SOCCER
Nashville to get MLS stadium
Nashville, Tennessee’s bid to land an expansion franchise from Major League Soccer (MLS) now has US$275 million in financing approved to build a new stadium, giving Music City a major boost weeks before a final decision from the league. The Metro Nashville City Council on Tuesday voted 31 to 6 for US$225 million in revenue bonds for the stadium itself and another US$50 million in bonds for renovations and improvements around the stadium at the fairgrounds. MLS requires a solid stadium plan for an expansion franchise and John Ingram, the billionaire businessman is the local bid’s lead owner. Ingram’s group added brothers Mark and Zygi Wilf, owners of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, and cousin Leonard Wilf in August as minority partners.
SOCCER
Jersey sparks controversy
The Spain jersey that is to be used in the FIFA World Cup has sparked controversy after being linked to the Republican flag of the 1930s. The jersey has the colors red, yellow and blue, but some say that from afar the blue appears to have the same purple tone of the Republican flag used from 1931 to 1939. That flag is still used by those who oppose the Spanish monarchy. Apparel maker Adidas said there is no political implications in the jersey and that the design was agreed upon with the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Federation officials also said that there is no intended link to the Republican flag. The jersey is a throwback to the one used by Spain at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, with a side pattern mixing the three colors.
MARTIAL ARTS
MMA fighter hurt in crash
Asian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Angela Lee has been injured in a car crash in Hawaii, forcing her to withdraw from a title defense this month, Singapore-based promoter ONE Championship said yesterday. Lee, 21, is expected to make a full recovery from the accident which happened early on Tuesday when she fell asleep while driving to the gym where she has been training, ONE Championship founder Chatri Sityodtong posted on Facebook. He said the car flipped over several times and was left a “complete wreck,” but added: “Miraculously, she survived with only a concussion, some minor burns and a banged up body.” He said the fighter, of Korean and Singaporean descent, would not compete on Nov. 24 when she had been due to mount a defense of her atomweight world title.
BASKETBALL
Bledsoe heads to Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday signed Eric Bledsoe from the Phoenix Suns following a spat that saw the point guard frozen out at the troubled Arizona franchise. Bledsoe had not played for the team since being sent home by general manager Ryan McDonough on Oct. 23 after a meeting at the squad’s practice facility. The 27-year-old’s future was cast into doubt a day earlier after he wrote on Twitter: “I don’t wanna be here.” That post came shortly before Phoenix fired coach Earl Watson and replaced him with interim coach Jay Triano. The Suns off loaded Bledsoe in exchange for center Greg Monroe, a future first-round draft pick and a protected second-round pick for next year. Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst said he had no reservations about moving for Bledsoe.
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