CYCLING
Valverde wins third stage
Spain’s Alejandro Valverde of Movistar on Wednesday brushed off a one-minute overnight penalty to claim a mountain summit win on stage three of the Volta a Catalunya. US rider Tejay Van Garderen of BMC is the new overall leader of the week-long tour, finishing just seconds behind Wednesday’s winner. Van Garderen and BMC were one of the main beneficiaries of the penalty imposed on Movistar for pushing during the previous day’s time trial. Stage three featured three mountains and an escape group was caught on the final climb, which culminated in Valverde outsprinting Ireland’s Dan Martin for the win. “I felt great today and the whole team performed well on a fast-paced stage with Sky setting the tempo — all I had to do was produce the final sprint really,” Valverde said. Most of the main contenders for the title, including Sky’s Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, were just a few seconds adrift of the winner, with Britain’s Adam Yates coming third on the day.
FOOTBALL
NFL mulls head shot penalty
The National Football League is mulling a crackdown on foul play that would see ejections for players who aim hits at an opponent’s head, officials said on Wednesday. “The Committee is also exploring ways — including considering immediate ejections or suspensions — to take dangerous hits out of our game,” NFL executive vice president for football operations Troy Vincent said on Twitter. NFL referees already have the right to dismiss players guilty of illegal hits, but it is an option that is rarely exercised. The NFL can also retrospectively fine players or issue suspensions, but lengthy bans are rare. The move comes after NFL officials were last season criticized for several incidents, most notably involving Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who was repeatedly struck with helmet-to-helmet hits during the Panthers’ game against the Denver Broncos, but no players were ejected. The NFL has faced growing scrutiny in recent years linked to the issue of concussions and head trauma, with the league in 2015 agreeing to a US$1 billion settlement to resolve thousands of lawsuits by former players suffering from neurological problems.
RUGBY UNION
ARU to test out blue cards
Blue cards are set to be issued to players suffering from signs of concussion, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said yesterday, in a bid to improve safety during matches. The system, to be trialed in the ARU’s Australian Capital Territory and Newcastle competitions in coming weeks, would require those showing signs of concussion to leave the field for the rest of the game if they are given a blue card. They would be barred from returning until they complete a minimum stand-down period, which would be 12 days for adults and 19 for under-18s; take part in an exercise program; and are given the all-clear from a doctor. “The blue card trial is just one of the ARU’s many initiatives to improve player welfare and safety in our game,” ARU chief medical officer Warren McDonald said in a statement. “[It] follows over two years of extensive research on concussion and concussion management from World Rugby down through each nation.”
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