FOOTBALL
‘Deflategate’ appeal rejected
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s last best chance to avoid serving a four-game “Deflategate” suspension to start the new season was on Wednesday flatly rejected by an appeals court. The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan issued a one-sentence rejection of requests by the National Football League Players Association and Tom Brady to reconsider an April decision that reinstated the suspension. “We are disappointed,” the players’ association said in a statement. “The track record of this league office when it comes to matters of player discipline is bad for our business and bad for our game. We have a broken system that must be fixed.” It added that it will review its options carefully. The NFL declined comment. The court’s action left intact a two-to-one ruling by a three-judge panel that found NFL commissioner Roger Goodell acted within his powers by upholding the suspension of the star quarterback for his role in a scheme to doctor footballs used in a playoff game in January last year. The decision affirmed wide-ranging powers given to the commissioner by the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. It was a setback for organized labor groups arguing for due process in employee discipline. Brady’s remaining hope is to appeal to the US Supreme Court. “That is an extremely long shot,” said Nellie Drew, a sports law professor at the University at Buffalo. She said the 2nd Circuit acted correctly and that any changes to how the NFL handles arbitrations over player issues will have to be handled at the negotiating table. “It’s time to put this thing to bed,” Drew said. “If it was my kid, I’d say: ‘Let it go.’”
ICE HOCKEY
McPhee to GM Las Vegas
A person with direct knowledge of the decision says George McPhee has been hired as general manager (GM) of the NHL’s expansion Las Vegas franchise. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because owner Bill Foley’s announcement was set for Wednesday afternoon. McPhee is to be in charge of building the team from scratch to begin play in the 2017-2018 NHL season. McPhee most recently served as special advisor to New York Islanders GM Garth Snow. Before that he spent 16 seasons as GM of the Washington Capitals. As the Capitals’ GM, McPhee oversaw a complete rebuild that led to the team making six consecutive playoff appearances before he was fired in 2014. McPhee has a strong history of drafting and developing players, and his extensive NHL experience earned him the position over younger candidates.
TENNIS
Hercog beats Niculescu
Polona Hercog of Slovenia on Wednesday took advantage of a poor performance from fifth-seeded Monica Niculescu of Romania to win their Bucharest Open second-round match 6-4, 6-3 in Romania. “I made a lot of mistakes and I relied a lot on my return which was not good today,” said Niculescu, who beat Hercog in the 2014 quarter-finaIs. Hercog plays fourth-seeded Laura Siegemund in the quarter-finals after the German beat Japanese qualifier Misa Eguchi 6-4, 6-1. Vania King of the US ousted eighth-seeded Cagla Buyukakcay of Turkey 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-1 to set up a match against Pauline Parmentier. The Frenchwoman defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 7-6 (7/3), 6-4.
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