Player calls for Floyd justice should be applauded: Infantino Wednesday, June 3, 2020 page 12 ‘Our generation’s biggest challenge, we must remain patient & united’ Samuel Eto’o pass to keep playing. I was about 12 SC ambassador or 13 years old. From that moment on there was no looking back. I had the So far, 2020 has been a year like no blessing of my father and you could other in our lifetime. As COVID-19 not keep me off that football pitch. sweeps through continents, coun- Day or night. From there, it was one tries and communities in every or two years before I went to Europe, corner of the world, it is fair to say and my life changed forever. that our generation has never faced anything like this before. So, be- Overcoming adversity fore I begin this piece, I would like In the present, we must only to send my thoughts and prayers to think about getting through this everyone who has been affected by time together. As a child – like mil- this terrible virus, and express my lions of others – I learned how to gratitude to all of those working in overcome adversity; challenges key sectors to look after those who that felt like they would never end, are sick – especially the frontline tunnels that didn’t seem to have healthcare workers who are risk- a light at the end and, at times in ing their lives every day for the rest new countries, isolation. These of us. And a word of praise too for are all feelings and emotions I’m those in other jobs – supermarket sure many of us have been feeling and pharmacy workers, cleaners, recently, relating to this current aviation staff and many other sec- pandemic. But I think back to my tors; all working to keep life as rel- attitude then, and draw upon some atively normal as possible for the of those characteristics I developed rest of us during this troublesome while working hard to make my time. Sportsmen and sportswomen way in the world as a young man. are often described as heroes in the Some of these thought processes media, but what we do pales into are valuable now. To maintain and insignificance when you see what to carry on thinking – ‘this isn’t for- these people across the world have ever, soon things will change and done over the past few weeks and when they do, we must be ready months – they are the real heroes – and we will never take the small and my heart goes out to them all. things in life for granted again’. Indeed, it is at times like There are many things that will this that sport seems irrelevant. help us get through this. Small acts Leagues, tournaments and events of kindness, for neighbours, for have rightfully been postponed friends, for loved ones can mean across the world. While this is obvi- the world to people who may be ously a necessary measure, I feel it is feeling lonely, cut off, bored or in- important – while never wishing to SC & Generation Amazing ambassador Samuel Eto’o during a visit to the School for Refugee Children in Malaysia. active. Once things improve, sport trivialise matters – to say that when – in particular football – will play this is all over, we must also look other children. Life revolved around a huge role in uniting people again towards the joy that sport can bring meeting friends and kicking a ball and lifting spirits. to our global community. While this around. This terrible situation has It has also been heartening to virus has divided and isolated, sport forced everyone indoors. For many, So far, 2020 has been a year like no other in our see so many initiatives taking off can unite and connect. football is their outlet – from pover- online. I saw Generation Amazing’s My friend and fellow SC am- ty, from loneliness, from sadness – lifetime. As COVID-19 sweeps through continents, virtual training sessions that start- bassador Tim Cahill wrote recently and to take it away is heartbreaking. countries and communities in every corner of the ed recently. As I mentioned above, about the unifying power that ma- But it’s a sacrifice that must be made having football taken away as a kid jor events such as the World Cup in order to help the most vulnerable world, it is fair to say that our generation has never would have been unthinkable to and Olympics can have on repairing in our societies. faced anything like this before. I would like to send me, so it is admirable that Genera- hearts and minds. I could not agree my thoughts and prayers to everyone who has tion Amazing – which I am proud to with Tim more, and I wish to echo My childhood was football, call myself an ambassador for – has his words and sentiments here. football, football been affected by this terrible virus, and express my been so proactive in ensuring the During the pandemic, I have been gratitude to all of those working in key sectors to young people of Qatar and around Football was my outlet thinking about the wonderful memo- the world have an outlet to exercise, I think back to my own child- ries football brought me during my look after those who are sick – especially the play football and continue to feel hood in Africa. I was born into a childhood. I lived and breathed foot- frontline healthcare workers who are risking their connected to the World Cup. I look family of seven. I grew up in a ball – but my parents were very hard lives every day for the rest of us. forward to getting involved with the town not far from Yaounde, the on me. They did not accept the fact programme again – online and in political capital of Cameroon, and that I played football because to them SC ambassador Samuel Eto’o person – in the near future. until I was seven or eight years football was something children But for now, it really is one