RUGBY UNION
Haskell out of England squad
Veteran Wasps back-rower James Haskell was left out of England’s squad announced by coach Eddie Jones yesterday for next month’s three internationals at Twickenham, London. The 75-times capped Haskell, a member of the British and Irish Lions squad in New Zealand earlier this year, started the season with a hand injury and has been replaced by uncapped Exeter Chiefs rising star Sam Simmonds. England play Argentina at Twickenham on Nov. 11 before facing Australia and Samoa on successive weekends.
SOCCER
Captain gets airline license
Ghana national team captain Asamoah Gyan has secured a license to open an airline that will be named after his on-field nickname, Baby Jet. Gyan “is working feverishly to establish an airline, called Baby Jet Airlines,” Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo said yesterday, according to a copy of a speech delivered at an aviation industry show in Accra. “I want to appeal to other Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, to invest in the rapidly growing aviation sector.” Gyan, 31, is the leading goalscorer for Ghana’s national team with 51 goals and has represented the country at three World Cup finals. He is currently playing for Turkish club Kayserispor. His previous sides include Udinese in Italy and English team Sunderland.
BASKETBALL
Calls for changes to pot laws
Former NBA commissioner David Stern believes medicinal marijuana use should be allowed, but the league says it would not allow players to use it for recreational use. Stern was interviewed by former NBA player Al Harrington for the Web site Uninterrupted’s documentary Concept of Cannabis. Stern said he thought there was “universal agreement that marijuana for medical purposes should be completely legal.” Adam Silver, who replaced Stern as commissioner in 2014, has said he is interested in studying more about the safety of medicinal marijuana, but Stern, who spent 30 years as commissioner, seemed ready to go a step further in his interview. “I think we have to change the collective bargaining agreement and let you do what is legal in your state,” he said. “If marijuana is now in the process of being legalized, I think you should be allowed to do what’s legal in your state.”
GOLF
Golfer motivated by funeral
Kiradech Aphibarnrat dressed in black and played with purpose yesterday in the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. He ran off 10 birdies to offset a sloppy start and wound up with a seven-under 65. Kiradech choked back tears talking about his beloved late king. “It’s not an easy situation, because it’s hard to explain how deeply our king was loved and how sadly he is missed,” Kiradech said. “When he passed away last year, it caused a lot of upset to all the Thai people. He will always hold a special place in my heart, but he loved sport and he would have been the first to say the show must go on.” Bhumibol loved sport so much that he donated the trophy for an event called the Royal Trophy, matches between golfers from Asia and Europe that took place from 2006 through 2013. Europe won the final edition by one point, through Kiradech went 3-0 that week.
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