Sports News Roundup: Tokyo 2020 Olympics; Italian Bracciali banned for life, Starace for 10 years

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

USA Gymnastics unwilling to relinquish governing body status: USOC

USA Gymnastics will face a hearing that could lead to the organization's demise after it decided against surrendering its status as the national governing body (NGB) for the sport, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) said on Wednesday. The USOC filed a complaint 16 days ago, seeking to remove USA Gymnastics' recognition as a national body following the sexual abuse of hundreds of female athletes by ex-team doctor Larry Nassar.

Vikings' Zimmer looking forward to turkey and wine

Chicago Bears: Because of his mastery of the Bears' offense, a byproduct of utilizing the scheme in some variation with the Kansas City Chiefs (2013-15) and Philadelphia Eagles (2016), and the way he played in the 2018 preseason, Chase Daniel has a lot of confidence behind him should he start Thanksgiving Day at Detroit. "He is uber-prepared every single day, every single rep to go out there and compete in practice, in meetings, in all of the things," Bears offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said of the backup quarterback. Mitchell Trubisky (shoulder) is doubtful, meaning it could be time for Daniel to make his third career NFL start. In his career, Daniel is 51 of 78 for 480 yards with one touchdown, one interception and an 81.1 passer rating. Detroit Lions: Running back Kerryon Johnson and wide receiver Marvin Jones were ruled out of Thursday's game against the Chicago Bears due to knee injuries. Neither player was able to practice, and their absence leaves quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Lions without two of his best weapons. The Bears lead the NFL in run defense, which invites speculation that Theo Riddick, a third-down back, could get more playing time than bruising short-yardage back LeGarrette Blount. Blount said he's looking forward to more chances. He has only 183 rushing yards through 10 games in a season he described as "not the best." Fullback Zach Zenner could also see his role increased.

Olympics: Discussions ongoing over Tokyo 2020 marathon timing to avoid heatwave

Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are still debating changes to the timing for the marathon, with plans to introduce daylight savings at the Games to avoid the worst of Japan's scorching August heat looking doomed. The start time of the marathon, the event with the longest duration outside, was likely to be brought forward by one hour to 0600 local time (2100GMT) to avoid the highest temperatures, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported on Wednesday.

Alpine skiing: Vonn to miss start of final season with knee injury

Alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn will miss the start of her farewell season on the World Cup circuit due to a knee injury the American picked up in training, the 34-year-old said on Twitter on Tuesday. The news comes as a setback in her quest to become the most prolific World Cup winner in history, Vonn's 82 career victories leaving her four short of Swede Ingemar Stenmark's record haul.

World soccer bodies awarded just $2.63 million in U.S. bribery case

A U.S. judge said the world soccer governing body FIFA and two regional soccer federations deserved to recoup just $2.63 million from two former officials convicted on bribery charges, a small fraction of the roughly $125 million they sought. The decision on Tuesday night by U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen in Brooklyn, New York is a defeat for FIFA and the regional bodies CONCACAF and CONMEBOL, which were seeking restitution from former Brazilian soccer federation president José Maria Marin and former CONMEBOL chief Juan Angel Napout.

Tennis: Italian Bracciali banned for life, Starace for 10 years

Italian former world top-50 player Daniele Bracciali has been banned from tennis for life after being found guilty of match-fixing, the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) said on Wednesday. Bracciali, 40, was found guilty by an Independent Anti-Corruption Hearing of match-fixing offences at the ATP 500 event in Barcelona on 2011. He was also fined $250,000.

Venus Williams settles lawsuit over fatal Florida car crash

Tennis star Venus Williams has settled a wrongful death suit related to a fatal traffic accident she was involved in near her Florida residence in June 2017, according to court records. The terms of the agreement between Williams and the estate of Jerome Barson, 78, who died in the crash, were not disclosed in the court documents. The lawsuit, which was filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court, was settled on Nov. 15.

Tennis: Davis Cup could merge with ATP for unified event - Costa

Davis Cup organisers are open to merging with the ATP over a unified event, tournament director Albert Costa has said while emphasising that the 118-year-old competition will remain the number one international tennis event. The revamped Davis Cup, spearheaded by the Kosmos investment group founded by Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique and organised by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), begins in Madrid next November with a week-long event akin to a tennis World Cup.

Fry takes leave from team after drunken debacle in Canada

Canadian Ryan Fry said on Wednesday he is taking a leave of absence from the team he won a gold medal with at the 2014 Sochi Olympics after recently being kicked out of a competition for alcohol-fuelled bad behavior. Fry's announcement comes three days after he and team mates Jamie Koe, Chris Schille and DJ Kidby were ejected from a World Curling Tour event in Alberta after organizers said they were drinking before their game, broke brooms and exhibited unsportsmanlike conduct on the ice.

McLaren will keep Alonso on speed dial, says Brown

Fernando Alonso is leaving Formula One after Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but McLaren say they will not hesitate to seek his services again if needed. The double world champion has not ruled out a comeback, while recognizing it as unlikely at 37 years old, but team boss Zak Brown told Reuters on Wednesday the Spaniard would be the first driver he called if there was a problem.

(With inputs from Reuters)