usatoday--2020-11-19--What persuaded the GOP members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers to finally certify election r

DETROIT – With the eyes of the nation boring into them , the Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers blinked .
Loud voices played a role , too , as critics sounded off via Zoom after Monica Palmer and William Hartmann refused Tuesday to certify votes cast in Wayne County , making it impossible for an official declaration of which candidates got the most votes in Michigan 's largest county .
`` I sat for two hours listening to people attack me , '' Palmer , the Republican chairwoman of the four-member board , said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversy .
She said it could have been avoided : `` If we had the discussion earlier…but they , the Democrats , were too busy trying to belittle me . ''
The storm broke almost immediately , in a man-bites-dog moment with potential national implications .
Supporters of President Donald Trump have been scouring the country without success for evidence the presidential election was rigged , while Democrats complain that Republicans will do anything to deny President-elect Joe Biden the 16 electoral votes from Michigan that preliminary counts show him winning by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is typically a formality , granted after canvassers review reported vote totals , looking for missed votes and discrepancies .
But when this routine local matter , handled by nominally compensated political appointees who labor in obscurity , took an unexpected hairpin turn , Palmer and Hartmann found themselves caught in a crossfire .
First came praise , from the Michigan Republican Party .
In the end , even compromise could n't spare the Republicans from taking shots — including friendly fire .
A headline on conservative talk radio kingpin Rush Limbaugh 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Wayne County Republicans Back Down After Being Called Racist . ''
In truth , the resolution was far more complicated , a mixture of public persuasion and an offer by Democratic board members to support an audit Republicans have been calling for , leading to reconsideration and , ultimately , certification of the vote totals .
Palmer acknowledged it in her own statement , which at one point asked whether the outcry was an example of `` mob rule . ''
She immediately answered her own question : `` There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of pressure to certify .
`` It was not easy to sit there and listen to all of the threats on the Zoom call and on social media . ''
The four board members — Palmer , Hartmann , Jonathan Kinloch , the Democratic vice chair of the board , and Allen Wilson , the other Democratic member — waited on affidavits filed by individuals present at TCF Center , where election workers processed and counted the absentee ballots cast by Detroiters .
Related : GOP members of Wayne County Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes to certify The members began by hearing a canvass report from the board ’ s staff , providing a final tally of the absentee ballots counted and the votes cast on Election Day at polling locations across the county .
The report included the number of precincts and absent voter counting boards that recorded discrepancies between the number of ballots recorded as cast and the number of ballots counted .
Precincts with such discrepancies are considered `` out of balance , '' unless the gaps are accounted for and explained in polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of precincts that were not balanced and did not come with an explanation .
Of Detroit 's 503 Election Day precincts , 85 recorded unexplained discrepancies in the vote totals as did 94 of the city 's 134 absent voter counting boards .
Most of them recorded discrepancies of three votes or fewer ; 10 Election Day precincts and 43 counting boards had larger discrepancies .
Palmer and Hartmann expressed their displeasure .
Palmer said Detroit had failed to show improvement from the August primary , when the city ’ s precincts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board moved on to a motion to certify the county ’ s election results .
The vote came out 2-2 — deadlocked along partisan lines , with the Republicans opposing certification .
Minutes later , Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Laura Cox issued a statement saying : “ I am proud that , due to the efforts of the Michigan Republican Party , the Republican National Committee and the Trump Campaign , enough evidence of irregularities and potential voter fraud was uncovered resulting in the Wayne County Board of Canvassers refusing to certify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not affect Palmer , she told the Free Press Wednesday .
`` My phone was dead , '' she said .
`` With all of the social media threats blowing up my phone , I still haven ’ t been able to read the statement . ''
Meanwhile , Palmer and Hartmann had more pressing matters to deal with , as Kinloch and Wilson immediately challenged their decision .
Palmer offered a compromise : “ I would be open to a motion to certify communities other than the city of Detroit.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pointe Park ?
The election where you played in ?
” The comment was a pointed reference to an ethics complaint filed against Palmer in October accusing her of running a `` dark-money PAC '' to promote candidates for the Grosse Pointe Board of Education .
The complaint came with calls for her to step down from the Board of Canvassers , which would also review the results of those elections .
Kinloch , 47 , told the Free Press he has been working on Detroit elections since he was 16 .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their decision not to certify the election was unprecedented .
“ This board has taken pride in not allowing politics to show itself in the actions of what we do .
There is no reason under the sun for us to not certify this election , ” he said .
“ I believe politics made its presence here today and I think forever this board will have to live with the fact that we have allowed external non-relevant issues to impact this decision today , hoping to bring about an outcome that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law requires counties to bear the cost of having the State Board of Canvassers step in to certify the county 's results since the county board failed to do so .
“ Now the Wayne County taxpayers are going to be confronted with a bill , ” he said .
“ I ’ m actually appalled to be sitting here today.
” Public comment included allegations over Zoom that the Republicans were racists for suggesting that the board exclude votes from Detroit , which is about 80 % Black .
The Rev .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and head of the Detroit branch of the NAACP , said : “ You have extracted a Black city out of a county .
… Shame on you for leading to this level of corruption .
You have disavowed your right to even sit in the seats that you occupy . ''
Newly elected state Rep. Abraham Aiyash , a Hamtramck Democrat , said : “ Know that there ’ s nothing other than Jim Crowing that is going on right now and recognize the facts… You are certainly showing that you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and CEO of TechTown and vice president for economic development at Wayne State University , warned the Republicans they would become infamous .
“ The stain of racism that you , William Hartmann and Monica Palmer , have just covered yourself in is going to follow you throughout history , ” he said .
Kinloch said Wednesday that one of the more persuasive arguments that helped reverse the vote came from Livonia City Clerk Susan Nash , who said during the meeting that she was mortified by the Republicans ' decision .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
“ Yes , there was human error… and I take full responsibility for that as the clerk , but this is on you.
” Palmer said Wednesday that her only motivation was frustration that problems identified during the Aug. 11 primary election had not been fixed and her concern that problems in the Nov. 3 general election were not addressed .
`` I voted against certification because I did not believe the documentation in unexplained precincts was complete and accurate , '' she told the Free Press .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceeding that occurred behind closed doors , the public watched as Republicans and Democrats sought a compromise .
In the end , it was Kinloch 's offer to ask the state to conduct an audit that won over Palmer and Hartmann .
`` At the core is , it was the audit , because that ’ s what the Republicans have been pushing in the state of Michigan right now , '' Kinloch said Wednesday .
Palmer wrote to the Free Press Wednesday : `` Vice-chair Kinloch assured me that Gov .
Gretchen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would perform an audit of the unexplained precincts in all of Wayne County . ''
Norm Shinkle , one of two Republicans on the four-member Board of State Canvassers that is set to meet Monday to certify the election results , said he thinks the audit requested by Wayne County `` sounds good . ''
`` But on a one-to-10 scale , that 's a one , '' said Shinkle , who added he has major concerns about the Nov. 3 vote and wants facts presented to him about the election process in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been lacking , '' said Shinkle , who would not say whether he was prepared to certify the statewide election results , or under what circumstances he would do so .
State board members are obligated to certify the results , however , and legal experts say that a court could require members to certify them if they fail to do so .
Shinkle said he also wants to know whether there was anything other than the promised audit that caused the two Republican members of the Wayne County board to change their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said he is concerned about whether they were subjected to intimidation .
`` The men and women who perform duties as part of county and state boards of canvassers should never fear for their safety or the safety of their loved ones , '' Shirkey said .
`` There have been disturbing reports of individuals who allegedly threatened the children of members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers .
Those reports and others should immediately be investigated by law enforcement and Attorney General ( Dana ) Nessel should ensure these investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Free Press her family has `` received multiple threats . ''
`` The threats have been made against myself , my daughter and my husband , '' she said .
`` Reports have been filed with Grosse Pointe Woods police and the FBI . ''
Ryan Jarvi , a spokesman for Nessel , said her office has not received a referral about such threats from a police agency , but will act quickly if such a referral is made .
`` The attorney general shares in the senator ’ s concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence or intimidation in response to the election and will pursue any individual who engages in criminal behavior to the fullest extent possible under the law , '' Jarvi said .
Despite the discrepancies , Chris Thomas , the former longtime Michigan elections director who assisted Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey in preparing for the Nov. 3 vote , said the city and Wayne County both ran excellent elections amid high turnout and challenges related to the pandemic .
`` There were a few glitches here and there , but not of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a radio talk show .
He said far too much has been made out of the issue of poll book imbalances — situations in which the number of ballots counted does not match the poll book number for ballots cast .
`` There were several jurisdictions in Wayne County that had the same difficulty as the city of Detroit , '' Thomas said .
`` In fact , there are several jurisdictions across the state of Michigan that had the same issues as the city of Detroit .
`` This is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not counted at polling places .
They are processed and counted by teams organized into counting boards .
In Detroit , more than 130 counting boards worked in the basement of the downtown TCF Center .
About 70 % of Detroit 's absentee voter counting boards were out of balance — similar to the percentage of precincts in the August primary that had discrepancies for absentee ballots .
The total number of votes at issue was roughly 400 votes out of nearly 250,000 votes cast .
Experts said such discrepancies are common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , when an envelope arrives without a ballot inside .
If the clerk does not note that , there will be an discrepancy between votes cast and ballots counted .
If the requested audit is conducted , it may find explanations for some of the unexplained discrepancies that county elections staff did not have time to chase down prior to the certification , Thomas said , adding , `` it will show no impropriety . ''
And he said Benson already plans a statewide risk-limiting audit after the election .
Benson spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the request from the Wayne County Board of Canvassers because `` audits are the subject of pending litigation '' in at least one of the suits brought challenging Michigan 's election results .
Like Thomas , Benson praised the performance of Detroit election workers and said minor clerical errors related to absentee ballots were more likely in an election like this year , which set a new record for absentee voting .
Benson said on MSNBC that it is `` extremely rare '' for a board of canvassers not to certify election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Board of Canvassers had certified past election results that contained far more clerical errors than the Nov. 3 vote .
One of those elections was the Aug. 11 primary .
Imbalanced poll books are an issue across the country , said Tammy Patrick , senior advisor to the elections program at the Democracy Fund in Washington , D.C. Patrick was federal compliance officer for the Maricopa , Arizona , County Elections Department for 11 years .
“ It ’ s everywhere , '' she said .
`` It happens all over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Patrick said there ’ s no reason not to certify an election because of unexplained discrepancies .
“ I don ’ t know of any state that has a statutory requirement for certification that calls for a perfect election , '' she said .
`` There really is no such thing as a perfect election because elections are conducted by people , for people , and people make mistakes.
” David Becker , executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation & Research in Washington , D.C. , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It is not uncommon for there to be minor errors that clearly do not affect the outcome of a race , '' said Becker , who served as co-chair of the Election Security Advisory Commission in Michigan .
`` When that happens , it ’ s appropriate to certify , and then it ’ s also appropriate to audit and review the practices after the election to see how you can minimize them in the future . ''
As far as Detroit goes , Becker said it `` has to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve seen in Detroit in the past . ''
`` This is actually a big improvement over , for instance , 2016 where they had even more significant issues of reconciliation , '' he said .
`` Detroit and Wayne County and Michigan as a state are moving in the right direction.
” Even Palmer said she not expect the discrepancies to affect that outcome of the elections .
`` We were not delaying the inevitable , '' she told the Free Press Wednesday .
`` We knew the margin of victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose of the canvass is to obtain complete and accurate documentation and verify the vote totals . ''
Palmer added : `` After the primary election , and the large imbalances , I asked for meetings with the Detroit City Clerk and Secretary of State and that did not happen .
In my opinion , they should look for opportunities to have adequate equipment , staffing and training to complete/record the count correctly the first time . ''
Late Wednesday , Palmer was having second thoughts about her agreement with Kinloch .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday saying they were enticed to change their votes to `` yes '' on certification by promises of an audit .
Both said they now believe state officials do not intend to carry out that promise and signed affidavits late Wednesday saying they want to rescind their votes to certify the county 's election results .
It is not clear what effect , if any , the affidavits have .
In the statement she released to the media , Palmer wrote : `` At 9:30 p.m. , Secretary of State Benson said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in good faith and was misled . ''
Wednesday morning , Kinloch praised Palmer and Hartmann for changing their votes .
`` They showed themselves to be very independent , '' he told the Free Press .
`` This is not a game , '' he said Wednesday night , adding that Palmer showed a `` reckless and total disregard to the responsibility that 's at hand . ''
`` She needs to submit her resignation forthwith . ''
Kinloch said Benson has n't even been asked to perform an audit yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compel her to do anything .
`` By what authority do we have to bind her ?
” he asked .
Nevertheless , Kinloch said he still plans to request the audit he agreed to so Wayne County could stop proselytizing and start certifying its votes .

