Title IX memo throws wrench in plans for schools to pay NIL

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Learner Tien of the U.S. celebrates after winning his second round match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday. NG HAN GUAN — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Nick Dunlap hits toward the first fairway at La Quinta Country Club during the first round of The American Express on Thursday in La Quinta. WILLIAM LIANG — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. >> Plans for colleges to pay athletes directly for their name, image and likeness deals would run afoul of Title IX, the Department of Education said in guidance issued Thursday that adds more confusion to the shifting landscape in college sports.

The nine-page memo from the department’s Office for Civil Rights said NIL money that goes to athletes should be treated the same as athletic financial aid — i.e., scholarships. It’s a position that, if it remains in place after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, could upend plans that many schools are making for next school year.

Under terms of the House settlement, a game-changing legal agreement that’s expected to be approved this spring, universities will be able to pay athletes directly under a revenue-sharing plan that would see the biggest schools distribute around $20.5 million each to athletes.

Many schools have publicly stated that the majority of that money would go to football and men’s basketball players, which, according to the guidance, would be in violation of Title IX.

Golf

PGA Tour to move Genesis Invitational >> The PGA Tour is moving the Genesis Invitational out of Riviera next month out of respect for the deadly wildfires that have decimated parts of Los Angeles, including the Pacific Palisades neighborhood where Riviera is located.

Still to be determined is where the $20 million signature event, with Tiger Woods as the tournament host, will relocate for Feb. 13-16.

Poston goes 10 under at American Express >> J.T. Poston shot a 10-under 62 to take a one-stroke lead over Justin Lower in the opening round of The American Express.

Poston carded nine birdies and an eagle on the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West in the Palm Springs-area desert. Lower was one stroke ahead of an 8-under pack that included Jason Day, Joel Dahmen, Chris Kirk, J.J. Spaun and Matti Schmid.

Pro basketball

Ballmer, wife donating $15M to wildfire relief >> Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, are donating an initial $15 million in emergency funding for people affected by the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.

The Ballmer Group announced the donation on its website, saying it will go toward addressing immediate food and shelter needs in the community and supporting first responders.

The Ballmer Group also is behind FireAid, a concert to be held Jan. 30 at Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum, which is also owned by Ballmer.

Baseball

Winker, Mets agree to contract >> Outfielder Jesse Winker and the New York Mets have agreed to a one-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

Winker was acquired by the Mets from Washington on July 28 and batted .243 with three homers and 13 RBIs for New York last year.

Tucker, Cubs avoid arbitration >> Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs settled the largest of the 17 salary arbitration cases in which proposed figures were exchanged, agreeing to a $16.5 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

Last living member of ’47 Dodgers dies at 97 >> Tommy Brown, the youngest player to hit a home run in a major league game and the last living member of the landmark 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers team that included rookie Jackie Robinson, has died. He was 97.

Brown died Wednesday at a rehabilitation center in Altamonte Springs, Florida, his oldest daughter, Paula Brown Caplice, said. He had broken his hip and arm in a fall.

On Aug. 20, 1945, Brown homered against Preacher Roe and the Pittsburgh Pirates at 17 years, 257 days old, a major league record that still stands.

Soccer

Reynolds, McElhenney in group that buys Colombian club >> Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney made another foray into soccer team ownership as part of an investment group that acquired Colombian club La Equidad.

The Wrexham co-owners are shareholders in the group led by Al Tylis, who is co-chairman of Mexican club Necaxa, and Sam Porter, who is a Necaxa board member.

Other investors include actress Eva Longoria as well as new Giants pitcher Justin Verlander and his wife, actress Kate Upton.