■ Basketball
David Hawkins faces ban
US point guard David Hawkins, who plays for Virtus Lottomatica Roma, could face a six month ban for cannabis use. Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) anti-doping prosecutors recommended the ban on Monday after Hawkins tested positive for the drug following an Italian basketball championship playoff match against Montepaschi Siena on June 5. The Italian Basketball Federation, which provisionally suspended the player immediately after the failed test, will now rule on CONI's recommendation.
PHOTO: AFP
■ Equestrian
Rider's death investigated
The International Equestrian Federation is investigating the death of German rider Tina Richter-Vietor during the German Championships at the weekend. The 32-year-old Richter-Vietor died after being thrown from her horse Paulchen Panther on Saturday. The federation said on Monday it was "deeply saddened" by her death, which "is [being] taken very seriously and will be addressed by the FEI safety subcommittee." The FEI added that the course was within the specifications stated in the rules.
■ Soccer
RFK Stadium sold out
David Beckham has sold out Robert F. Kennedy Stadium. Whether he plays there is yet to be determined. All 45,000 tickets have been sold for tomorrow night's game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and D.C. United. Most were sold long before fans realized the severity of an ankle injury that has kept Beckham from making his competitive debut with the Galaxy. Beckham sat on the bench but was not in uniform for the Galaxy's 0-0 draw with Toronto FC on Sunday night. He also missed all three of the Galaxy's US-Mexico SuperLiga games and has appeared only as a late substitute in an exhibition against England's Chelsea on July 21.
■ Soccer
Pagotto faces lifetime ban
Crotone goalkeeper Angelo Pagotto could face a lifetime ban for cocaine use. Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) anti-doping prosecutors recommended the ban on Monday after Pagotto tested positive for the drug for the second time in his career following Crotone's Serie B soccer match with Spezia on April 28. Pagotto also served an 18-month ban for cocaine use while playing for Perugia in 2000. The 33-year-old had asked the committee for clemency at a hearing last week, where he admitted his second infringement. The Italian Soccer Federation, which provisionally suspended the player immediately after the failed test, will now rule on CONI's recommendation. Crotone was relegated to the third division at the end of last season.
■ Horse Racing
Dubai ruler buys horse
Agents for Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum bought a colt by Unbridled's Song out of the champion mare Riboletta for US$1.05 million to top session one of the Fasig-Tipton selected yearlings sale in Saratoga Springs, New York, on Monday. Agent John Ferguson purchased the colt, from Taylor Made Sales Agency for Al Maktoum's Darley Stable. "Riboletta is a champion and you have to accept the fact that these South American mares have stepped up in the last few years and given a real soundness to the breed," Ferguson said. Fasig-Tipton chairman D.J. Van Clief said the session could be classified as a solid horse sale.
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