An Alabama businessman confirmed his family had withdrawn an offer to donate a Greek-themed garden in Elmore County for use as a U.S. Olympic academy because of ethics problems in the Olympic movement.
Jim Inscoe cited numerous reasons -- including questions surrounding the Salt Lake Olympics and a current ethics scandal for his family's decision against giving Jasmine Hill Gardens to the U.S. Olympic Committee.
The Denver Post, which first reported Inscoe's decision, said the total value of the contribution was $10 million. That would have made it the largest gift from an individual to the USOC.
Inscoe, in an interview with the Associated Press Tuesday, also said the dollar amounts cited in the Post story were incorrect, but he declined to elaborate.
The gardens, with its lush lawns and reproductions of Greek statues, was a popular spot for outdoor weddings in central Alabama. It was closed last fall after 70 years as a tourist attraction.
Inscoe said he and his wife Elmore support the Olympics and wanted to do something to further the movement in the Americas.
A call seeking comment from the USOC, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado was not immediately returned.
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