M.L. Elrick, Paul Egan and Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press

What persuaded the GOP members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers to finally certify election results?
Show Caption Hide Caption GOP members reverse course, vote to certify Wayne County election results After an initial deadlock, two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers reversed course, voting for certifying the county's election results. Detroit Free Press
DETROIT – With the eyes of the nation boring into them, the Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers blinked.
Loud voices played a role, too, as critics sounded off via Zoom after Monica Palmer and William Hartmann refused Tuesday to certify votes cast in Wayne County, making it impossible for an official declaration of which candidates got the most votes in Michigan's largest county.
"I sat for two hours listening to people attack me," Palmer, the Republican chairwoman of the four-member board, said in a statement Wednesday providing her perspective on the controversy. She said it could have been avoided: "If we had the discussion earlier…but they, the Democrats, were too busy trying to belittle me."
The storm broke almost immediately, in a man-bites-dog moment with potential national implications. Supporters of President Donald Trump have been scouring the country without success for evidence the presidential election was rigged, while Democrats complain that Republicans will do anything to deny President-elect Joe Biden the 16 electoral votes from Michigan that preliminary counts show him winning by a margin of about 150,000 votes.
Certification is typically a formality, granted after canvassers review reported vote totals, looking for missed votes and discrepancies. But when this routine local matter, handled by nominally compensated political appointees who labor in obscurity, took an unexpected hairpin turn, Palmer and Hartmann found themselves caught in a crossfire.
First came praise, from the Michigan Republican Party.
Then, accusations of racism.
In the end, even compromise couldn't spare the Republicans from taking shots — including friendly fire.
A headline on conservative talk radio kingpin Rush Limbaugh's website Wednesday summed it up like this: "Wayne County Republicans Back Down After Being Called Racist."
In truth, the resolution was far more complicated, a mixture of public persuasion and an offer by Democratic board members to support an audit Republicans have been calling for, leading to reconsideration and, ultimately, certification of the vote totals.
Did the Republicans feel heat?
You bet.
Palmer acknowledged it in her own statement, which at one point asked whether the outcry was an example of "mob rule."
She immediately answered her own question: "There was not mob rule, but there was a lot of pressure to certify.
"It was not easy to sit there and listen to all of the threats on the Zoom call and on social media."
Hartmann declined comment.
A stunning decision
The four board members — Palmer, Hartmann, Jonathan Kinloch, the Democratic vice chair of the board, and Allen Wilson, the other Democratic member — waited on affidavits filed by individuals present at TCF Center, where election workers processed and counted the absentee ballots cast by Detroiters.
Related: GOP members of Wayne County Board of Canvassers say they want to rescind votes to certify
The members began by hearing a canvass report from the board’s staff, providing a final tally of the absentee ballots counted and the votes cast on Election Day at polling locations across the county. The report included the number of precincts and absent voter counting boards that recorded discrepancies between the number of ballots recorded as cast and the number of ballots counted. Precincts with such discrepancies are considered "out of balance," unless the gaps are accounted for and explained in polling records.
Detroit and Livonia recorded a number of precincts that were not balanced and did not come with an explanation. Of Detroit's 503 Election Day precincts, 85 recorded unexplained discrepancies in the vote totals as did 94 of the city's 134 absent voter counting boards. Most of them recorded discrepancies of three votes or fewer; 10 Election Day precincts and 43 counting boards had larger discrepancies. Palmer and Hartmann expressed their displeasure. Palmer said Detroit had failed to show improvement from the August primary, when the city’s precincts also recorded unexplained discrepancies.
Next, the board moved on to a motion to certify the county’s election results.
The vote came out 2-2 — deadlocked along partisan lines, with the Republicans opposing certification.
Minutes later, Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Laura Cox issued a statement saying: “I am proud that, due to the efforts of the Michigan Republican Party, the Republican National Committee and the Trump Campaign, enough evidence of irregularities and potential voter fraud was uncovered resulting in the Wayne County Board of Canvassers refusing to certify their election results."
The statement did not affect Palmer, she told the Free Press Wednesday.
"My phone was dead," she said. "With all of the social media threats blowing up my phone, I still haven’t been able to read the statement."
Meanwhile, Palmer and Hartmann had more pressing matters to deal with, as Kinloch and Wilson immediately challenged their decision.
Palmer offered a compromise: “I would be open to a motion to certify communities other than the city of Detroit.”
Kinloch countered: "How about Grosse Pointe Park? The election where you played in?”
The comment was a pointed reference to an ethics complaint filed against Palmer in October accusing her of running a "dark-money PAC" to promote candidates for the Grosse Pointe Board of Education. The complaint came with calls for her to step down from the Board of Canvassers, which would also review the results of those elections.
Kinloch, 47, told the Free Press he has been working on Detroit elections since he was 16. At the meeting, he told the Republicans their decision not to certify the election was unprecedented.
“This board has taken pride in not allowing politics to show itself in the actions of what we do. There is no reason under the sun for us to not certify this election,” he said. “I believe politics made its presence here today and I think forever this board will have to live with the fact that we have allowed external non-relevant issues to impact this decision today, hoping to bring about an outcome that will not happen.”
Wilson added that state law requires counties to bear the cost of having the State Board of Canvassers step in to certify the county's results since the county board failed to do so.
“Now the Wayne County taxpayers are going to be confronted with a bill,” he said. “I’m actually appalled to be sitting here today.”
Public comment included allegations over Zoom that the Republicans were racists for suggesting that the board exclude votes from Detroit, which is about 80% Black.
The Rev. Wendell Anthony, pastor of Fellowship Chapel and head of the Detroit branch of the NAACP, said: “You have extracted a Black city out of a county. … Shame on you for leading to this level of corruption. You have disavowed your right to even sit in the seats that you occupy."
Newly elected state Rep. Abraham Aiyash, a Hamtramck Democrat, said: “Know that there’s nothing other than Jim Crowing that is going on right now and recognize the facts… You are certainly showing that you are a racist.”
Ned Staebler, president and CEO of TechTown and vice president for economic development at Wayne State University, warned the Republicans they would become infamous.
“The stain of racism that you, William Hartmann and Monica Palmer, have just covered yourself in is going to follow you throughout history,” he said.
Kinloch said Wednesday that one of the more persuasive arguments that helped reverse the vote came from Livonia City Clerk Susan Nash, who said during the meeting that she was mortified by the Republicans' decision.
“The citizens of this county deserve better,” she said. “Yes, there was human error… and I take full responsibility for that as the clerk, but this is on you.”
Palmer said Wednesday that her only motivation was frustration that problems identified during the Aug. 11 primary election had not been fixed and her concern that problems in the Nov. 3 general election were not addressed.
"I voted against certification because I did not believe the documentation in unexplained precincts was complete and accurate," she told the Free Press.
Because there was no portion of the proceeding that occurred behind closed doors, the public watched as Republicans and Democrats sought a compromise.
In the end, it was Kinloch's offer to ask the state to conduct an audit that won over Palmer and Hartmann.
"At the core is, it was the audit, because that’s what the Republicans have been pushing in the state of Michigan right now," Kinloch said Wednesday.
Palmer wrote to the Free Press Wednesday: "Vice-chair Kinloch assured me that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson would perform an audit of the unexplained precincts in all of Wayne County."
More trouble ahead?
Norm Shinkle, one of two Republicans on the four-member Board of State Canvassers that is set to meet Monday to certify the election results, said he thinks the audit requested by Wayne County "sounds good."
"But on a one-to-10 scale, that's a one," said Shinkle, who added he has major concerns about the Nov. 3 vote and wants facts presented to him about the election process in Detroit and elsewhere.
"Transparency has been lacking," said Shinkle, who would not say whether he was prepared to certify the statewide election results, or under what circumstances he would do so.
State board members are obligated to certify the results, however, and legal experts say that a court could require members to certify them if they fail to do so.
Shinkle said he also wants to know whether there was anything other than the promised audit that caused the two Republican members of the Wayne County board to change their minds about certifying the county results. He said he is concerned about whether they were subjected to intimidation.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, expressed a similar concern in a Wednesday news release.
"The men and women who perform duties as part of county and state boards of canvassers should never fear for their safety or the safety of their loved ones," Shirkey said.
"There have been disturbing reports of individuals who allegedly threatened the children of members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. Those reports and others should immediately be investigated by law enforcement and Attorney General (Dana) Nessel should ensure these investigations are initiated quickly and earnestly.”
Palmer told the Free Press her family has "received multiple threats."
"The threats have been made against myself, my daughter and my husband," she said. "Reports have been filed with Grosse Pointe Woods police and the FBI."
Ryan Jarvi, a spokesman for Nessel, said her office has not received a referral about such threats from a police agency, but will act quickly if such a referral is made.
"The attorney general shares in the senator’s concern over those who resort to threats of violence or intimidation in response to the election and will pursue any individual who engages in criminal behavior to the fullest extent possible under the law," Jarvi said.
Praise for the process
Despite the discrepancies, Chris Thomas, the former longtime Michigan elections director who assisted Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey in preparing for the Nov. 3 vote, said the city and Wayne County both ran excellent elections amid high turnout and challenges related to the pandemic.
"There were a few glitches here and there, but not of any great significance," Thomas said Wednesday on a radio talk show.
He said far too much has been made out of the issue of poll book imbalances — situations in which the number of ballots counted does not match the poll book number for ballots cast.
"There were several jurisdictions in Wayne County that had the same difficulty as the city of Detroit," Thomas said. "In fact, there are several jurisdictions across the state of Michigan that had the same issues as the city of Detroit.
"This is not a Detroit issue."
Absentee ballots are not counted at polling places. They are processed and counted by teams organized into counting boards. In Detroit, more than 130 counting boards worked in the basement of the downtown TCF Center.
About 70% of Detroit's absentee voter counting boards were out of balance — similar to the percentage of precincts in the August primary that had discrepancies for absentee ballots. The total number of votes at issue was roughly 400 votes out of nearly 250,000 votes cast.
Experts said such discrepancies are common. Thomas said discrepancies occur, for example, when an envelope arrives without a ballot inside. If the clerk does not note that, there will be an discrepancy between votes cast and ballots counted.
If the requested audit is conducted, it may find explanations for some of the unexplained discrepancies that county elections staff did not have time to chase down prior to the certification, Thomas said, adding, "it will show no impropriety."
And he said Benson already plans a statewide risk-limiting audit after the election.
Benson spokeswoman Tracy Wimmer said she can't comment on the request from the Wayne County Board of Canvassers because "audits are the subject of pending litigation" in at least one of the suits brought challenging Michigan's election results.
Like Thomas, Benson praised the performance of Detroit election workers and said minor clerical errors related to absentee ballots were more likely in an election like this year, which set a new record for absentee voting.
Benson said on MSNBC that it is "extremely rare" for a board of canvassers not to certify election results. She noted that the Wayne County Board of Canvassers had certified past election results that contained far more clerical errors than the Nov. 3 vote. One of those elections was the Aug. 11 primary.
Imbalanced poll books are an issue across the country, said Tammy Patrick, senior advisor to the elections program at the Democracy Fund in Washington, D.C. Patrick was federal compliance officer for the Maricopa, Arizona, County Elections Department for 11 years.
“It’s everywhere," she said. "It happens all over the country in large jurisdictions and small jurisdictions."
Patrick said there’s no reason not to certify an election because of unexplained discrepancies.
“I don’t know of any state that has a statutory requirement for certification that calls for a perfect election," she said. "There really is no such thing as a perfect election because elections are conducted by people, for people, and people make mistakes.”
David Becker, executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation & Research in Washington, D.C., said poll book imbalances are common administrative errors.
“It is not uncommon for there to be minor errors that clearly do not affect the outcome of a race," said Becker, who served as co-chair of the Election Security Advisory Commission in Michigan. "When that happens, it’s appropriate to certify, and then it’s also appropriate to audit and review the practices after the election to see how you can minimize them in the future."
As far as Detroit goes, Becker said it "has to be put in the context of what we’ve seen in Detroit in the past."
"This is actually a big improvement over, for instance, 2016 where they had even more significant issues of reconciliation," he said. "Detroit and Wayne County and Michigan as a state are moving in the right direction.”
Even Palmer said she not expect the discrepancies to affect that outcome of the elections.
"We were not delaying the inevitable," she told the Free Press Wednesday. "We knew the margin of victory was not going to change. The purpose of the canvass is to obtain complete and accurate documentation and verify the vote totals."
Palmer added: "After the primary election, and the large imbalances, I asked for meetings with the Detroit City Clerk and Secretary of State and that did not happen. In my opinion, they should look for opportunities to have adequate equipment, staffing and training to complete/record the count correctly the first time."
Second thoughts
Late Wednesday, Palmer was having second thoughts about her agreement with Kinloch.
And both Palmer and Hartmann signed affidavits late Wednesday saying they were enticed to change their votes to "yes" on certification by promises of an audit. Both said they now believe state officials do not intend to carry out that promise and signed affidavits late Wednesday saying they want to rescind their votes to certify the county's election results.
It is not clear what effect, if any, the affidavits have.
In the statement she released to the media, Palmer wrote: "At 9:30 p.m., Secretary of State Benson said the agreement was not binding. I acted in good faith and was misled."
Wednesday morning, Kinloch praised Palmer and Hartmann for changing their votes.
"They showed themselves to be very independent," he told the Free Press.
After reviewing Palmer's statement, his tone changed.
"This is not a game," he said Wednesday night, adding that Palmer showed a "reckless and total disregard to the responsibility that's at hand."
"She needs to submit her resignation forthwith."
Kinloch said Benson hasn't even been asked to perform an audit yet, adding that the county board can't compel her to do anything.
"By what authority do we have to bind her?” he asked.
Nevertheless, Kinloch said he still plans to request the audit he agreed to so Wayne County could stop proselytizing and start certifying its votes.
Follow Detroit Free Press reporter M.L. Elrick on Twitter at @elrick.


usatoday--2020-11-20--Hundreds of LSU students protest the university's mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints

Hundreds of teal-clad students , faculty , alumni and advocates carrying signs and chanting slogans marched through the Louisiana State University campus on Friday in reaction to LSU ’ s systemic mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints against top athletes and others , as revealed by a USA TODAY investigation published earlier this week .
Starting at the school ’ s Parade Ground and ending in the plaza in front of Tiger Stadium , the group of men and women held signs reading , “ No means no , ” and “ Survivors deserve better , ” as they shouted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” They demanded change from an LSU leadership they see as slow to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct and dating violence .
“ We don ’ t want another bogus press conference .
We want answers , ” said Angel Upshaw , co-president of the student group Tigers Against Sexual Assault , at the start of the march .
Upshaw was among 26 student leaders who signed an open letter earlier in the week supporting resignation for LSU officials who mishandled complaints .
The USA TODAY investigation found that officials in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration repeatedly have ignored complaints against abusers , denied victims ’ requests for protection and subjected them to further harm by known perpetrators .
At least nine football players have been reported to police for accusations of sexual misconduct and dating violence since coach Ed Orgeron took over the team four years ago , records show .
The university is known to have disciplined only two of them , and one – former wide receiver Drake Davis – was not expelled until four months after he was convicted of physically abusing his former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outside law firm to conduct a review of its Title IX policies and handling of specific cases .
Title IX is the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education .
About a dozen survivors and friends of survivors spoke at the protest , with some sharing their own stories and others expressing support and calling for accountability for the LSU officials who mishandled allegations .
Samantha Brennan and Elisabeth Andries , whose stories were featured in USA TODAY ’ s investigation , both spoke and received loud applause .
Much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and football team .
Women on campus should “ matter as much as someone who wears a jersey on their back , ” said LSU Student Government Vice President Hannah Barrios .
Barrios said it was important for her and other students to come to the rally to say how they feel .
She called for LSU to take action to rebuild trust with students , and to change the campus culture around gendered violence .
“ I ’ m deeply disappointed in what has come to light , ” said Barrios , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgusting and so harmful to students .
It shouldn ’ t take survivors coming forward about these things for this to happen .
We have to change the culture and what our campus is like.
” Katie , who declined to provide her last name but said she works in athletics with football players , said LSU sent employees a reminder this week to complete sexual misconduct training .
“ As if it ’ s my behavior that needs to change , ” she said .
“ It ’ s not on me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you .
It ’ s not on any women in this campus .
It ’ s on them .
It ’ s always been on them.
” In an open letter to campus on Thursday , interim President Tom Galligan said , “ Words can ’ t express how deeply troubling it is to face the prospect that LSU may have mishandled alleged cases of abuse or sexual assault.
” He promised to improve and meet with members of the campus community .
Some protesters said Galligan ’ s words aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organize the protest , said Tigers Against Sexual Assault has heard from LSU ’ s strategic communications office , but not from Galligan directly .
Provost Stacia Haynie and Vice President for Student Affairs Jeremiah Shinn were seen at the protest , but Galligan was not .
“ Maybe his priorities are in the wrong place , ” said Upshaw .
“ He ain ’ t here.
” Melissa Kim , a junior , said she attended the event because students need to support each other , especially if LSU won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the USA TODAY article should either be reprimanded or step down , and the Title IX office should be reassessed to ensure it is “ accessible and representative of all students.
” “ For too long LSU has kept pushing things under the rug , ” Kim said .
The event lasted a little over an hour .
Organizers reminded the crowd that by holding this protest , they ’ re leaving behind a legacy .
“ Don ’ t give up , ” said Angelina Cantelli , co-president of Tigers Against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like you ’ re going unnoticed because we ’ re here .
Live your life , you matter , we love you .
”

Nancy Armour, Kenny Jacoby, Ashley White and Victoria Dodge, USA TODAY

Hundreds of LSU students protest the university's mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints
Hundreds of teal-clad students, faculty, alumni and advocates carrying signs and chanting slogans marched through the Louisiana State University campus on Friday in reaction to LSU’s systemic mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints against top athletes and others, as revealed by a USA TODAY investigation published earlier this week.
Starting at the school’s Parade Ground and ending in the plaza in front of Tiger Stadium, the group of men and women held signs reading, “No means no,” and “Survivors deserve better,” as they shouted, “Keep your hands off of me.”
They demanded change from an LSU leadership they see as slow to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct and dating violence.
“We don’t want another bogus press conference. We want answers,” said Angel Upshaw, co-president of the student group Tigers Against Sexual Assault, at the start of the march. Upshaw was among 26 student leaders who signed an open letter earlier in the week supporting resignation for LSU officials who mishandled complaints.
The USA TODAY investigation found that officials in the university’s athletic department and broader administration repeatedly have ignored complaints against abusers, denied victims’ requests for protection and subjected them to further harm by known perpetrators.
At least nine football players have been reported to police for accusations of sexual misconduct and dating violence since coach Ed Orgeron took over the team four years ago, records show. The university is known to have disciplined only two of them, and one – former wide receiver Drake Davis – was not expelled until four months after he was convicted of physically abusing his former girlfriend.
The university in response hired an outside law firm to conduct a review of its Title IX policies and handling of specific cases. Title IX is the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education.
About a dozen survivors and friends of survivors spoke at the protest, with some sharing their own stories and others expressing support and calling for accountability for the LSU officials who mishandled allegations. Samantha Brennan and Elisabeth Andries, whose stories were featured in USA TODAY’s investigation, both spoke and received loud applause.
Much of the anger was directed at the athletic department and football team. Women on campus should “matter as much as someone who wears a jersey on their back,” said LSU Student Government Vice President Hannah Barrios.
Barrios said it was important for her and other students to come to the rally to say how they feel. She called for LSU to take action to rebuild trust with students, and to change the campus culture around gendered violence.
“I’m deeply disappointed in what has come to light,” said Barrios, a senior. “It’s disgusting and so harmful to students. It shouldn’t take survivors coming forward about these things for this to happen. We have to change the culture and what our campus is like.”
Katie, who declined to provide her last name but said she works in athletics with football players, said LSU sent employees a reminder this week to complete sexual misconduct training.
“As if it’s my behavior that needs to change,” she said. “It’s not on me. It’s not on any of you. It’s not on any women in this campus. It’s on them. It’s always been on them.”
In an open letter to campus on Thursday, interim President Tom Galligan said, “Words can’t express how deeply troubling it is to face the prospect that LSU may have mishandled alleged cases of abuse or sexual assault.” He promised to improve and meet with members of the campus community.
Some protesters said Galligan’s words aren’t enough. Upshaw, who helped organize the protest, said Tigers Against Sexual Assault has heard from LSU’s strategic communications office, but not from Galligan directly.
Provost Stacia Haynie and Vice President for Student Affairs Jeremiah Shinn were seen at the protest, but Galligan was not.
“Maybe his priorities are in the wrong place,” said Upshaw. “He ain’t here.”
Melissa Kim, a junior, said she attended the event because students need to support each other, especially if LSU won’t. She said the LSU administrators named in the USA TODAY article should either be reprimanded or step down, and the Title IX office should be reassessed to ensure it is “accessible and representative of all students.”
“For too long LSU has kept pushing things under the rug,” Kim said.
The event lasted a little over an hour. Organizers reminded the crowd that by holding this protest, they’re leaving behind a legacy.
“Don’t give up,” said Angelina Cantelli, co-president of Tigers Against Sexual Assault. “Don’t feel like you’re going unnoticed because we’re here. Live your life, you matter, we love you.”


