Oz runner boycotts Delhi CWG over dispute with national athletics body

MELBOURNE – Australia’s champion 400 meter runner John Steffensen has said he will not participate in the Delhi Commonwealth Games in protest against the “bullying, egotism and outdated approach” of Athletics Australia.

Addressing a news conference here, Steffensen said that for the past four years he had been … Original article on : Oz runner boycotts Delhi CWG over dispute with national athletics body.

Why some sports fans are called ‘die-hards’

WASHINGTON – Always wondered why some sports fans are referred to as “die-hards”? Well, this is because they remain loyal to their home teams despite moving away, say two University of Illinois professors.

Scott Tainsky and Monika Stodolska, professors of recreation, sport and tourism at Illinois have said that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Why some sports fans are called ‘die-hards’.

Cooper’s Sympathy For Woods

Rock legend ALICE COOPER feels sorry for TIGER WOODS over his marriage troubles – he’s convinced the disgraced golfer is simply “expressing his teenage libido” after spending his youth concentrating on sports.
The School’s Out hitmaker is adamant he does not condone infidelity but admits he wasn’t surprised after news of the …. Original article  : Cooper’s Sympathy For Woods.

PCB boss Butt booed by angry fans at Lahore airport

LAHORE – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ijaz Butt, was booed by angry cricket fans, as he emerged from Lahore airport in his first public appearance since the spot-fixing scandal.

A group of resentful fans booed and shouted “shame, shame” when they saw Ijaz coming …. Source  : PCB boss Butt booed by angry fans at Lahore airport.

Essex police clear Kaneria over betting allegations

LONDON – Pakistan and Essex leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has been given a clean chit by the Essex Police, who were investigating his role in an alleged rigged County match last season.

The 29-year-old was arrested in May on suspicion of fraud and released …. Source article  : Essex police clear Kaneria over betting allegations.

England coach Flower won’t ban players from using Twitter despite Pietersen’s gaffe

LONDON – England Cricket coach, Andy Flower, has said that he believed that the comment posted by Kevin Pietersen on micro-blogging site Twitter was a genuine mistake.

“I take him at his word that it was a genuine mistake. Of course he’s got feelings about it but it has been dealt with … Original article on : England coach Flower won’t ban players from using Twitter despite Pietersen’s gaffe.

Ex-snooker champ Higgins banned for six months, but cleared of match-fixing

LONDON – Former world snooker champion John Higgins was fined 75,000 pounds and given a six-month ban for the lesser offence of bringing the game into disrepute for failing to report the reporter’s approach.

As he was suspended in May following a News of The … Original article on : Ex-snooker champ Higgins banned for six months, but cleared of match-fixing.

Wayne Rooney ‘pestered hooker Jennifer Thompson’s pal for sex’

LONDON – Love-rat Wayne Rooney apparently pestered hooker Jennifer Thompson’s pal for sex while on the prowl at a drunken party.

Sleaze ball tried it on with Samii Darnley at a bash thrown by Manchester United stars last Christmas.

Rooney made a play for Samii, 20, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Wayne Rooney ‘pestered hooker Jennifer Thompson’s pal for sex’.

Flower says Pak match-fixing claims has soured England’s summer of success

LONDON – England cricket team coach Andy Flower has admitted that the “gloomy atmosphere” generated by the Pakistan spot-fixing allegations has undermined his side’s achievements.

He has also suggested that the England and Wales Cricket Board review its scheduling policy after the second T20 game in Cardiff drew a pitifully small …. Original source  : Flower says Pak match-fixing claims has soured England’s summer of success.

Alabama-Penn State renew rivalry that has produced more than a few memorable games

Alabama-PSU rivalry has produced classic moments
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Barrett Jones was 5 months, 2 days old the last time Alabama and Penn State played.
He doesn’t remember the game, but the top-ranked Crimson Tide’s guard has become fairly well versed on a rivalry that has featured memorable kicks, great defenses and a goal line …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Alabama-Penn State renew rivalry that has produced more than a few memorable games.

