■ Athletics
Michelle Collins suspended
US sprinter Michelle Collins was suspended on Friday from track and field for eight years for doping violations, making her the 13th athlete sanctioned so far for doping in cases connected to the BALCO scandal. Here is a list of those athletes. All are Americans except for Chambers, who is British: Michelle Collins, eight years; Alvin Harrison, four years; Regina Jacobs, four years; Calvin Harrison, two years; Dwain Chambers, two years; Kelli White, two years; Kevin Toth, two years; John McEwen, two years; Melissa Price, two years; Chryste Gaines, public warning; Sandra Glover, public warning; Chris Phillips, public warning; and Eric Thomas, public warning.
■ Hockey
Martin Kariya heads east
The Nikko Ice Bucks of the Asia League have signed Canadian Martin Kariya, the team said Saturday on its official Web site. Kariya, 24, is the younger brother of Colorado Avalanche forward Paul Kariya and played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the American Hockey League last season. A graduate of the University of Maine, Kariya had eight goals and 17 assists last season for Bridgeport. "With connections to Japan, I'm looking forward to playing in the Asia League," said Kariya, whose father was Japanese. "I'm sure I'll be able to learn many new things and am eager to get to know my teammates and the fans." Kariya is expected to join the team as soon as he receives a visa. The Ice Bucks are currently sixth in the eight-team Asia League standings and have just four wins in 24 games. "We're very excited that Martin is joining our team," said coach Hideyuki Ueno. "He's a very talented player and a good person and should help our team get some wins."
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