■ ROWING
Two Russian rowers banned
Two Russian rowers received two-year bans yesterday for using prohibited intravenous injections at last year's World Rowing Championships. Anastassia Fatina and Anastasia Karabelshchikova, both members of the 2007 Russian women's eight, were banned by the International Rowing Federation following an investigation that has already resulted in six other Russian rowers receiving bans. "The athletes were identified through DNA analysis as having intravenously infused substances for a non-legitimate acute medical reason," Switzerland-based FISA said in a statement. FISA did not indicate that the substances injected were themselves illegal. The latest ban, like the others, is backdated to Aug. 27 last year.
■ BASKETBALL
O'Neal expects trade
Shaquille O'Neal is prepared for the Miami Heat to trade him, a confidant of the 14-time NBA All-Star center said on Tuesday. O'Neal's associate, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to reveal anything publicly, indicated a move could be imminent. "Shaq thinks something will happen," the associate said. The Miami Herald reported earlier on Tuesday that the Heat are in "serious and ongoing" trade negotiations with the Phoenix Suns. The Herald report said the Suns would send Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks to Miami in exchange for O'Neal, who is averaging a career-low 14.2 points and has been sidelined for the past two weeks by a lingering hip injury. When asked last week about another report that a Shaq trade was possible, Heat coach Pat Riley said, "Not true." It isn't known if O'Neal -- who has two full seasons remaining after this one on his US$100 million, five-year contract -- would welcome a trade.
■ FOOTBALL
Andrews pleads not guilty
New England Patriots defensive back Willie Andrews pleaded not guilty to drug possession on Tuesday, hours after authorities said they found him with 200g of marijuana in Lowell, Massachusetts. Andrews was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and driving an unregistered motor vehicle. Prosecutors said he had US$6,800 in cash, three bags of marijuana, and no means to smoke the drugs. According to authorities, Lowell police responded to an anonymous caller who reported possible drug activity in a black motor vehicle. Police later pulled over the car, and when they approached it, detectives smelled a strong odor they believed to be marijuana, District Attorney Gerry Leone said.
■ SOCCER
Seven players charged
Seven players from former Singapore league side Liaoning Guangyuan were yesterday charged with match-fixing, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced. The players were not named but it follows club manager Wang Xin being suspended from all soccer activities after being charged with the same offense last month. "Match-fixing is a serious offense and a threat to the credibility of the game," S-League chief executive Winston Lee said. "If they are guilty, we hope that the punishment meted out will send out a strong message that there is no place for corruption in football here. Anyone that falls foul of the law here will have to bear the severe consequences of their actions. The players have already been suspended.
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