CRICKET
Reakes receives ban for bet
An Australian female cricketer has been given a suspended two-year ban for placing bets totaling only US$9 on the men’s World Cup final. Angela Reakes, who plays for the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League, pleaded guilty to breaches of Australia’s anticorruption code by betting on the Man of the Match award in the March 29 final. As well as her suspended ban, Reakes received an official reprimand and will have to spend time educating other cricketers on anticorruption issues. Iain Roy, head of Cricket Australia’s integrity unit, said “all elite cricketers are reminded regularly that betting on any form of cricket is strictly prohibited.”
FOOTBALL
Cardinals’ Mathieu injured
Arizona on Monday suffered a major setback in their Super Bowl quest when Cardinals coach Bruce Arians announced safety Tyrann Mathieu is to miss the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury. Mathieu on Sunday suffered a torn right-knee ligament after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter of a victory over Philadelphia. Mathieu made five interceptions and 89 tackles this season for the Cardinals. Mathieu, nicknamed “Honey Badger,” tore a left-knee ligament in December 2013 during his rookie season. His versatility, from handling defensive back or linebacker duties to stopping rushers near the line of scrimmage, has made him one of the league’s most challenging defenders. However, now the Cardinals are undone for the second year in a row by a torn knee ligament, last season losing quarterback Carson Palmer to the same issue and losing in the first round of the playoffs.
TENNIS
ITF names athlete members
Former Grand Slam champions Mary Pierce and Mark Woodforde have been appointed to the board of directors of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The two former players are to serve four-year terms as athlete members of the 15-member board, subject to ratification by the ITF general assembly in June next year. The ITF earlier this year approved a change mandating athlete representation on the board. ITF president David Haggerty says the two “will provide good insight into the needs of the players and help us to grow the game of tennis around the world.” Pierce won two Grand Slam singles titles — the 1995 Australian Open and 2000 French Open. The Frenchwoman also played on two Fed Cup-winning teams. Woodforde won 12 Grand Slam doubles titles — 11 with fellow Australian Todd Woodbridge and one with John McEnroe. He won the Davis Cup in 1999 with Australia.
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