FOOTBALL
Adams suspect in killings
A former NFL player is suspected of killing five people, including a doctor and his wife, in South Carolina before dying by suicide on Thursday. The suspect, identified as former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Phillip Adams, allegedly fatally shot the five victims on Wednesday in Rock Hill. He then returned to his parents’ house, where he killed himself early on Thursday morning after a standoff with police. The five victims were a 70-year-old doctor, his 69-year-old spouse and two of their grandchildren, aged five and nine, and a 38-year-old man. Adams also played for the New England Patriots, the New York Jets, the Oakland Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons.
GOLF
McIlroy hits his dad
Rory McIlroy on Thursday endured his worst ever start to a Masters and while it might leave a mark on his psyche, the Northern Irishman’s father might have felt the sting even more after being struck by one of his son’s errant shots. McIlroy, who two weeks ago sent a tee shot into a swimming pool at a match play event in Austin, Texas, hit his father in the left leg with his second shot at the seventh hole en route to a four-over 76. “I knew it was my dad when I was aiming at him,” McIlroy said. McIlroy’s father walked away before joking with a reporter that he was going to demand an autographed glove. “I think he just needs to go put some ice on it, maybe I’ll autograph a bag of frozen peas for him,” McIlroy said.
SOCCER
Hertha sacking sparks spat
Hungary on Thursday summoned a German embassy official after Bundesliga side Hertha BSC sacked their Hungarian goalkeeping coach for making anti-immigration comments in an interview. The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Hertha’s dismissal on Tuesday of goalkeeping coach Zsolt Petry “restricted free expression.” In the interview, Petry criticized Europe’s “immigration policy,” which he called “an expression of moral decline.” He also criticized RB Leipzig and Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi for posting a Facebook message that expressed solidarity with an LGBT rights and same-sex adoption campaign. Several Hungarian ministers protested against Petry’s dismissal. “In the 20th century there was totalitarianism which originated in Germany, I wouldn’t like if it also was in the 21st century,” Hungarian Cabinet chief Gergely Gulyas said. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized references to Nazi-era Germany. “We very clearly reject the allusions to Nazism,” it said.
SOCCER
Rare Griezmann hat-trick
Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann has been spared having to remember three different dates to mark the birthdays of each of his three children — as they were all born on April 8. When the World Cup winner confirmed that his wife, Erika Choperena, had given birth to a daughter on Thursday, remarkably it was on the same date as their elder children, Mia (born 2016) and Amaro (2019). While it is rare that three siblings born several years apart share the same birthday, the Griezmanns have some way to go if they are to match the Guinness World Record. Five of Carolyn and Ralph Cummins’ children were all born on Feb. 20 between 1952 and 1966 — the odds of which were 17.8 billion to one.
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