A long-awaited investigative report by the New York Office of the Inspector General describes the state agency that regulates boxing — and, soon, mixed martial arts — as an organizational mess, short on proper practices and procedures but long on conflicts of interest and other improprieties.
Among its findings, the investigation into the State Athletic Commission determined that Thomas Hoover, its chairman for the last year, had allowed friends and relatives to obtain credentials that granted them free access to high-profile boxing matches. It also said that Mr. Hoover had recommended a personal friend for an important athletic commission position, even though he knew the friend was not qualified.