day old, I lived there. Then my parents played if they didn’t go to school. I at a time. So, I would just end this moved to Douala, which is the eco- was obviously going to school and by saying to everyone: keep safe, nomic capital, after my father took I was not a bad student, but I had a I didn’t know is that my Dad was did not know (until that moment) turned home, my father arrived a lit- stay at home and enjoy the time a job as an accountant for a large passion, which was football. with some friends in front of the that I seemed to have a natural tal- tle later and said: “You are so good, with your loved ones. And when all construction company. I vividly remember one day I field. Everything I did that day in ent for the game. I saw your match today. I’m going to this is over, let’s join together and Like billions of others, I grew up played a game in my city and I had that game gave me my pass to play I was the hero of my neighbour- talk to your mother so you can keep show the world how football can be playing football in the street with to hide in order to go play. What football freely. Because my parents hood after that game. When I re- playing.” That is how he gave me a its greatest unifying force. (SC.qa) unveils eight-race schedule in Europe from July 5

AFP will be brought forward to July 30 and September 6, complet- Paris 19 before a two-week break, Revised F1 calendar: ing the European part of the followed by consecutive races July 3-5: season. Each event will also The curtailed Formula One in Britain and events in Spain, (Spielberg) include the Formula 2 and For- season will start with two Italy and Belgium. All will like- July 10-12: Styrian Grand Prix mula 3 categories. races behind closed doors in ly be run without spectators (Spielberg) The blueprint for the re- on July 5 and July 12 while participants must adhere July 17-19: Hungarian Grand hashed season features further followed by six other grands to strict safety protocols. Prix (Budapest) races in Asia and the Americas prix in Europe, the organisers Regular health tests will be July 31-August 2: British in September, October and No- said on Tuesday. conducted with the number of Grand Prix (Silverstone) vember before finishing in the Formula One said it hoped team members and race staff at August 7-9: 70th Anniversary Gulf in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi to have between 15 and 18 the venue also reduced. Grand Prix (Silverstone) in December. races in total, with the season “While we currently expect August 14-16: Spanish Grand The 2020 season was to being completed in December. the season to commence with- Prix (Barcelona) have featured a record 22 rac- The F1 season was thrown out fans at our races we hope August 28-30: Belgian Grand es, now it is set to be the short- into chaos with the cancella- that over the coming months Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) est campaign since 2009 with tion of the traditional curtain- the situation will allow us to September 4-6: Italian Grand races in Australia, Monaco, raising welcome them back once it is Prix (Monza) France and the Netherlands in March only hours before safe to do,” said F1 chief execu- cancelled. MotoGP is also ex- practice was due to begin as the tive Chase Carey. confirmed we have some posi- pected to release an updated coronavirus pandemic spread “But we know the return tive momentum. As a race team schedule shortly. across the world. of Formula 1 will be a wel- Austria’s will host the first two races of the coronavirus-hit Formula One season in early July. (AFP) and racers, we are excited to get The first 11 races of the sea- Last week, the Austrian come boost to sports fans going again and put on a show son have been either postponed government sanctioned the around the world.” for our fans.” or cancelled due to the global season-opening double- F1 managing director a local airport, the races can “Red Bull have pulled out “It has been a huge effort by Silverstone will host two health crisis. header at the Spielberg Ross Brawn last month said be held in an isolated envi- all the stops to get the Aus- all involved and the two events races in Britain on August 2 and MotoGP organisers Dorna circuit after F1 organisers the Red Bull Ring circuit’s ronment, essential in the fight trian Grand Prix up and run- at the Red Bull Ring will be a 9, with the are awaiting Spanish govern- “presented a complete and remote location made it a against the pandemic that has ning, in order to support a blueprint for all other races to set for Barcelona on August 16. ment approval to start the professional plan” to combat “logical” choice to stage the killed less than 700 people in safe start to the Formula One follow. The Belgian and Italian truncated season with back-to- the COVID-19 outbreak. season’s first two races. Austria, and more than over season,” said team principal He added: “With the first Grands Prix will take place on back races at the Jerez circuit in The - ‘Blueprint to follow’ -With 375,000 worldwide. Christian Horner. eight races of the calendar now their original dates of August Spain on July 19 and 26. 12 Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Sports Stricken French clubs want fans to be allowed back to games next season

