FOOTBALL
Finnegan, Johnson fined
The NFL’s disciplinary officials slapped Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan and Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson with US$25,000 fines each for fighting. Finnegan and Johnson were ejected following a fight halfway through the final quarter of Houston’s 20-0 victory on Sunday. Each player tore off the other’s helmet as they exchanged punches with all-star receiver Johnson landing the majority of the blows to Finnegan’s face and neck. Both players dodged a bullet though as the NFL decided not to suspend them.
FOOTBALL
Bucs players out for season
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a blow to their surprising run for the playoffs with the loss of guard Davin Joseph and safety Cody Grimm for the rest of season due to injuries, the NFL club said on Monday. Joseph broke his foot and Grimm broke his leg in the Bucs’ 17-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Joseph, in his fifth season, started all 11 games this season for the Bucs, who were 3-13 last year, but are 7-4 this year. Grimm, son of Redskins Hall of Famer Russ Grimm, had seen increased playing time after being inserted into the lineup to replace suspended Tanard Jackson in Week 3 and registered 57 tackles and two interceptions in 11 games.
BASEBALL
All-Star McDougald dies
Gil McDougald, an All-Star baseball infielder who helped the New York Yankees win five World Series championships during the 1950s, has died. He was 82. The Yankees released a statement on Monday saying McDougald died on Sunday of prostate cancer at his home in Wall Township, New Jersey. McDougald spent his entire 10-year major league career with the Yankees and played a key role on one of baseball’s greatest dynasties. He was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1951 and teamed with Hall of Famers such as Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford and manager Casey Stengel to lead New York to eight American League pennants from 1951 to 1960.
BASEBALL
Champs divvy up bonus
The World Series champion San Francisco Giants divided up their postseason bonus money of nearly US$20 million into 50 full shares worth more than US$317,000, Major League Baseball said on Monday. American League champion Texas Rangers, who fell in five games to the Giants in the Fall Classic, split their US$13 million haul into 44 full shares worth US$246,000 each. The players’ pool is formed from 60 percent of the gate receipts from the first three games of the Division Series and 60 percent of receipts from the first four games of the League Championship Series and the World Series.
CRICKET
Anderson mistaken for Cook
England fast-bowler James Anderson yesterday said Australian fans were mistaking him for Alastair Cook, who hit a record 235 not out in the drawn opening Ashes Test. “In the airport waiting for flight to Adelaide. Had three people come up to me and say well batted. I only got 11?” Anderson tweeted. Anderson reached 11 before being bowled in the first innings, while Cook, who is also tall with dark hair, eclipsed even the legendary Donald Bradman with his Gabba-record second knock. The mix-up comes after many Australian supporters stayed away from the game’s final stages, as a likely victory slipped from the home team’s grasp.
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