Despite the ongoing labor dispute with players, the NFL still plans on a 16-game schedule and a Super Bowl in Indianapolis, although commissioner Roger Goodell said the league would be prepared for anything.
“We spent the last two days making plans, including going through our kickoff and 9/11 plans with our clubs,” Goodell said of the scheduled NFL opening week at a news conference following the owners’ two-day spring meeting in Indianapolis. “We are approaching the 2011 season as we would any other season as far as making plans. That is our intention.”
Asked whether the NFL had back-up plans in case the season could not start on time in September because of the lack of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Goodell drew some laughs.
“I would say we have contingency plans for our contingency plans,” he said.
Players have been locked out by the owners for more than 10 weeks after talks on a new CBA broke off and the players union decertified. Nine of the players then filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL.
Goodell said an agreement would not be forged in protracted legal battles and had to be negotiated in bargaining.
The commissioner voiced a sense of urgency about getting back to the table, saying mounting revenue losses would be reflected in the economic proposals owners made to players.
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