AMERICAN FOOTBALL
NFL clears Peyton Manning
The NFL said it found no credible evidence that Peyton Manning was provided with HGH or other prohibited substances, as alleged in a documentary by al-Jazeera America last fall. The league said the quarterback and his wife fully cooperated in the seven-month investigation, providing interviews and access to all records sought by investigators. Manning vehemently denied the allegations when they were made late last season. Manning retired from the NFL a month after Denver’s 24-10 win over Carolina in Super Bowl 50. The NFL is continuing its investigation into allegations made against other NFL players in the documentary, which the league said involves “different lines of inquiry and witnesses.”
CRICKET
Australia dominate Sri Lanka
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood picked up three wickets as Australia ripped through Sri Lanka’s brittle top order on the first morning of the opening Test in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, yesterday. At lunch, the hosts were reeling on 84-5 with debutant all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva (24) and Kusal Perera (12) unbeaten at the crease. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat on a dry pitch in the first of the three-match Test series. However, Australia pace duo Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc ensured their team took full control with the new ball by reducing the hosts to 18-3 inside 10 overs. Starc sent back Dimuth Karunaratne, with the opening batsman failing to get the umpire’s LBW verdict overturned on review. Hazlewood then dismissed Kusal Mendis and Kaushal Silva, and returned for another spell before lunch to lure Dinesh Chandimal into an edge behind to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe was brought on in the ninth over by Australia captain Steve Smith and he was rewarded when he dismissed Mathews.
SOCCER
Give Africa places: Infantino
Africa should be given two more places at the FIFA World Cup finals if the tournament is expanded to 40 teams, FIFA president Gianni Infantino told reporters on a brief trip to Nigeria on Monday. Infantino repeated his presidential election manifesto pledge to push for the World Cup to grow by eight teams to 40 and said he wants Africa to get at least two extra slots from 2026. “I believe for the World Cup 2026 — because the 2018 and 2022 finals are already decided — there should be 40 teams ... and out of the eight more, there should be at least two slots for African teams,” Infantino told reporters. “This is what I declared during my campaign and as you know, I am not a dictator, but a democratically elected FIFA president, so I have to speak to everyone and listen to everyone as well,” he added in Abuja.
RUGBY UNION
Reds appoint new coach
Former Wallabies prop Nick Stiles was yesterday appointed the Queensland Reds’ permanent coach. Stiles, who played 12 times for Australia, has been the interim co-coach along with Matt O’Connor since Richard Graham was let go two rounds into this year’s Super Rugby season. “The panel and board ... ultimately determined Nick to have the right attributes to take this group forward,” Queensland Rugby Union general manager Daniel Herbert said.
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