BASKETBALL
Lakers sign Williams: report
Guard Lou Williams, who won Sixth Man of the Year honors as the NBA’s top reserve, is reportedly headed to the Los Angeles Lakers. Multiple media outlets reported that Williams, a prime target in the free-agent market after playing for the Toronto Raptors last season, has agreed to a three-year, US$21 million deal with the Lakers. No contract can be finalized until the free-agent signing period begins on Thursday. Williams averaged a career-best 15.5 points in 80 games for Toronto last season.
BASKETBALL
Casspi heading to Kings
A person with knowledge of the details said the Sacramento Kings and swingman Omri Casspi have reached an agreement on a two-year US$6 million deal. The person spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity on Sunday night, because contracts cannot be completed until the moratorium on NBA free agency ends on Thursday. ESPN first reported the contract discussions. Casspi has averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 20.8 minutes per game in six seasons. The Kings drafted the Israeli-born Casspi 23rd overall in 2009. He spent his first two years with Sacramento before playing two seasons with Cleveland and one with Houston. The Kings signed Casspi again last summer after he was waived by New Orleans.
FOOTBALL
Pierre-Paul hurt by fireworks
New York Giants star defender Jason Pierre-Paul injured a hand in a fireworks mishap in Florida over the Fourth of July holiday on Saturday, US media reported on Sunday. Multiple reports said the pass-rush specialist suffered “severe” injuries, although ESPN reported they were not thought to threaten his NFL career. NFL Network reported the 26-year-old Florida native was treated in a hospital. Pierre-Paul posted two videos to his Instagram account on Saturday that appeared to show him next to a van full of fireworks obtained for holiday celebrations.
SOCCER
Three dead after Chile win
Three people were killed and several injured and arrested in massive street celebrations in Chile following the host country’s triumph in the Copa America soccer tournament, local media reported on Sunday. Chileans streamed into roads, squares and bars after their team beat bitter rival Argentina 4-1 on penalties on Saturday — the South American country’s first ever major trophy. Thousands continued rejoicing on Sunday. “This is the biggest celebration we’ve seen in Chile,” Santiago Metropolitan Region Intendant Claudio Orrego said. One man was shot dead in a victory celebration, local newspaper La Tercera reported. Two people were killed and several others injured when a car slammed into street revelers, local radio Bio-Bio said.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Sekone-Fraser withdraws
A New Zealand weightlifter has withdrawn from the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea after posting pictures on Instagram of dancers in ceremonial dress preparing for the opening ceremony with the hashtag “cannibals.” The New Zealand Olympic Committee yesterday confirmed Douglas Sekone-Fraser had “withdrawn from the New Zealand team” and had apologized for causing offense. Spokesperson Ashley Abbott said the committee was “deeply disappointed” with Sekone-Fraser’s actions. She said his comments “do not in any way reflect the thoughts of the wider New Zealand Pacific Games team, who have had enjoyed a warm and welcoming experience in Port Moresby.”
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