■ Soccer
Ronaldinho asks for a rest
Brazil forward Ronaldinho has asked to be left out of the squad for the Copa America because he is tired, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Tuesday. "Ronaldinho, of Barcelona, asked to be excused from the Copa America, on the grounds of tiredness and the need for a holiday," said the CBF in a statement. Ronaldinho's request came three days after Kaka also asked to be left out of the competition and in spite of comments from coach Dunga that he wanted to take a full-strength squad.
■ Cycling
Basso suspended
The Italian cycling federation suspended Ivan Basso on Tuesday, and the Italian Olympic Committee's anti-doping prosecutor accused Basso of reneging on his promise to provide information about the Operation Puerto doping scandal. The cycling federation suspended Basso and another Italian rider, Michele Scarponi, a day after the Olympic committee recommended it. Prosecutor Ettore Torri said Basso hasn't cooperated as fully as expected, even though he acknowledged involvement in the Spanish blood-doping investigation. Torri said Basso became less cooperative because of pressure from sponsors and team officials.
■ Soccer
Bank rebuts Thaksin rumor
The Bank of Thailand said yesterday it has not received a money transfer request from ousted billionaire premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is reportedly poised to buy English soccer's Manchester City. Thaksin, an avid football fan, has made a ?108 million (US$215 million) offer to buy the Premiership club, according to British newspaper the Sun. Under Thai law, the central bank must approve any money transfer exceeding US$50 million dollars to overseas. But an official said the bank had not received any such request from Thaksin or his family.
■ Soccer
Bradley keeps US role
Bob Bradley is keeping the job of US manager. The US Soccer Federation (USSF) called a news conference yesterday to announce the interim coach is becoming the permanent coach. "Bob took this job as if it were his, and I think that's a very positive thing," USSF president Sunil Gulati said on Tuesday night. Bradley was hired on an interim basis on Dec. 8 after Bruce Arena was told after last year's World Cup he wouldn't be brought back for another four-year cycle. Since then, the US have won the three and lost one in exhibition games.
■ Soccer
Mourinho arrested over dog
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was arrested and cautioned after an argument with police and a health official about his pet dog, the Sun newspaper said yesterday. The daily tabloid said the 44-year-old coach left the club's player of the year awards after a call from his wife, Tami, that their pet dog was being taken away. On arriving at his home in Belgravia, he saw an official and two police officers who wanted to put the dog in quarantine, fearing it had been taken abroad without jabs, it added. A spokesman for London's Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers went to an address at 7:45pm on Tuesday with an officer from the Animal Health and Welfare Service. "A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police and was taken to a west London police station," he said. "He received a caution for obstructing police."
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