usatoday--2020-11-21--NBA free-agent tracker 2020: Live updates and analysis

Following an unusual season that was suspended in March because of COVID-19 , restarted in a bubble in Orlando , Florida , and concluded just more than a month ago , free agency began only a month before the next season is scheduled to start on Dec. 22 .
There are many big names and not a lot of teams with salary-cap space , but free agency should be busy as teams want to put together rosters in advance of training camps , which are slated to open on Dec. 1 .
Here are players who reached deals with teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ De ’ Aaron Fox has agreed to a five-year , $ 163 million extension with the Sacramento Kings , The Athletic reported .
This gives the Kings a long-term solution at point guard .
Fox , 22 , is one of the talented young playmakers in the league .
He averaged 21.1 points , 6.8 assists , 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 48 % from the field .
Fox can improve his 3-point shooting , but it ’ s obvious the Kings and first-year GM Monte McNair are believers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark , could increase from $ 170 million to $ 196 million if Fox makes first- , second- or third-team All-NBA and the salary cap continues to increase .
Forward Danilo Gallinari , one of the prizes in this year ’ s free-agent class , plans to sign a three-year , $ 61.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks , according to a person familiar with the agreement .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
Gallinari , who turned 32 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oklahoma City in 2019-20 , averaging 18.7 points and shooting 40.5 % on 3-pointers .
Atlanta is trying to accelerate its plan by adding more talent and compete for a playoff spot this season .
Washington forward Davis Bertans will remain with the Washington Wizards on a five-year , $ 80 million deal , a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official .
The Wizards wanted to keep Bertans , an outstanding 3-point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to make sure he stayed in D.C. Brooklyn ’ s Joe Harris developed into one of the league ’ s best 3-pointer shooters last season , shooting 42.4 % from that range .
Brooklyn made sure he stayed , reaching a four-year , $ 75 million deal with the Nets , his agent , Mark Bartelstein , told ESPN .
Guard Goran Dragic is headed back to the Miami Heat on a two-year deal worth $ 37.4 million , according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation .
The person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak publicly .
The second year of the deal is a team option .
This was not an unexpected deal as the Heat and Dragic were on the same page .
Dragic , who struggled with a plantar fascia tear during the Finals , averaged 16.2 points and 5.1 assists and shot 44.1 % from the field for Miami last season .
The Heat consider Dragic a key piece of returning to the Finals .
Guard Wesley Matthews agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers , a person with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the news before it was official .
The Lakers acquired Matthews on their bi-annual exception worth $ 3.6 million .
The Lakers were looking to add wing depth after trading Danny Green and the No .
28 pick to Oklahoma City for Dennis Schröder .
The Lakers are also expecting to lose Avery Bradley after he declined his player option .
Matthews , a 13-year veteran , averaged 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds with the Milwaukee Bucks last season .
Mason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 million deal with Detroit , his agent Mark Bartelstein said .
The addition gives the Pistons frontcourt depth .
Plumlee averaged 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game for Denver last season but had a diminished role in the playoffs .
New Pistons general manager Troy Weaver continues to reshape the roster following a draft in which the Pistons had three first-round picks .
Guard Jordan Clarkson agreed to a four-year , $ 52 million deal to stay with the Jazz , a person familiar with the deal told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal before it was official .
The Jazz acquired Clarkson last season in a deal for Dante Exum , and Utah has since become pleased with his consistent bench scoring .
Clarkson averaged 15.6 points on 46.2 % shooting .
Dwight Howard , who won his first championship last season with the Los Angeles Lakers , will join the Philadelphia 76ers , a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official .
Howard resurrected his career with the Lakers , averaging 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game .
He will be a solid backup for Joel Embiid as new Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reshapes the roster .
Guard Rodney Hood agreed to a two-year , $ 21 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers , a person with knowledge of the details told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second year on his contract is non-guaranteed .
The Blazers have shown trust and loyalty in Hood after he injured his left Achilles tendon 21 games into last season .
Hood averaged 11.0 points on 50.6 % shooting and 3.4 rebounds before his injury .
Derrick Favors , who played for New Orleans last season , will sign a contract with Utah , a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the contract is official .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons before switching teams .
Malik Beasley plans to sign a four-year , $ 60 million contract with Minnesota , The Athletic reported .
Meyers Leonard reached a two-year deal with Miami , according to The Associated Press .
Dwayne Bacon agreed to a two-year deal with Orlando for nearly $ 3.3 million , a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports .
The person requested anonymity because he was n't authorized to speak until the contract is official .
Patrick Patterson will re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports said .

