COLORADO SPRINGS, May 24 (UPI) -- United States Olympic Committee president Sandy Baldwin resigned Friday after admitting that she lied about her academic credentials.
The USOC made the announcement following a conference call with Baldwin, who informed committee CEO Lloyd Ward she would resign immediately.
"I want the best for the Olympic movement, and as one who believes in its ideals, I accept full responsibility for the mistakes I have made," Baldwin said. "The USOC, our athletes and our volunteers will always hold a special place in my heart."
The specific academic inaccuracies were not revealed.
Baldwin was elected president on Dec. 3, 2000 after serving as USOC vice president and treasurer during her long association with the organization. She was the Chief of Mission for the United States delegation at the 2000 Games in Sydney.
The USOC said it will begin an immediate process to replace Baldwin. It involves a nomination of candidates and a mail ballot among the board of directors.
Baldwin is the third sports figure in the last six months to admit to an inaccurate biogprahy.
In December, George O'Leary left Georgie Tech for the football coaching job at Notre Dame but had to give it up after false claims were uncovered in his academic and athletic background.
Earlier this month, Tom Collen resigned as Vanderbilt's women's basketball coach, a day after leaving Colorado State, because of inaccuracies in his resume.
