■Soccer
America's coach let go
Manuel Lapuente, who led America to its first Mexican title in 13 years last season, has been fired for failing to get the club into the playoffs this season. Lapuente, who was Mexico's national team coach at the 1998 World Cup in France, "completed his cycle with the team," said team president Javier Perez, according to a story posted on the team's official Web site Monday. Perez told the Televisa network, which owns the club, that Lapuente's style of play "was not congenial with what the administration wanted," and complained of a "divorce between the team and fans." America, Mexico's most popular team, was knocked out of playoff contention on Saturday with a 1-0 loss to the Tigres of the University of Nuevo Leon.
■ NCAA
Fails family files lawsuit
The family of Texas A&M football player Brandon Fails filed a lawsuit Monday against the university, claiming his death last year could have been prevented if he had received proper treatment after knee surgery. Fails, 18, died Nov. 25 after collapsing in his dorm room. An autopsy showed the freshman defensive lineman died of a blood clot that formed as a result of a leg injury and eventually traveled to his lungs. The death certificate cited natural causes. The wrongful death suit, filed in state district court by Charles and Valerie Fails, names the university and a number of officials, including doctors, members of the athletic department management team and the athletic training staff. It claims the defendants were negligent in the treatment and care of Fails after he injured his knee during football practice. The suit claims Fails was wrongly diagnosed and treated for a pulmonary infection when he had a pulmonary embolism following the surgery.
■ NFL
Packers coach faces tragedy
The 14-year-old son of Green Bay Packers assistant coach Ray Sherman died of a gunshot wound to his head after finding the weapon in the family garage. It was not immediately clear whether it was an accident or suicide, Lieutenant Jim Arts said Monday. Ray Sherman Jr. was helping his family move from a rented home Sunday afternoon when he found the gun, which belongs to his father. "He was in the garage by himself, but there were other family members in the home," Arts said. His father found him 10 minutes after the gun went off and called 911, Arts said. The boy's father, his mother, two younger sisters, 5 and 11, and a grandmother were home at the time but didn't hear the shot, Arts said. The coach told police the gun and ammunition were usually kept in separate places, Arts said.
Agencies
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely