■ Basketball
Mascot charged in punch-up
A Chicago Bulls mascot dressed in a bright red costume was charged with attacking an off-duty police officer after driving a mini-motorcycle through an outdoor festival. Barry Anderson, the Benny the Bull mascot, was charged with misdemeanor battery and driving within a parkway. The 26-year-old man is accused of throwing a punch at the sheriff's deputy, knocking off his glasses and breaking his watch. Anderson was riding the motorcycle through the festival without a permit on Sunday, police Captain James Knightly said. When the off-duty officer, who was working security, tried to stop him, Anderson ran, police said. The officer chased and caught him.
■ Cricket
Sri Lanka set record
Sri Lanka set a one-day international world record on Tuesday, scoring 443 for 9 wickets in its 195-run victory against the Netherlands. The Netherlands scored 248 all out, with less than two overs remaining. Sanath Jayasuriya hit 157 runs off just 104 balls, Tillekaratne Dilshan scored an undefeated 117 off 79 and Kumar Sangakkara 46 from 43. Sri Lanka's innings included some 56 fours and 3 sixes. South Africa hit the previous highest 50-over international score with 438 against Australia in March. The two sides play a second and final match today.
■ Basketball
Wade agrees to extension
Dwyane Wade, the most valuable player of this year's NBA finals, has reached an agreement on a five-year extension worth over US$80 million with league champions Miami Heat. Wade, who led the Heat to their first NBA title last month, is expected to sign the deal on July 12, the first day that teams can sign free agents and finalize contract extensions, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported on Tuesday. "We're on the same page," Wade's agent Henry Thomas said. The precise value of the deal will not be known until next year since it will be connected to the 2007-2008 salary cap. Wade, who averaged 34.7 points and 7.8 rebounds as the Heat claimed the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, already is under contract for the next season, making US$3.8 million under his rookie deal from 2003.
■ Ice Hockey
Raycroft, Roenick signed
Ten days after acquiring Andrew Raycroft, the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday signed the 2004 star netminder to a three-year contract. Last month, the Maple Leafs dealt Finnish goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask to the Boston Bruins for Raycroft, who will replace Ed Belfour. Selected in the fifth round of the 1998 draft, Raycroft, of Canada, had a superb rookie season in 2003-2004, going 29-18-9 with three shutouts, a 2.05 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. Jeremy Roenick meanwhile signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday. Financial terms were not disclosed for Roenick, who played with the Coyotes from 1996-2001.
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