BASKETBALL
James sweet-talks neighbors
LeBron James has sent cupcakes to neighbors of his home in Akron, Ohio, to apologize for the ruckus caused by the announcement of his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers two weeks ago. Cavaliers fans and journalists converged on the NBA star’s home to await his July 11 decision on whether he would come back to northeast Ohio or stay with the Miami Heat. A commotion ensued and police were called to direct traffic. To make amends, the LeBron James Family Foundation sent a note of apology accompanied by a dozen cupcakes to neighbors on Tuesday, media outlets reported. Several neighbors tweeted photographs of the cupcakes and the note saying: “We are sorry for the chaos” and that the James family is “so blessed to have understanding neighbors like you.”
SOCCER
Maccabi players ‘attacked’
A pre-season friendly between Maccabi Haifa and Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille Metropole in Austria had to be abandoned on Wednesday when a group of pro-Palestinian supporters invaded the pitch and attacked some of the Israeli squad’s players. Lille said on Twitter that the referee called a halt to the game after a group of youths waving Palestinian flags and placards ran onto the pitch at the Austrian venue with just three minutes of the game left. After a series of brief scuffles, the protestors were led away by security officers and the game called off with the French side 2-0 ahead at the time. “Maccabi Haifa Football Club believes in coexistence, tolerance and is against violence,” a club statement given to the Jerusalem Post read. “We denounce the violence that was used against us. This didn’t happen because of sport or football, it happened because we are a team which represents Israel.”
SOCCER
S Korean FA hires TV pundit
TV pundit Lee Yong-soo was named as the South Korean Football Association’s new technical chief yesterday, charged with appointing a new head coach for the upcoming Asian Cup. Lee, who does commentary for the KBS station and is a physical education professor at Sejong University in Seoul, resumes the role he held in 2002 when South Korea finished fourth at their home FIFA World Cup. He replaces Hwangbo Kwan, who, along with head coach Hong Myung-bo, stepped down after South Korea managed only one point in a group-stage exit at the recently concluded World Cup in Brazil. “I decided someone had to do it and so I am back after some 10 years,” Lee, 54, was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency. “The most pressing matter now is obviously to name the new national team head coach. I am not yet at a point where I can say whether we will bring in a South Korean coach or a foreign coach.”
RUGBY UNION
Machete attackers charged
Two men have been charged over a machete attack on three French rugby union internationals after a spat outside a bar, prosecutors said on Wednesday. The attack on Aurelien Rougerie, Julien Pierre and Benjamin Kayser occurred overnight on Saturday as the three ASM Clermont players were returning to their hotel in Millau. The youths, aged 20 and 21, were charged with “aggravated and premeditated group violence using arms,” local prosecutor Yves Delperie said. “They were recognized by witnesses and the victims.” The pair are from the French Antilles and have police records: the younger for extortion and the other for drugs. Kayser and Rougerie suffered arm injuries, and Pierre suffered deep cuts on his hip.
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