■ Soccer
Robinho, Gravesen brawl
Real Madrid's Danish star Thomas Gravesen and Brazilian teammate Robinho came to blows on Tuesday during a training session in Austria and were promptly "sent off" by coach Fabio Capello, Spain's Cadena Ser radio reported. Robinho reacted furiously after former Hamburg and Everton hardman midfielder Gravesen went in hard with a trademark beefy tackle and the rest of the squad had to intervene after both men's tempers flared. Gravesen's place at Real appears under threat, and Galatasaray of Turkey has been a mooted destination, but Real want around 3 million euros (US$3.8 million) for the veteran.
■ Cricket
Kiwis to be compensated
The New Zealand government will pay its national cricket body NZ$406,000 (US$247,000) in compensation for the cancelation of last year's tour by Zimbabwe, Sports Minister Trevor Mallard said yesterday. The tour was abandoned when the government refused visas to Zimbabwean players in protest over human rights breaches by the government of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. "We decided the tour was not appropriate given the Zimbabwean government's continuing human rights abuses," Mallard said. "It is only fair that we now compensate New Zealand Cricket," he said.
■ Soccer
Chelsea-Gallas rift widens
France defender William Gallas was absent from Chelsea's training camp on Tuesday in Los Angeles, and the club is threatening action. The 28-year-old Gallas said two months ago he wanted to leave the London club, and he apparently hasn't changed his mind. "William requested extra time off following the World Cup, but was informed he should still report to Los Angeles on the date previously agreed with him," Chelsea said in a statement. "He did not report and further action will now be considered by the club as a consequence." Gallas has one year left on his contract.
■ Soccer
Italian season delayed
Italy's soccer season will begin two weeks late because of the fallout from the Serie A match-fixing scandal. The top leagues will start the weekend of Sept. 9 instead of Aug. 28. The Soccer League, which oversees Serie A and Serie B, postponed the start date to "allow sports justice to reach its conclusion," spokesman Manuele Tigani said on Tuesday. Serie A games will kick off on Sept. 10, while Serie B begins on Sept. 9. Also pushed back was the Italian Supercup between Inter Milan and Roma, which will take place on Aug. 26 instead of Aug. 19. Juventus -- which was stripped of its last two Serie A titles and relegated to the second division last month -- appealed its punishment earlier on Tuesday to the Italian Olympic Committee's arbitration court.
■ Soccer
Charlton tackles depression
England and Manchester United soccer great Bobby Charlton launched a new project on Tuesday to fight depression through soccer. "It's a Goal!" is a 12-week program targeted at men aged 16-34 who suffer from depression. "Young men who are resistant and even fearful of going into a mental health unit are much more likely to walk into a football stadium," Charlton said. "Once they are here, we can offer them the kind of therapeutic help they just cannot get anywhere else. I really believe this can be a lifesaver," he said. "It's a Goal!" will be based at Old Trafford in Manchester.
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