Capello to quit England after Euro 2012

LONDON – Fabio Capello confirmed Thursday he will quit as England manager after Euro 2012.

The 64-year-old was heavily criticised after England’s disappointing World Cup campaign, but two wins at the start of Euro qualifying, and the lack of an obvious alternative, have raised thoughts he may extend his contract, which expires in summer 2012.
Asked … Original source on Gaea Times at : Capello to quit England after Euro 2012.

The centers of attention: Miami-Ohio State game means paths of Harris and Pryor will collide

Harris and Pryor embracing chance to match skills

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Jacory Harris and Terrelle Pryor talked a few days ago, a regular occurrence for the good friends who’ll meet in a marquee matchup this weekend.
They can’t wait for it to arrive, either. Harris will lead No. 12 Miami into Columbus, Ohio to take on … Read more >>.

Tiger Woods, after 2 months of sorting out divorce, works on new swing at BMW Championship

Tiger works on swing heading into BMW Championship
LEMONT, Ill. – There are some places that simply suit Tiger Woods better than others.
Seven wins at Torrey Pines, including a U.S. Open – played on one leg, no less. Seven more victories at Firestone, and six at Bay Hill. Cog Hill? His victory total here … Read more : Tiger Woods, after 2 months of sorting out divorce, works on new swing at BMW Championship.

Experienced staff led by Coach K gives young US team a boost at world championships

Experienced staff gives US a boost at FIBA worlds

ISTANBUL – Once Mike Krzyzewski agreed to return as coach of the U.S. national team, Jerry Colangelo figured most of his staff would follow.
Jim Boeheim was the one mystery to him.
“‘Jim, how you feeling about coming back?’” Colangelo recalled asking. “Because I wasn’t sure whether or not … Read more : Experienced staff led by Coach K gives young US team a boost at world championships.

Federer moves 1 victory away from 7th straight US Open final with win over Soderling

Federer fights off wind to reach US Open semis
NEW YORK – On a wind-swept day at the U.S. Open that had everyone complaining about the conditions, Roger Federer simply embraced them.
Choosing placement over power on his serve and using a handful of sublimely spinning drop shots to take advantage of winds gusting to …. Original source  : Federer moves 1 victory away from 7th straight US Open final with win over Soderling.

Pakistan’s Asif looking for political asylum in Britain

LONDON – Fearing a violent backlash at home, Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Asif, one of the three players accused of spot-fixing, is considering to seek political asylum in Britain, a daily said.

Asif fears that match fixing allegations could make him the potential target of dangerous criminal gangs linked to the illegal betting underworld.
The …. Source article  : Pakistan’s Asif looking for political asylum in Britain.

PCB boss Butt stresses tainted trio not yet charged by British police

LAHORE – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ijaz Butt has said that the UK police had not pressed charges against any of the three cricketers alleged to have indulged in match fixing.

“The police interrogated our players for nine hours last Friday, but there have been … Original source on Gaea Times at : PCB boss Butt stresses tainted trio not yet charged by British police.

Australia issues dengue warning to its CWG contingent

NEW DELHI – Australia’s High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese has said that Canberra has issued an advisory to its 2010 Commonwealth Games squad over the dengue outbreak in India.

Varghese, however, said he is hopeful that the upcoming event will be a …. Read the original article  : Australia issues dengue warning to its CWG contingent.

Pak fast bowler Irfan seeks PCB’s permission to join Kolkata Knight Riders

LAHORE – Pakistan fast bowler Muhammad Irfan has sought the permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to finalize a 75,000 dollar deal with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisee Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

KKR has signed a short-term contract with the 6′10 giant … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pak fast bowler Irfan seeks PCB’s permission to join Kolkata Knight Riders.

Now, England’s T20 World Cup triumph comes under match fixing scanner

LONDON – England’s triumph in the World Twenty20 is sensationally the latest event to come under the match-fixing microscope.

Sun Sport has learned that the ICC is investigating the Pakistan squad that played in the event in the Caribbean in April and May.

England beat Pakistan by six wickets in the Super …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Now, England’s T20 World Cup triumph comes under match fixing scanner.