AFP the decision to end the season tive team training while also “There was a strategic Paris early rather than waiting for the hoping to “organise training agreement between the leading health crisis to subside. camps and friendly matches in leagues and UEFA to finish the Struggling French foot- France has been one of the the presence of spectators, with season,” said Jaume Roures, ball clubs have called for fans worst-hit countries in the world the start of next season in stadi- the Spanish chief executive of to be allowed into matches in by the pandemic, with almost ums open to large crowds”. Mediapro, at the launch of his time for the start of next sea- 29,000 deaths, but the situa- In addition, the clubs called company’s new channel Tel- son and urged the country’s tion has improved and a strict on the government “to find efoot on Tuesday. government to provide finan- lockdown has been steadily solutions” for their economic “For us, breaking that pact cial help after the early end to eased in recent weeks. woes after already nearly three was a strategic error.” this campaign due to the coro- However, in a joint state- months without income princi- Mediapro won the bulk of navirus pandemic. ment on Tuesday, the unions pally due to the loss of ticketing the rights to show Ligue 1 and The season was declared of clubs in the top two divisions and broadcasting revenue. Ligue 2 matches for four years over early at the end of April, admitted that the league and Several club executives have starting next season in a total at the height of the pandemic French Football Federation said the early end to the season deal worth a record €1.217 bil- and with 10 rounds of matches were left with “no other choice” has left French football with a lion ($1.36 billion) annually. unplayed, after Prime Minister but to bring a premature end to financial black hole of between However, Roures expressed Edouard Philippe announced the season following the gov- €500 million and €800 million concern that his company’s that football could not restart. ernment’s announcement. ($559-895 million). new product would be dimin- Action from the Ligue 1 game between Paris Saint-Germain were “But rather than looking in Meanwhile, the head of the ished with struggling clubs be- Rennes and Montpellier in early March. named Ligue 1 champions. the rear-view mirror, we pre- company that has become the ing forced to sell players. Rennes were third when the season was With leagues in neighbour- fer to look forward,” the state- main domestic broadcaster of “That could affect the ended early because of the coronavirus ing countries having since re- ment added. Ligue 1 in a record deal starting quality of the competition pandemic and qualified for the Champions started or set to return to ac- They said they were work- next season has slammed the next season and obviously we League as a result. (AFP) tion soon, various voices in the ing to put in place a “health pro- decision to end the season ear- are not going to be happy if French game have criticised tocol” and on a return to collec- ly, calling it a “strategic error”. that happens.”

Player calls for Floyd justice should be applauded: Infantino Coach Rohr vows to AFP FA unlikely to take action Paris make Nigeria champs AFP years,” an FA statement said on FIFA president Gianni Infan- London Tuesday. tino said on Tuesday that foot- of Africa again “Where any behaviours or ballers in Germany calling for Premier League players are gestures on the pitch that may justice for George Floyd dur- AFP together for the past four unlikely to face disciplinary ac- constitute a breach of the Laws ing matches deserve applause Abuja years and I hope we can pro- tion if they take a knee or make of the Game have to be as- rather than sanctions. gress.” any other peaceful anti-discrim- sessed, they would be reviewed The German Football As- Coach Gernot Rohr said he Rohr led Nigeria to third ination protest when the Eng- on a case by case basis with a sociation (DFB) is investi- made sacrifices in his new place at last year’s Africa Cup lish season resumes. common sense approach and gating Borussia Dortmund’s contract with Nigeria in or- in Egypt, where they lost 2-1 The shocking death of understanding of their context.” Jadon Sancho and Achraf der to guide the country to a to eventual champions Algeria George Floyd, in Minneapolis Following the example of Hakimi, Schalke’s American fourth Africa Cup of Nations in the semi-finals after con- last week, has provoked riots Liverpool on Monday, Chelsea midfielder Weston McKennie triumph. ceding a stoppage-time goal. and protests across the world. and Newcastle players were the and Borussia Moenchenglad- Rohr, 66, has extended his His team top their qualifying Football stars, including Borus- latest teams to take a knee in a bach’s French forward Marcus stay in Nigeria till 2022 after group for the 2021 Nations sia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, show of solidarity during train- Thuram for their tributes to he agreed to a pay cut in the Cup slated for Cameroon have shown support for the ing sessions on Tuesday. Floyd at the weekend. local currency and reside in with six points after winning Black Lives Matter cause during Newcastle defender DeAn- Floyd died last week after a the country. their first two games against matches. dre Yedlin, a United States in- white policeman in Minneapo- Officials said the Ger- second-placed Benin and Le- The English Football Asso- ternational, posted a series of lis kneeled on the handcuffed man-born coach will earn sotho, who are third. Sierra ciation will adopt a “common heartfelt tweets on the situation. man’s neck for several min- Dortmund’s English midfielder Jadon Sancho shows a “Justice for $49,000 a month instead of Leone are the other team in sense” approach to political ges- “A couple days after George utes. The incident has sparked George Floyd” shirt as he celebrates after scoring during the Bundesliga the $55,000 stipulated in his