SOCCER
Martinez joins Atletico
Porto’s highly rated Colombian striker Jackson Martinez has signed for Atletico Madrid for a transfer fee of 35 million euros (US$38.91 million), the Portuguese club announced late on Tuesday. The 28-year-old forward is to replace Croatian Mario Mandzukic, who has moved from Spain to Juventus in Italy for 19 million euros. Martinez has been the top scorer in Portugal for the past three seasons, having joined Porto from Mexican outfit Jaguares de Chiapas. He scored 21 goals in 29 league appearances as Porto finished as runners-up to St Benfica last season. Martinez had previously agreed a move with AC Milan, and had been targeted by Arsenal, before instead opting for a switch to Atletico. Martinez is expected to sign a four-year deal with Atletico.
ICE HOCKEY
Coyotes acquire Gordon
Boyd Gordon never really wanted to leave Arizona, so the veteran forward is thrilled to be back in the desert. The Coyotes filled a need at center on Tuesday, acquiring Gordon from the Edmonton Oilers for forward Lauri Korpikoski. “It was tough to leave Phoenix,” Gordon said. “I heard the news today and I’m excited to come back.” Gordon was a steadying influence with Arizona from 2011 to 2013, helping the Coyotes reach the 2012 Western Conference finals with his heady play, penalty killing and faceoff ability.
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
Aldo out of McGregor fight
UFC lightweight champion Jose Aldo has pulled out of his title defense against Conor McGregor at UFC 189 on July 11 with a rib injury. Chad Mendes is to face McGregor for the interim title instead. UFC president Dana White made the announcement on Tuesday. Aldo was hurt while training in Brazil, damaging cartilage in his ribcage. Aldo initially said he could still fight despite the pain. McGregor is among the UFC’s biggest rising stars, and the loquacious Irishman’s bout with Aldo was the promotion’s most anticipated fight of the summer. Mendes has lost twice to Aldo, but has won every other fight of his mixed martial arts career.
GOLF
Allenby robber pleads guilty
A Hawaii man on Tuesday pleaded guilty to using Robert Allenby’s credit cards after the Australian golfer said he was robbed and beaten in Honolulu. Allenby recounted a bizarre saga in January that involved having no memory of what happened for two-and-a-half hours after he left a Honolulu restaurant. He went to dinner, and said he later woke up in a park with a bloodied face. Owen Harbison was arrested in February on charges of identity theft, attempt theft and unauthorized possession of confidential personal information. As part of a plea deal, Harbison agreed to a five-year prison term, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Delaplane said. Harbison used Allenby’s credit cards and ID around Honolulu to buy gift cards, clothing and jewelry, Delaplane said. It is still unclear what happened to Allenby after he left Amuse Wine Bar. Harbison is the only person who has been arrested in connection with the case. The saga generated interested when Allenby took a photograph of his scraped and bloodied face and posted it to his Facebook page after he got back to his hotel. He first said he was beaten, robbed and thrown from the trunk of a car. He later said he was told that by a homeless woman who helped him escape from a park. However, one homeless man told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that Allenby injured himself by passing out and hitting his head on a rock.
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