AC

SOCHI, Russia -- Billie Jean King, tabbed by President Barack Obama to lead the official U.S. Presidential Delegation to the opening ceremony of the Olympics, will not attend because her mother is ill. "With my mother in failing health, I will not be able to join the U.S. Presidential Delegation at this week's opening ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics," King said in a statement released by her press agent. "It is important for me to be with my mother and my brother at this difficult time. I want to thank President Obama for including me in this historic mission, and I look forward to supporting our athletes as they compete in Sochi." King was chosen in December to help lead the U.S. delegation to the Sochi Games. At the time, she said it took her "about 10 seconds" to agree. "It sends a strong message that America is very diverse," said King, who is openly gay. "We are here and surrogates as athletes and gay athletes. We reflect part of America. Maybe we'll be a voice for people...