■ Football
Davis signs for Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys filled a big hole in their offensive line by signing lineman Leonard Davis to a seven-year US$49.6 million deal on Monday. The deal for the 1.98m, 166kg Davis includes a US$16 million signing bonus, the largest ever paid out by Cowboys. "You just don't see the natural combination of talent and size Leonard brings to the table," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on the team's Web site. "The offensive line was an area of real concern for us." Selected second overall in the 2001 draft by Arizona, Davis started in 91 of 96 games during his six year stint with the Cardinals.
■ Basketball
O'Neal to star in TV show
Shaquille O'Neal will be taking a shot at a TV reality show focused on childhood obesity and health. The series later this year on the ABC network will feature the National Basketball Association All-Star who plays for the Miami Heat and his effort to help Florida schoolchildren lose weight, ABC said on Monday. Airdates for the six-episode series, yet to be titled, haven't been set. The series, being filmed in Broward County, Florida, will track the lives of the children involved. O'Neal will be on hand as booster and, in episodes yet to be shot, will lobby politicians on causes including school nutrition, Daily Variety reported on Monday.
■ Boxing
Nino-Romero suspended
Boxer Omar Nino-Romero was suspended for nine months and fined US$18,750 on Monday for testing positive for methamphetamine after a November bout. The decision by regulators means the 30-year-old Mexican won't be able to fight in the US during his suspension. Nino-Romero's fine of 25 percent of his US$75,000 purse came after his Nov. 18 majority draw with Brian Viloria in Las Vegas that initially allowed him to retain the WBC light flyweight title. The Nevada Athletic Commission also voided the majority draw and called the bout a no-decision. Nino-Romero denied using the banned drug, which was detected by urinalysis.
■ Rugby Union
Saracens talking to Jack
All Blacks lock Chris Jack could be the next player from Super 14 champions the Crusaders to make a move to the English Premiership after Saracens announced on Monday they had held preliminary talks with him. The 28-year-old 57-time capped star will be available after the World Cup as he is in the final year of his contract with the New Zealand and Tasman Rugby Unions. "We have been talking but it's still very early days in terms of the negotiations," chief executive officer Mark Sinderberry said. "He'd add lots of balance to the squad. It'd be great if we could get him."
■ Sled Dog Racing
Swingley out of Iditarod
Four-time champion Doug Swingley withdrew from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Monday after injuring himself in a fall. The 53-year-old Swingley may have broken ribs and possibly dislocated a thumb in the hard fall on a slick and icy hill a few kilometers from the Rainy Pass, Alaska, checkpoint, Iditarod spokesman Chas St George said. Swingley's dogs escaped injury in the accident. "He's a pretty tough guy. He thought about it a lot and tried to process how to get his team up the trail," St George said.
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