BOXING
Police release Chisora
British heavyweight boxer Dereck Chisora was released on Sunday after nearly seven hours of questioning by Munich police following his brawl with former WBA champion David Haye at a post-fight news conference. A black van carried the boxer and his coach, Don Charles, from police headquarters, speeding past assembled photographers. “He still faces a charge of simple assault, but he is allowed to return to England for now,” police spokesman Gottfried Schlicht said. Chisora and fellow Londoner Haye came to blows after Chisora’s defeat by unanimous decision to Vitali Klitschko in their WBC title fight. Charles also faces a charge of assault for his involvement in the melee. Schlicht said more serious charges were reduced when police were unable to apprehend Haye, despite searching for the boxer at his hotel. “We don’t know where he is,” Schlicht said. Chisora and Charles were both detained at Munich airport at 10:30am and taken in for questioning to Munich police headquarters. Chisora was initially held on suspicion of assault, causing grievous bodily harm and of making a threat. Chisora was heard vowing to shoot Haye. British Boxing Board of Control General Secretary Robert Smith says Chisora and Haye could face a life ban from the sport.
CRICKET
Australia drops Ponting
Ricky Ponting was dropped from the Australia team because of poor form yesterday with selectors indicating a possible end to the career of the second-most prolific batsmen of all time in one-day internationals. The 37-year-old, who captained Australia until last year’s World Cup and took over as temporary skipper for the last two one-dayers in the absence of the injured Michael Clarke, made just 18 runs in five games in the Tri-series against India and Sri Lanka. Inverarity said Ponting would take time to decide on his future and may opt to retire from one-dayers. He added that he hoped Ponting would remain available for Test cricket.
ICE HOCKEY
James Neal signs big deal
Pittsburgh Penguins All-Star left wing James Neal has capitalized on a standout season by signing a six-year, US$30 million contract extension, the NHL team said on Sunday. The deal, which will keep Neal under contract through the 2017-2018 season, has an average annual value of US$5 million, the Penguins said. Neal is tied for third in the league for goals scored (30) and has 56 points in 58 games. Both are career highs for the 24-year-old, who could have become a restricted free agent on July 1. He also leads the league in shots on goal (242) and is tied for first in power-play goals (13).
BASKETBALL
ESPN fires writer of slur
The cable television sports network ESPN fired an employee responsible for an offensive headline about Knicks basketball sensation Jeremy Lin. The headline on Friday on ESPN’s mobile Web site, “Chink in the Armor,” was used for a story about a New York loss in which Lin had nine turnovers. The headline was an idiom that contains a word that can also be used as a slur against Chinese. “I don’t think it was on purpose or whatever, but [at] the same time, they have apologized. And so from my end I don’t care anymore,” Lin said after leading the Knicks to a 104-97 win over Dallas on Sunday. “Have to learn to forgive, and I don’t even think that was intentional. Or hopefully not.” In a statement Sunday, ESPN apologized for that headline and said it is aware of two other “offensive and inappropriate” comments.
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
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and