Tennis Hall Of Fame Investigating Case Of Alleged Abuse

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The International Tennis Hall of Fame has hired a Boston attorney to investigate allegations that a doubles champion inducted in 1992 sexually abused girls he coached.

Executive Director Mark Stenning said Tuesday that Michael Connolly of Hinckley Allen Snyder is interviewing alleged victims and will help the Newport-based hall determine whether to expel, suspend or take no action against Bob Hewitt.

Heather Conner, who says she was abused by Hewitt, is among those being interviewed. The Massachusetts resident wants Hewitt booted from the hall.

The hall's ex-president initially promised an inquiry, but Stenning told The Boston Globe in May that the hall wasn't conducting one. He said Tuesday that the hall should have moved more swiftly, but is now "doing the right thing."

The Associated Press attempted unsuccessfully Tuesday to reach Hewitt through the hall.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.