■ SOCCER
Panel delays Sheffield ruling
Sheffield United's bid to have their relegation from the Premiership reversed remained unresolved after an arbitration panel hearing in London on Tuesday concluded without a decision. Blades chairman Kevin McCabe said the panel would rule by the end of this month on whether proper disciplinary procedures had been followed in April when West Ham were fined ?5.5 million (US$11 million) over breaches of transfer regulations connected to the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. If the panel decided that proper procedures were not followed, the initial hearing into West Ham's conduct will have to be reconvened -- creating the possibility of a points deduction being retrospectively imposed that could result in the Hammers being relegated and Sheffield United restored to the top flight.
■ BASKETBALL
Lakers owner faces charges
Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss faces a pair of drink driving charges in connection with an arrest last month, a California television station reported. A report on KGTV's Web site on Tuesday stated that prosecutors filed single counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 against the 74-year-old Buss. Buss was arrested early on May 29 when a California highway patrol unit noticed his automobile crossing a set of double yellow lines traveling eastbound on a westbound street in San Diego County. Buss has until July 10 to respond to the charges, but does not have to appear in court because they are only misdemeanors counts.
■ OLYMPICS
`Nuclear attack' drill held
A Beijing hospital is preparing to treat injuries that might occur if next year's Olympics are hit with a "terrorist nuclear attack," the state-run Xinhua news agency reported yesterday. "If Beijing is hit by a dirty bomb, we will be able to provide more than 100 beds for the injured," an official said, adding that the Third Hospital of Beijing University would treat injuries. Beijing municipal officials said a drill would be held next month to test readiness to handle a dirty bomb attack. The drill would take place outside an Olympic venue, although officials declined to specify which one. The city will also hold more emergency drills in the run-up to the Olympics. An exercise in Beijing on Tuesday tested police capabilities in handling hostage situations during the Olympics, Xinhua reported, citing the Ministry of Public Security. One team, acting as terrorists, took more than 20 athletes hostage in a building. The other team sealed off the building, attacked the hostage takers and ultimately rescued the athletes, Xinhua said.
■ CRICKET
Pakistan plans hectic season
Pakistani cricket authorities have announced a hectic international home season that includes hosting South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia. South Africa will play two tests and five one-day internationals between Sept. 26 and Oct. 29, after which Pakistan will tour India from Nov. 2 to Dec. 13 for three tests and five one-day internationals. Zimbabwe come for five one-day internationals in January and February next year, while world champions Australia tour from March 10 to April 27 next year. Pakistan will also host the Asia Cup in April next year.
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
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and