Jeff Zillgitt and Mark Medina, USA TODAY

2020 NBA free agent tracker: Day 2 concludes with Serge Ibaka agreeing with Clippers
Show Caption Hide Caption LeBron, Shaq and Durant highlight NBA free agency's greatest moments SportsPulse: NBA free agency is upon us and what better way to celebrate than to call in USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt to highlight some of the most memorable player movement in league history. USA TODAY
NBA free agency is open for business.
Following an unusual season that was suspended in March because of COVID-19, restarted in a bubble in Orlando, Florida, and concluded just more than a month ago, free agency began only a month before the next season is scheduled to start on Dec. 22.
There are many big names and not a lot of teams with salary-cap space, but free agency should be busy as teams want to put together rosters in advance of training camps, which are slated to open on Dec. 1.
Here are players who reached deals with teams during free agency.
Saturday's deals
Veteran forward Serge Ibaka, who won a title with Toronto in 2019, agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract is official. Ibaka averaged 15.4 points and 8.2 rebounds and 51.2% shooting from the field and 38.5% on 3-pointers for the Raptors last season. Ibaka helps reduce the loss of Montrezl Harrell to the Los Angeles Lakers.
— Jeff Zillgitt
With Thompson suffering a season-ending injury to his right Achilles, the Golden State Warriors have applied for the Disabled Player Exception worth $9.3 million, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss an internal matter.
This will give the Warriors an additional spending tool to sign a player because they have already established that Thompson won't be available on their roster for the 2020-21 season.
— Mark Medina
Guard Brad Wanamaker agreed to one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Warriors, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official.
The Warriors pursued Wanamaker in hopes of bolstering their backcourt amid Klay Thompson's season-ending injury to his right Achilles. Wanamaker will likely have a significant backup point guard role behind Stephen Curry, as well as provide spot minutes at shooting guard.
Little can mitigate Thompson's absence. In both roles, Wanamaker should be a serviceable shooter and defender. The Warriors also made this signing at a relatively low price. They still have a taxpayer mid-level exception worth $5.7 million.
— Mark Medina
Veteran forward Tristan Thompson and the Boston Celtics came to terms on a two-year, $19 million deal, his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports told USA TODAY Sports. Thompson averaged 12 points and 10.1 rebounds for Cleveland last season. The Celtics pick up more frontcourt depth with a strong defender and rebounder. Thompson has spent his entire career with the Cavaliers and won a title in 2016.
— Jeff Zillgitt
The Lakers continue to strengthen their roster through trades and free agency. They champions managed to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a three-year, $40 million deal, his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told USA TODAY Sports. Pope averaged 9.3 points during the regular season but bumped that to 10.7 in the playoffs and 11 in the Finals while playing outstanding defense.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Veteran guard Rajon Rondo agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal in principle with the Atlanta Hawks, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official. The person added the deal does not have any player or team options.
Rondo opted out of his player option worth $2.7 million with the Los Angeles Lakers fully aware that he would have plenty of interest for his smart playmaking and accountable leadership style. Despite season-long issues with his health and shooting, the Lakers remained enamored with Rondo's intangibles that included his passing, in-game adjustments and mentorship. Rondo became more consistent during the Lakers' playoff run after missing the first chunk of the NBA season restart because of an injured right thumb and back.
Rondo is expected to become a positive veteran presence for third-year guard Trae Young, who made his first All-Star appearance last season after improving from his rookie to sophomore season in points (19.1 to 29.6), shooting percentage (41.8 to 43.7), assists (8.1 to 9.3) and minutes (30.9 to 35.3).
— Mark Medina
Avery Bradley came to terms on a two-year, $11.6 million deal with the Miami Heat, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. The Heat have a team option on the second year of the deal. Bradley remains a solid defender and 3-point shooter, and the Heat front office is trying to make sure the team has the talent to get back to the NBA Finals.
— Jeff Zillgitt
First, Gordon Hayward decided not to finish his final season with Boston at $34.1 million, and then he reached a four-year, $120 million deal with Charlotte.
Jae Crowder was instrumental in Miami's run to the NBA Finals earlier this year. Now he'll get a chance to help Phoenix make the playoffs for the the first time since 2010. Crowder, an unrestricted free agent, has agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal to join a team looking to build a playoff-caliber roster.
- Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic
Forward Jeff Green agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal before it became official.
The Nets are finding ways to bolster their supporting cast for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Iriving. Green offers positional versatility both as a wing defender and scorer as well as a paint defender and post-up scorer. Durant has also remained close friends with Green ever since the two played together in Seattle and Oklahoma City (2007-2011).
— Mark Medina
Forward Bobby Portis agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that was not official. The person added that Portis holds a player option on his second season.
The Bucks have made several moves before and during free agency, both to bolster their chances at winning an NBA title and convincing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a sign a super-max contract, which he is eligible to do beginning Dec. 1. The Bucks acquired Jrue Holiday from New Orleans in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, their 2025 and 2027 first-round picks, as well as the rights to swap first-round picks in 2024 and 2026.
— Mark Medina
Guard Fred VanVleet plans to stay with Toronto on a four-year, $85 million deal, his agent Brian Jungreis USA TODAY Sports. VanVleet turned himself from undrafted player in 2016 to one of the best free agents available in 2020.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Paul Millsap will re-sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $10 million deal, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak until the contract was official. Millsap provides a strong veteran presence and keeping him softens the losses of Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Bucks add backcourt depth with Augustin
Guard D.J. Augustin intends to sign a three-year, $21 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the contract was official. Augustin has been a reliable guard in the league for years, and the Bucks will rely on his experience in the backcourt. He averaged 10.5 points and 4.6 assists for Orlando last season.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Forward Maurice Harkless agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Miami Heat, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official. The person added that Harkless turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere because he considered Miami to be a better fit both for his role and being closer to his family.
Harkless, a nine-year veteran, played on the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks last year. He has averaged 7.2 points on 45.5% shooting and 3.3 rebounds, while also offering dependable perimeter defense.
— Mark Medina
Guard Kris Dunn bolted Chicago for Atlanta on a two-year deal, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until Dunn signed a contract.
Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine signed his one-year, $4.6 million qualifying offer with the team, meaning he will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2020-21 season. New Bulls GM Arturas Karnisovas is interested to see how Valentine plays in new coach Billy Donovan’s system.
Guard Michael Carter Williams will re-sign with Orlando on a one-year deal worth nearly $3 million, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the contract was official.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Raul Neto, who spent last season with Philadelphia, reached a one-year, $1.8 million deal with Washington, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal was official.
— Jeff Zillgitt
Friday's deals
The New Orleans Pelicans will acquire center Steven Adams from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a multi-team trade, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal before it was official.
The Pelicans are still ironing out the other parameters of the deal. But the trade involves sending future first- and two second-round picks to the Thunder, something Oklahoma City has prioritized receiving in the past year in various deals. OKC has at least a dozen first-round picks through 2026, and accumulated three first-round picks this week in trades with the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Pelicans acquired Adams to make life easier both for his frontcourt mate (2019 No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson) and backcourt players (Most Improved recipient Brandon Ingram and veteran J.J. Redick). Adams provides dependable defense, screen-setting and passing from the center position.
