SOCCER
S Korea’s Lee in car crash
South Korea international Lee Chang-min was involved in a car crash that left one person dead and two seriously injured, police said yesterday. The 24-year-old midfielder, who has seven senior caps and played at the Rio Olympics, crossed the center line when driving his sport utility vehicle on the island of Jeju late on Monday, they said. It collided with a car going in the opposite direction, killing a 68-year-old female passenger and seriously injuring the driver and another passenger. Lee has since been questioned several times by police. “He admitted he had crossed the center line, but it is been confirmed he was sober,” an officer said. It was not clear whether Lee was over the speed limit, she added. Lee plays for K League 1 side Jeju United.
SWIMMING
Ex-coach in sex offense trial
Prominent former Australian swimming coach Scott Volkers was committed to stand trial yesterday for a host of historical child sex offenses. The former national women’s coach is accused of indecently dealing with two girls under the age of 16, with the five offenses allegedly occurring in Brisbane between 1984 and 1988, Australian Broadcasting Corp reported. He entered no plea at the Brisbane Magistrates Court and a date has yet to be set for his trial. Volkers was originally charged in 2002, but the case was dropped six months later. Queensland’s child abuse and sexual crime group decided to reprosecute the case following Australia’s Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse.
ICE HOCKEY
Penguins donate to victims
The Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday donated US$348,705 to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh to benefit victims and families of the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in the city, the team announced. The team, its foundation, fans and corporate partners have been raising money through its “Stronger Than Hate” campaign since the Oct. 27 shootings. Eleven people were killed and six others were injured. The Penguins committed US$50,000, then raised the rest through auctions, sales of “Stronger Than Hate” patches, a text-to-donate program and an in-arena collection. In addition, the team is to donate US$200,000 to the newly created Public Safety Support Trust Fund in the city, which is to benefit first responders.
SOCCER
Everton given signing ban
The Premier League has handed Everton a two-year ban from signing some academy players and fined the club £500,000 (US$653,000) for breaching recruitment rules. Everton admitted to offering inducements to seven young players and their families in a bid to encourage them to register with the club. It set up an internal inquiry after being presented with evidence of wrongdoing by the league. The sanction prevents Everton from signing academy players who have been registered with another club in England’s four professional leagues in the previous 18 months. Everton on Thursday said it was “extremely disappointed with some of the practices we have found which are not in line with our values” and has begun a full review of its academy operations.
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