Oracle hearings begin

An international jury has begun hearings into what could be one of the biggest scandals in the 162-year history of the America’s Cup. The panel is investigating an admission by defending champion Oracle Team USA that it illegally modified two of three prototype boats it sailed in four warmup regattas last year and earlier this year. The jury held a hearing Monday for individuals being investigated for gross misconduct. The jury could impose unprecedented punishment, including Oracle having to forfeit races in the best-of-17 America’s Cup match against Emirates Team New Zealand starting Sept. 7. – AP