As for the rest of the deal, the teams involved could include the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets, though details are still being finalized. The Pelicans previously agreed to a deal this week that entailed trading Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee for guard Eric Bledsoe, forward George Hill, Milwaukee's 2025 and 2027 first-round picks as well as the rights to swap its first-round picks in 2024 and 2026.
- Jeff Zillgitt and Mark Medina
Restricted free-agent guard De’Aaron Fox has agreed to a five-year, $163 million extension with the Sacramento Kings, The Athletic reported. This gives the Kings a long-term solution at point guard. Fox, 22, is one of the talented young playmakers in the league. He averaged 21.1 points, 6.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 48% from the field. Fox can improve his 3-point shooting, but it’s obvious the Kings and first-year GM Monte McNair are believers. The deal, according to ESPN's Bobby Mark, could increase from $170 million to $196 million if Fox makes first-, second- or third-team All-NBA and the salary cap continues to increase.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Forward Danilo Gallinari, one of the prizes in this year’s free-agent class, plans to sign a three-year, $61.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks, according to a person familiar with the agreement. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. Gallinari, who turned 32 in August, had a fine season for Oklahoma City in 2019-20, averaging 18.7 points and shooting 40.5% on 3-pointers. Atlanta is trying to accelerate its plan by adding more talent and compete for a playoff spot this season.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Forward Jerami Grant reached a three-year, $60 million deal with Detroit, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. Agent Mike Kneisley negotiated the deal. New Pistons GM Troy Weaver continues to make significant changes. Grant leaves Denver, which had a similar offer ready to present.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Washington forward Davis Bertans will remain with the Washington Wizards on a five-year, $80 million deal, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. The Wizards wanted to keep Bertans, an outstanding 3-point shooter, and went out of their way to make sure he stayed in D.C.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Brooklyn’s Joe Harris developed into one of the league’s best 3-pointer shooters last season, shooting 42.4% from that range. Brooklyn made sure he stayed, reaching a four-year, $75 million deal with the Nets, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN.
- Jeff Zillgitt
The Los Angeles Clippers plan to bring forward Marcus Morris back on a four-year, $64 million deal, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak until the contract is official. Morris is a solid two-way player who averaged 16.7 points and shot 40.8% on 3-pointers last season.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Goran Dragic is headed back to the Miami Heat on a two-year deal worth $37.4 million, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The second year of the deal is a team option. This was not an unexpected deal as the Heat and Dragic were on the same page. Dragic, who struggled with a plantar fascia tear during the Finals, averaged 16.2 points and 5.1 assists and shot 44.1% from the field for Miami last season. The Heat consider Dragic a key piece of returning to the Finals.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Wesley Matthews agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, a person with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the news before it was official. The Lakers acquired Matthews on their bi-annual exception worth $3.6 million.
The Lakers were looking to add wing depth after trading Danny Green and the No. 28 pick to Oklahoma City for Dennis Schröder. The Lakers are also expecting to lose Avery Bradley after he declined his player option.
Matthews, a 13-year veteran, averaged 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds with the Milwaukee Bucks last season.
- Mark Medina
Mason Plumlee agreed to a three-year, $25 million deal with Detroit, his agent Mark Bartelstein said. The addition gives the Pistons frontcourt depth. Plumlee averaged 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game for Denver last season but had a diminished role in the playoffs. New Pistons general manager Troy Weaver continues to reshape the roster following a draft in which the Pistons had three first-round picks.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Jordan Clarkson agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal to stay with the Jazz, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. That person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the deal before it was official.
The Jazz acquired Clarkson last season in a deal for Dante Exum, and Utah has since become pleased with his consistent bench scoring. Clarkson averaged 15.6 points on 46.2% shooting.
- Mark Medina
Dwight Howard, who won his first championship last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, will join the Philadelphia 76ers, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the deal is official. Howard resurrected his career with the Lakers, averaging 7.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game. He will be a solid backup for Joel Embiid as new Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reshapes the roster.
- Jeff Zillgitt
Guard Rodney Hood agreed to a two-year, $21 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, a person with knowledge of the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official. The person added Hood's second year on his contract is non-guaranteed.
The Blazers have shown trust and loyalty in Hood after he injured his left Achilles tendon 21 games into last season. Hood averaged 11.0 points on 50.6% shooting and 3.4 rebounds before his injury.
-Mark Medina
Montrezl Harrell is leaving the Clippers but he will still call Los Angeles' Staples Center home after agreeing to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Lakers. Harrell is coming off a career season that earned him the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Other free-agent deals
- Justin Holiday reached an agreement to stay with the Indiana Pacers on a three-year, $18.8 million deal, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the contract is official.
- Derrick Favors, who played for New Orleans last season, will sign a contract with Utah, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the contract is official. Favors played for the Jazz for eight-plus seasons before switching teams.
- Malik Beasley plans to sign a four-year, $60 million contract with Minnesota, The Athletic reported.
- Derrick Jones will leave Miami and join Portland on a two-year, $19 million contract, The Athletic reported.
- Center Jakob Poeltl will stay with San Antonio on a three-year deal worth nearly $18 million, his agents told reporters.
- Meyers Leonard reached a two-year deal with Miami, according to The Associated Press.
- Milwaukee guard Pat Connaughton agreed to a two-year, $8.3 million contract, according to ESPN.
- Garrett Temple is on track to sign a one-year, $5 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told reporters.
- Dwayne Bacon agreed to a two-year deal with Orlando for nearly $3.3 million, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak until the contract is official.
- Patrick Patterson will re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal, his agent Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports said.
- Trey Burke agreed to a three-year deal with Dallas, ESPN reported.
- Christian Wood agreed to a three-year, $41 million deal with Houston, the Detroit Free Press reported.
- JaMychal Green agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with Denver, The Athletic reported.
- Josh Jackson agreed to a deal with the Detroit Pistons, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a deal that is not official.


usatoday--2020-11-21--Canucks' Braden Holtby, delayed at border, finally gets into Canada with pet tortoises

Slow and steady does win the race .
Goaltender Braden Holtby , who was delayed by paperwork at the border this week as he tried to bring the family tortoises into Canada , is safely in .
So are pets Honey and Maple .
And now Holtby , the longtime Washington Capital who signed a two-year free-agent deal this fall with Vancouver , can settle in and prepare for his new role as Canucks goalie .
The saga became public Wednesday afternoon when Holtby 's wife , Brandi , tweeted asking if anyone had contacts with U.S .
Fish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an export permit to bring the pets across the border .
She later tweeted that they had the proper import paperwork , but not what the U.S. agency needed .
`` Welcome to Canada , Honey and Maple ! ''
she tweeted .
`` Huge shout out to @ USFWS for working so hard for us !
Thank you for everyone ’ s concern .
NOW you may laugh at the image of Braden being stuck at the border with a tortoise under each arm . ''
The agency replied to her : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Glad we were able to help – have a turtley awesome weekend ! ''
It also tweeted out a link for obtaining the proper paperwork in case anyone else was looking to bring a turtle out of the country .
Brandi retweeted that so others could see .

Canucks' Braden Holtby, delayed at border, finally gets into Canada with pet tortoises
Slow and steady does win the race.
Goaltender Braden Holtby, who was delayed by paperwork at the border this week as he tried to bring the family tortoises into Canada, is safely in. So are pets Honey and Maple.
And now Holtby, the longtime Washington Capital who signed a two-year free-agent deal this fall with Vancouver, can settle in and prepare for his new role as Canucks goalie.
The saga became public Wednesday afternoon when Holtby's wife, Brandi, tweeted asking if anyone had contacts with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service International because the goaltender needed an export permit to bring the pets across the border. She later tweeted that they had the proper import paperwork, but not what the U.S. agency needed.
Friday, Brandi tweeted the good news:
Welcome to Canada, Honey and Maple! 🇨🇦 Huge shout out to @USFWS for working so hard for us! Thank you for everyone’s concern.. NOW you may laugh at the image of Braden being stuck at the border with a tortoise under each arm. 🐢👨🏽🌾🐢 — Brandi Holtby (@bbholtby) November 20, 2020
"Welcome to Canada, Honey and Maple!" she tweeted. "Huge shout out to @USFWS for working so hard for us! Thank you for everyone’s concern. NOW you may laugh at the image of Braden being stuck at the border with a tortoise under each arm."
The agency replied to her: "Honey and Maple are now shell-ebrities! Glad we were able to help – have a turtley awesome weekend!"
It also tweeted out a link for obtaining the proper paperwork in case anyone else was looking to bring a turtle out of the country.
We received a few questions about traveling with turtles recently. 🤔 🐢 ✈
Great news! Our online resources can help you easily obtain necessary permits for traveling with turtles across international borders or overseas: https://t.co/rzPsjMY9lk Photo: USFWS pic.twitter.com/BurKEQVvcb — USFWS International (@USFWSIntl) November 20, 2020
Brandi retweeted that so others could see.


usatoday--2020-11-21--Rudy Giuliani suggested someone 'cut the head off' Democratic leaders in Fox News interview

Mere hours after an embarrassing press conference , President Donald Trump ’ s attorney Rudy Giuliani suggested that someone should “ cut the head off ” Democrat leaders .
Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity , Giuliani used a throat-slitting gesture after making baseless claims about the electoral process , including a conspiracy that a German company coordinated with the Biden campaign to “ come up ” with votes .
“ Somebody ’ s got ta cut the head off , ” Giuliani said as he made the gesture on the show , aired Thursday night .
His comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the falsehoods he made during the press briefing Thursday , which was held at the Republican National Committee headquarters on Capitol Hill .
Throughout , he alleged he had evidence of “ voter fraud ” despite not having proof .
The press briefing went viral , in large part due to an apparent mishap in which Giuliani 's hair dye leeched off his scalp .
A day after the conference , his son and a Trump staffer , Andrew Giuliani , tested positive for COVID-19 .
“ If we don ’ t fix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never have a free and fair election — at least for the next 30 or 40 years , ” he said .
Giuliani added : `` Somehow the Democrat party was hijacked by Clinton and since then it 's gone more corrupt.
” Soon after , Hannity cut Giuliani off mid-sentence — and quickly apologized : “ I ’ m not trying to cut you off .
”

Rudy Giuliani suggested someone 'cut the head off' Democratic leaders in Fox News interview
Show Caption Hide Caption Critics took to Twitter to make fun of Rudy Giuliani's hair dye mishap Critics took jabs at President Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani after dark liquid was seen dripping down his face during a press conference. USA TODAY
Mere hours after an embarrassing press conference, President Donald Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani suggested that someone should “cut the head off” Democratic leaders.
Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, Giuliani used a throat-slitting gesture after making baseless claims about the electoral process, including a conspiracy that a German company coordinated with the Biden campaign to “come up” with votes.
“Somebody’s gotta cut the head off,” Giuliani said as he made the gesture on the show, aired Thursday night.
His comments during the segment bear a resemblance to the falsehoods he made during the press briefing Thursday, which was held at the Republican National Committee headquarters on Capitol Hill. Throughout, he alleged he had evidence of “voter fraud” despite not having proof.
The press briefing went viral, in large part due to an apparent mishap in which Giuliani's hair dye leeched off his scalp.
Critics roast Rudy Giuliani for apparent hair dye mishap: 'Hire union hair and makeup professionals'
A day after the conference, his son and a Trump staffer, Andrew Giuliani, tested positive for COVID-19.
Giuliani says "the Democrat Party was hijacked by Clinton," then adds while making a throat-slashing motion, "somebody has gotta cut the head off" pic.twitter.com/FxU5PFePAw — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 20, 2020
“If we don’t fix this, Sean, we’ll never have a free and fair election — at least for the next 30 or 40 years,” he said.
Giuliani added: "Somehow the Democrat party was hijacked by Clinton and since then it's gone more corrupt.”
Soon after, Hannity cut Giuliani off mid-sentence — and quickly apologized: “I’m not trying to cut you off.”
Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote.


usatoday--2020-11-20--Trump lawsuit confuses Michigan and Minnesota locations in affidavit claiming voter fraud

WASHINGTON – An affidavit from President Donald Trump ’ s legal team that claimed to prove widespread voter fraud confused two `` M '' states : Michigan and Minnesota .
The affidavit was as part of a larger lawsuit actually filed in Georgia by pro-Trump and conservative attorney L. Lin Wood that sought to discredit that state 's election results by pointing to alleged discrepancies and problems with Dominion Voting Systems .
Trump , his legal team , and his supporters have continued to tout unsubstantiated claims that Dominion Voting Systems has led to widespread fraud in several states .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what 's false about the 2020 election To point out the supposed problems with Dominion Voting Systems in Georgia , the affidavit , filed as analysis from Texas resident and cybersecurity expert Russell Ramsland , was intended to show supposed errors in Michigan , as both states use Dominion Voting Systems to tabulate election results .
However , the Ramsland affidavit appeared to confuse townships in Minnesota for Michigan .
Ramsland highlighted a number of `` statistical anomalies and red flags '' he claimed proved `` that election results have been manipulated within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He specifically highlighted several precincts in Michigan where the number of votes cast appeared to exceed the number of registered voters in the county .
‘ It can not be done ’ : Biden lawyer says Michigan electoral plot would be unconstitutional Many of the municipalities cited in the Michigan ( MI ) document , such as Albertville , Houston , Monticello , Runeberg , Lake Lillian , Brownsville , Wolf Lake , Height of Land , Detroit Lakes , Frazee , and Kandiyohi , are located in Minnesota ( MN ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal judge dismissed Wood 's lawsuit on Thursday , which sought to halt the certification of Georgia 's election , saying it came too late and lacked merit .
More : In Pennsylvania , Trump wants questioned ballots or the entire election thrown out .
His claims of fraud remain baseless .
Georgia completed a hand recount and audit of votes on Thursday , confirming President-elect Joe Biden won the state .
The `` risk-limiting audit '' found Biden won Georgia by 12,284 votes , a narrower margin than the 14,196-vote lead he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election administrators identified uncounted ballots in four counties .
Each was the result of human error .
On Friday , saying `` numbers do n't lie , '' Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified those election results .
Trump ’ s legal team had promoted the affidavit as proof of widespread evidence of voter fraud .
Ramsland had claimed in the affidavit that `` excess ballots '' were allegedly processed , but it is unclear where the data listed came from .
According to actual data from the Minnesota Secretary of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monticello P-2 , but only 3,776 votes were cast in the presidential election .
USA TODAY has reached out to Wood for comment .
This Georgia lawsuit that mixed-up Michigan and Minnesota is just one of several filed by Trump 's legal team that have been dismissed .

Trump lawsuit confuses Michigan and Minnesota locations in affidavit claiming voter fraud
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump's adviser gives details on upcoming election lawsuit Rudy Giuliani gave details about the lawsuit he plans to file regarding election results in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – An affidavit from President Donald Trump’s legal team that claimed to prove widespread voter fraud confused two "M" states: Michigan and Minnesota.
The affidavit was as part of a larger lawsuit actually filed in Georgia by pro-Trump and conservative attorney L. Lin Wood that sought to discredit that state's election results by pointing to alleged discrepancies and problems with Dominion Voting Systems.
Trump, his legal team, and his supporters have continued to tout unsubstantiated claims that Dominion Voting Systems has led to widespread fraud in several states.
Fact check: What's true and what's false about the 2020 election
To point out the supposed problems with Dominion Voting Systems in Georgia, the affidavit, filed as analysis from Texas resident and cybersecurity expert Russell Ramsland, was intended to show supposed errors in Michigan, as both states use Dominion Voting Systems to tabulate election results.
However, the Ramsland affidavit appeared to confuse townships in Minnesota for Michigan.
Ramsland highlighted a number of "statistical anomalies and red flags" he claimed proved "that election results have been manipulated within the Dominion/Premier system in Michigan."
He specifically highlighted several precincts in Michigan where the number of votes cast appeared to exceed the number of registered voters in the county.
‘It cannot be done’: Biden lawyer says Michigan electoral plot would be unconstitutional
Many of the municipalities cited in the Michigan (MI) document, such as Albertville, Houston, Monticello, Runeberg, Lake Lillian, Brownsville, Wolf Lake, Height of Land, Detroit Lakes, Frazee, and Kandiyohi, are located in Minnesota (MN).
The affidavit was filed Tuesday. A federal judge dismissed Wood's lawsuit on Thursday, which sought to halt the certification of Georgia's election, saying it came too late and lacked merit.
More: In Pennsylvania, Trump wants questioned ballots or the entire election thrown out. His claims of fraud remain baseless.
Georgia completed a hand recount and audit of votes on Thursday, confirming President-elect Joe Biden won the state.
The "risk-limiting audit" found Biden won Georgia by 12,284 votes, a narrower margin than the 14,196-vote lead he held immediately following the election. Local election administrators identified uncounted ballots in four counties. Each was the result of human error.
On Friday, saying "numbers don't lie," Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified those election results.
Trump’s legal team had promoted the affidavit as proof of widespread evidence of voter fraud.
Election 2020 live updates: Georgia election official certifies Biden victory
Ramsland had claimed in the affidavit that "excess ballots" were allegedly processed, but it is unclear where the data listed came from.
According to actual data from the Minnesota Secretary of State, there were 4,202 registered voters in Monticello P-2, but only 3,776 votes were cast in the presidential election.
USA TODAY has reached out to Wood for comment.
This Georgia lawsuit that mixed-up Michigan and Minnesota is just one of several filed by Trump's legal team that have been dismissed.


