Larry Nassar’s victims recount sexual assault in court hearing
On Jan. 16, Larry Nassar sat in court as his ex-patients addressed him and recounted incidents where the former Olympic sports doctor had sexually abused them. According to CNN, Nassar, who has already been sentenced to 60 years in prison for child pornography charges, may be sentenced to up to 120 years if convicted on sexual assault charges filed by more than 100 women. Among his accusers are Olympians Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney and Jordyn Wieber.
Colin Kaepernick to complete $1 million charitable pledge
According to ESPN, as of Jan. 17, and for the next ten days, Colin Kaepernick has decided to announce a charity every day who he will be donating $10,000 to as part of his million-dollar charitable pledge. In addition, each charity that is selected will receive an extra $10,000 from a different celebrity. On Jan. 17, Kaepernick announced via Twitter that Silicon Valley De-bug, an organization based in San Jose and Northern California’s South Bay which helps low-waged workers, immigrants and youth, would be the first charity to benefit from the pledge. The tweet also made mention of basketballer Kevin Durant being the $10,000 match for the organization.
Sports announcer Keith Jackson dies
Keith Jackson, former sports announcer widely known for being “the voice of college football,” died on Jan. 12. According to ESPN, Jackson retired in 2006, following a career that spanned 50 years after getting his start on radio in 1952. He has been credited with added popular phrases like “Whoa, Nellie” and the “Big Uglies” to football lexicon. Jackson was 89 years old.
Chelsea to potentially sign Edin Dzeko
According to Sky Sports, on Jan. 19, Chelsea F.C., the London-based soccer club, announced its plans to potentially sign former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko. Chelsea F.C. would pay A.S. Roma, the Italian soccer club who Dzeko currently plays for, €50 million to sign over Dzeko and would also gain his teammate Emerson Palmieri, who plays left-back, in the deal. Chelsea F.C. would let A.S. Roma have striker Michy Batshuayi in exchange. However, A.S. Roma has requested an additional €15 million to seal the deal.
Adam Rippon disapproves selection of Mike Pence to lead U.S. delegation
Adam Rippon, the 2016 U.S. men’s figure-skating Olympic champion, condemned the appointment of Mike Pence to lead the 2018 Winter Olympics in an interview on Jan. 16. According to USA Today, Rippon said that he would prefer not to meet the vice president at the games due to allegations that he funds homosexual conversion therapy. It is believed that Rippon is the first openly gay U.S. 2018 Winter Olympian.
Sports Illustrated names final three swimsuit rookies
On Jan. 18, Sports Illustrated announced via their website that they have added Olivia Culpo, Hunter McGrady and Ebonee Davis to their Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie class. The ladies will appear in the next issue of the magazine alongside models Georgia Gibbs, Anne de Paula and Raven Lyn.
