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Nowitzki opts out of worlds
Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki opted out of playing for Germany in next month’s world championships in Turkey on Tuesday in order to focus on preparing with his club for the new NBA season. “I have signed a new contract with the Dallas Mavericks,” the 32-year-old forward said in a statement published by the German basketball federation. “We have a new team with new conditions and I want to set my focus on the next NBA season this summer.” Nowitzki, a nine-time NBA All-Star who first played for the Milwaukee Bucks back in 1998, has, however, made himself available for next year’s European championships to try to help Germany win a place in the 2012 Olympics in London. “Next year, I will help the team reach our big goal, to participate at the Olympics again,” Nowitzki said.
■BASKETBALL
Howard joins Heat at last
Juwan Howard joined the Miami Heat on Tuesday, 14 years after his multimillion-dollar move to the club was revoked because it pushed the club over its salary cap limit. “We feel that Juwan’s ability to play both the four and five spot will be complimentary to what we have put together,” said Heat president Pat Riley, who has already pulled off the coup of the summer by signing free agent stars Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Since putting the trio together, Riley has patiently been building their supporting cast. In 37-year-old Howard, Riley adds a player he thought he had landed back in 1996 when Howard signed a seven-year, US$100 million deal with the club. The league voided that deal and this time around the Heat get Howard for the league mandated veteran’s minimum salary. Howard said he was delighted to get to Miami at last.
■BASEBALL
Piniella set to retire
Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella announced on Tuesday that he would retire at the end of the season, ending an often colorful career that included 18 years in the majors as a player and another 22 as a manager. The 66-year-old Piniella said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family. “I’ve grown to love the city and the fans, but at my age it will be time to enter a new phase in my life,” Piniella said in a statement released by the team. Announcing his retirement now, Piniella added, gives the team time to find a replacement.
■BASEBALL
Inge out with broken bone
Detroit Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks after breaking his left hand, the team said on Tuesday. Inge, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list, broke a bone when he was hit by a pitch during the third inning of Monday’s 8-6 loss to the Texas Rangers, the Tigers said on their Web site. He buckled over in pain, but made it to first base. “When it first happened, it was kind of numb,” Inge told reporters. “Because I broke [the right index finger in 2004] pretty much a similar way, I kind of knew it was that type of feeling.”
■BASEBALL
Ramirez injured again
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday because of a calf injury. Ramirez suffered the injury in the opening inning of Friday’s 8-4 loss to the St Louis Cardinals. It was just his second game back from a stint on the injury list for a right hamstring problem. Ramirez missed the next three games, before an MRI revealed a strain in his right calf on Tuesday.
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