usatoday--2020-11-20--Opinion: Still grieving her father and in midst of pandemic, Mikaela Shiffrin starts anew

It has been nearly a year – 300 days , to be exact – since Mikaela Shiffrin was last in a start gate , and to say her world has undergone a seismic shift would be an understatement .
Her beloved father , Jeff , died unexpectedly Feb. 2 , leaving her awash in a grief so overwhelming she isn ’ t sure it will ever fully lift .
A month later , the COVID-19 pandemic brought life in Europe and the United States to a halt , ending both the World Cup season and any sense of normalcy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Cup circuit with Saturday ’ s slalom race in Levi , Finland , she ’ s still trying to figure out how to navigate her new world , while finding comfort in what ’ s left of her old one .
“ I ’ m actually emotionally tired .
There are moments where I feel angry , ” the two-time Olympic champion said Thursday on a conference call .
“ I just don ’ t think there ’ s a great place for anger right now .
I mean , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t choose that .
If anybody had the choice , I think we all would have chosen not to experience this .
But we don ’ t get to choose those things .
“ I ’ m angry that my Dad died .
I ’ m angry at – I don ’ t know , how alone I feel most days , ” she said .
“ But then on the flip side , I am incredibly grateful that I have my Mom near me so often and that my brother ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be grateful for , too .
“ I ’ ve never been a person to be motivated off of anger , ” Shiffrin added .
“ It ’ s not about settling scores .
… I ’ m really excited to race .
I ’ m not even nervous .
I ’ m just excited.
” Shiffrin , 25 , has made a case for being the most dominant skier of her generation and , likely by the time her career is done , ever .
She already has those two Olympic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the other in giant slalom from Pyeongchang , as well as a silver from the combined in 2018 .
Her 66 World Cup victories trail only Ingemar Stenmark ( 86 ) , Lindsey Vonn ( 82 ) and Marcel Hirscher ( 67 ) , and she is the only skier to have won World Cup races in all six disciplines .
She won three consecutive overall World Cup titles from 2017-19 , and it might have been four if not for the month she missed after Jeff Shiffrin ’ s death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mid-March .
But the races in Are , Sweden , were canceled , bringing the season to an early end .
“ Even though it was cancelled , that was a really big step , ” she said .
“ My main motivation was , ` I just want to see what it feels like to race .
And hopefully it ’ s a positive experience.
’ And I don ’ t mean , hopefully I win .
Hopefully it ’ s a positive experience to be a ski racer still.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off-season training , be it in the gym or heading to the Southern Hemisphere where there is snow .
That wasn ’ t possible this summer because of the pandemic .
And , truthfully , Shiffrin ’ s focus was elsewhere .
While her mother , Eileen , is one of her coaches , it was Jeff Shiffrin who handled the family ’ s logistics .
Finances .
Travel .
The hundreds – no , thousands – of little details that allowed Shiffrin to ski without distractions .
As she , her mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without Jeff Shiffrin , they reached a point where they needed another outlet for their grief .
Some way to turn the horrible nightmare that was now their reality into something positive .
They created the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund to help support athletes during times of uncertainty .
While the money raised – more than $ 2.8 million already – will help athletes who have faced hard times , hearing their stories has helped Shiffrin with her own .
“ I used to feel like resiliency was something you could just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just , I don ’ t know , seem like they were able to get through everything and be strong and graceful .
Untouched through it all , ” Shiffrin said .
“ It ’ s just as much about the moments where you don ’ t feel strong or can ’ t get out of bed or just want to give up , ” she continued .
“ … Maybe ( resiliency ) is bouncing back .
But it ’ s also just rolling out of bed somedays.
” Back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just to “ make a few good turns.
” Her expectations have risen since then , but she is still unsure exactly what to expect of herself .
A flare-up of a chronic back injury forced her to pull out of races in Soelden , Sweden , last month , and she ’ s only done slalom training the last few weeks .
“ My goal is still just to make some good turns .
Ideally , I make every turn a good turn , ” Shiffrin said .
“ And hopefully it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eager to see what she can do when she steps into the starting gate for the first time in 300 days .
That she feels that excitement again seems like a victory in and of itself .
After everything that ’ s happened this year , it is not a small one .

Opinion: Still grieving her father and in midst of pandemic, Mikaela Shiffrin starts anew
It has been nearly a year – 300 days, to be exact – since Mikaela Shiffrin was last in a start gate, and to say her world has undergone a seismic shift would be an understatement.
Her beloved father, Jeff, died unexpectedly Feb. 2, leaving her awash in a grief so overwhelming she isn’t sure it will ever fully lift. A month later, the COVID-19 pandemic brought life in Europe and the United States to a halt, ending both the World Cup season and any sense of normalcy.
As Shiffrin prepares to return to the World Cup circuit with Saturday’s slalom race in Levi, Finland, she’s still trying to figure out how to navigate her new world, while finding comfort in what’s left of her old one.
“I’m actually emotionally tired. There are moments where I feel angry,” the two-time Olympic champion said Thursday on a conference call. “I just don’t think there’s a great place for anger right now. I mean, we’re in a pandemic. I didn’t choose that. If anybody had the choice, I think we all would have chosen not to experience this. But we don’t get to choose those things.
“I’m angry that my Dad died. I’m angry at – I don’t know, how alone I feel most days,” she said. “But then on the flip side, I am incredibly grateful that I have my Mom near me so often and that my brother’s around. There’s things to be grateful for, too.
“I’ve never been a person to be motivated off of anger,” Shiffrin added. “It’s not about settling scores. … I’m really excited to race. I’m not even nervous. I’m just excited.”
Shiffrin, 25, has made a case for being the most dominant skier of her generation and, likely by the time her career is done, ever. She already has those two Olympic titles, one in slalom from Sochi and the other in giant slalom from Pyeongchang, as well as a silver from the combined in 2018.
Her 66 World Cup victories trail only Ingemar Stenmark (86), Lindsey Vonn (82) and Marcel Hirscher (67), and she is the only skier to have won World Cup races in all six disciplines. She won three consecutive overall World Cup titles from 2017-19, and it might have been four if not for the month she missed after Jeff Shiffrin’s death.
Shiffrin had planned to return to competition in mid-March. But the races in Are, Sweden, were canceled, bringing the season to an early end.
“Even though it was cancelled, that was a really big step,” she said. “My main motivation was, `I just want to see what it feels like to race. And hopefully it’s a positive experience.’ And I don’t mean, hopefully I win. Hopefully it’s a positive experience to be a ski racer still.”
Normally, Shiffrin spends part of her off-season training, be it in the gym or heading to the Southern Hemisphere where there is snow. That wasn’t possible this summer because of the pandemic.
And, truthfully, Shiffrin’s focus was elsewhere. While her mother, Eileen, is one of her coaches, it was Jeff Shiffrin who handled the family’s logistics. Finances. Travel. The hundreds – no, thousands – of little details that allowed Shiffrin to ski without distractions.
As she, her mother and brother began familiarizing themselves with life without Jeff Shiffrin, they reached a point where they needed another outlet for their grief. Some way to turn the horrible nightmare that was now their reality into something positive.
There is something about trying to explain something that’s unexplainable. From the moment my brother called, to the 10hr plane ride, to the following 9
hrs that I laid in that hospital bed with my dad...(Cont.)
Learn More: https://t.co/HaYG49Mn19 #keeptheflamealive@usskiteam pic.twitter.com/tols3oyhkw — Mikaela Shiffrin (@MikaelaShiffrin) September 21, 2020
They created the Jeff Shiffrin Athlete Resiliency Fund to help support athletes during times of uncertainty. While the money raised – more than $2.8 million already – will help athletes who have faced hard times, hearing their stories has helped Shiffrin with her own.
“I used to feel like resiliency was something you could just reserve for people who are really strong and just, I don’t know, seem like they were able to get through everything and be strong and graceful. Untouched through it all,” Shiffrin said.
“It’s just as much about the moments where you don’t feel strong or can’t get out of bed or just want to give up,” she continued. “… Maybe (resiliency) is bouncing back. But it’s also just rolling out of bed somedays.”
Back in March, Shiffrin said her hope was just to “make a few good turns.” Her expectations have risen since then, but she is still unsure exactly what to expect of herself. A flare-up of a chronic back injury forced her to pull out of races in Soelden, Sweden, last month, and she’s only done slalom training the last few weeks.
“My goal is still just to make some good turns. Ideally, I make every turn a good turn,” Shiffrin said. “And hopefully it’s fast.”
But she is eager to see what she can do when she steps into the starting gate for the first time in 300 days. That she feels that excitement again seems like a victory in and of itself.
After everything that’s happened this year, it is not a small one.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on Twitter @nrarmour.