■ Auto Racing
Gordon settles divorce
Four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon reached a divorce settlement that guarantees his former wife at least US$15.3 million. Brooke Gordon waived alimony and will get the money from the sale of two properties, including the couple's oceanfront home in Highland Beach, according to court documents. It was unclear when the properties would be sold or how the couple would divide other assets, which include boats, an airplane and cars. Brooke Gordon filed for divorce in March 2002 after seven years of marriage, citing marital discord. She was "extremely pleased" with the settlement, said her lawyer, Terry Young.
■ Rugby
Italians get trounced
A jet-lagged Italian rugby team, deficient in defense and lacking combination, was beaten 40-18 by Southland in the first match of a whirlwind New Zealand tour yesterday. Italy will play five matches in two weeks in New Zealand in an effort to prepare for an equally demanding schedule at October's rugby union World Cup in Australia. Their Cup preparation had a poor beginning when they were beaten by five tries to two Saturday by one of New Zealand's weakest first division provinces. Italy fielded a giant forward pack but their set pieces were disorganized and their backline play, which might have flourished on steady possession, was impeded by slow passing and poor handling. Insult was added to injury for the tourists when Jason Rutledge, the son of Italy's forward coach Leicester Rutledge, scored one of Southland's tries. Italy was weak in defense and several of Southland's tries came easily from broken play.
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