Friday’s Sports in Brief

GYMNASTICS SEXUAL ASSAULT

CHARLOTTE, Mich. (AP) - A distraught father seething over sexual abuse suffered by three daughters tried to attack former sports doctor Larry Nassar in a Michigan courtroom after a judge rejected his request to confront the “demon” in a locked room, a stunning rush that reflected the anguish felt by parents who trusted him with their children.

Randall Margraves was blocked by an attorney, tackled by sheriff’s deputies and hauled out of court. He later apologized, saying he had lost control. Eaton County Judge Janice Cunningham said there was “no way” she would fine him or send him to jail under her contempt-of-court powers.

Nonetheless, she added, it is “not acceptable that we combat assault with assault.”

The incident occurred during the third and final sentencing hearing for Nassar, who has admitted to sexually assaulting girls under the guise of medical treatment. This case focuses on his work at Twistars, an elite gymnastics club southwest of Lansing.

UNDATED (AP) - The coordinator of the women’s national team for USA Gymnastics has stepped down, the latest departure to rock the embattled organization in the wake of a sexual abuse scandal centered on former team doctor Larry Nassar.

Valeri Liukin made the announcement less than 18 months after taking over for Martha Karolyi in September 2016.

Liukin said in a statement that while he wanted to help turn the program around, “the present climate causes me, and more importantly my family, far too much stress, difficulty and uncertainty.”

USA Gymnastics thanked for “for his dedication and contributions to the sport of gymnastics” and said it will begin the search for his replacement immediately. Liukin’s decision came just days after the USA Gymnastics board of directors stepped down under pressure from the United States Olympic committee.

BASEBALL

NEW YORK (AP) - A prominent baseball agent said players are angered over the slow free-agent market and suggested they consider boycotting spring training.

Brodie Van Wagenen, co-head of CAA Baseball, floated the idea in a statement less than two weeks before spring training workouts are to start in Florida and Arizona. He also raised the possibility of a collusion grievance, as did another agent, Seth Levinson of Aces.

“The players are upset. No, they are outraged. Players in the midst of long-term contracts are as frustrated as those still seeking employment,” Van Wagenen said. “I would suggest that testing the will of 1,200 alpha males at the pinnacle of their profession is not a good strategy for 30 men who are bound by a much smaller fraternity.”

J.D. Martinez, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish, Alex Cobb, Greg Holland and Lance Lynn remain among the dozens of unsigned free agents.

PHOENIX (AP) - Catcher J.T. Realmuto lost his salary arbitration case against Miami and first baseman Justin Bour beat the Marlins to leave players with a 3-1 record this year.

Realmuto was given a $2.9 million salary instead of his request for $3.5 million. The decision was made by arbitrators Andrew Strongin, Elizabeth Neumeier and Allen Ponak, who heard arguments Wednesday.

Bour was awarded $3.4 million instead of Miami’s $3 million offer by James Oldham, Steven Wolf and Mark Burstein, who presided over Thursday’s hearing.

Realmuto may be traded as part of the Marlins’ payroll purge under new chief executive Derek Jeter. Miami already has dealt major league home run champion Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Dee Gordon and Christian Yelich. Realmuto made $562,500 last year and was eligible for arbitration for the first time after hitting .278 with 17 homers and 65 RBIs.

PRO BASKETBALL

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) - To LeBron James, the Golden State Warriors are a highly respected rival - nothing more.

Now and forever.

James strongly denounced a report that said he would consider playing for the Warriors if the NBA champions were able to restructure their roster to accommodate the four-time league MVP. On Thursday, ESPN, citing anonymous league sources, reported James would meet with the Warriors this summer if they cleared the salary-cap space to sign him, assuming he will opt out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers and become a free agent

“It’s nonsense, and it’s a non-story,” James said following the Cavaliers’ practice.

“I’m here, I’m right here, I’m right now and this is my present and this is where I’m at.”

James said he awoke Thursday to an alert and messages on his phone about the report and “the first thing I did I started laughing, actually.”

The 14-time All-Star said he soon became upset, however, knowing the damage that kind of story can cause. James was most bothered by his teammates having to wonder about his commitment in getting the Cavs back to a fourth straight NBA Finals.

OLYMPICS

GANGNEUNG, South Korea (AP) - North Korean skaters attending this month’s Winter Olympics in South Korea began their training, and one was injured during his first practice. A giant North Korean flag hanging from a North Korean apartment in the athletes’ village also captured the media spotlight.

Short-track speed skater Choe Un Song fell and slid into a padded wall during his practice at the Gangneung Ice Arena with his teammate Jong Kwang Bom. Players from Italy and France skated with the North Koreans, but there was little interaction between them.

The 25-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital, and officials later said he was released after a laceration on his ankle was treated. Jong and a North Korean coach didn’t respond to questions from journalists as they left the venue.