the group and are bottom on tures, slogans and statements Floyd’s death, my grandfather days of violent protests across match against SC Paderborn 07 on Sunday. (AFP) previous contract and he will a point. if players or staff publicly back texted me and told me he’s glad the United States. live in Nigeria for at least 10 The top two teams in the the movement once the Premier that I am not living in the U.S. “For the avoidance of His team-mate Hakimi and their actions. months a year. group will advance to the final League restarts on June 17. right now because he would doubt, in a FIFA competition McKennie expressed similar “If people are discriminat- “This is a special job be- tournament. It is understood taking the fear for my life as a young black the recent demonstrations of calls for justice, while French- ed against because of the col- cause this is my team, I built In his four years in charge knee after a goal, as Borus- man,” he wrote. players in Bundesliga matches man Thuram, the son of World our of their skin, it is unbear- it with my staff,” the former of the Super Eagles, Rohr has sia Monchengladbach forward “Every American needs to would deserve an applause Cup winner Lilian Thuram, able,” said Keller. Niger and Gabon coach said faced criticism for overlook- Marcus Thuram did on Sunday, ask themselves, is there ‘liberty and not a punishment,” Infan- took a knee after scoring for “If they die as a result of Monday on local television. ing players based in Nigeria would be unlikely to attract any and justice for all’ and if their tino said in a FIFA statement. Gladbach in memory of Floyd. the colour of their skin, then I “It’s a very young team, for those in Europe. sort of sanction. answer is yes, then they are part “We all must say no to The International Football am deeply disturbed. The vic- but the mission is not finished His employers have or- “The FA strongly condemns of the problem. In no way are racism and any form of dis- Association Board (IFAB), the tims of racism need all of our yet, so we want to continue. dered him to now pick play- discrimination of any kind and we asking black lives to matter crimination. We all must say sport’s lawmakers, bans play- solidarity.” “We all have to make sac- ers from the domestic league, has endeavoured to ensure that more than white lives. All we’re no to violence. Any form of ers from showing “any politi- Sancho was booked after rifices and I will be the first.” but Rohr has insisted only the football in England is both di- asking is we are seen as equal, violence.” cal, religious or personal slo- revealing the message to mark Rohr said the target is to best will make his squad. verse and inclusive in recent as more than 3/5 of a man, as Earlier FIFA called on foot- gans, statements or images”. scoring against Paderborn, al- be champions of Africa again. “I pick the best players ball leagues to use “common However, pointing to its though the DFB has said the The Super Eagles have won and I don’t do it alone,” he sense” when deciding whether own anti-racism campaigns, yellow card was actually be- the Africa Cup of Nations said. to discipline footballers for FIFA intimated that no action cause he lifted his shirt over three times -- in 1980, 1994 “We have to take the best displaying political messages. should necessarily be taken his head. and 2013. players no matter where they “FIFA fully understands against Sancho, Hakimi or “This is defined under rule “Let’s qualify for (the Na- are coming from. the depth of sentiment and McKennie. number 12 as behaviour that tions Cup) and then we want “We have very good young concerns expressed by many “The application of the is clearly against the rules and to win it,” he said. players, so it’s difficult for the footballers in light of the tragic laws of the game approved by should be seen as independent “We have a good local players to break into the circumstances of the George the IFAB is left for the com- of any political message,” said team, we’re now team.” Floyd case,” world football’s petitions organisers which Lutz Michael Froehlich, head number three in governing body said in a state- should use common sense and of the elite referees unit of the Africa. When ment. have in consideration the con- DFB. I arrived (in After scoring in Dort- text surrounding the events,” “For referees it is not pos- 2016), we were mund’s win at Paderborn on FIFA said. sible to make a judgement number 13. It’s a very young team, but Sunday England winger San- The DFB is investigating during a match about political, “We have the mission is not finished Sky Brown, 11 year-old British skateboarder who is set to become Britain’s cho lifted his shirt to reveal the the players in line with IFAB’s religious or personal slogans, worked yet. We all have to youngest summer Olympian at Tokyo 2020, at the Youth Olympic Village message “Justice for George laws, although president Fritz messages or pictures,” Froe- make sacrifices and in Lausanne, in January this year. (AFP) Floyd”. Keller said he understood hlich added. I will be the first. Nigeria coach Sky Brown, 11, Gernot Rohr targets Olympic Qatar to host FINA General gold despite horror Assembly in 2021 French league blows full QNA AFP fall and I just want everyone to Doha London know that I’m OK,” Brown said. time on rugby season “It’s OK to fall sometimes. The Qatar Swimming Asso- Eleven-year-old skate- I’m just going to get back up ciation has announced that the AFP that decision and filled in boarder Sky Brown is still tar- and push even harder. I know State of Qatar will host the gen- Paris some details. geting Olympic gold for Britain there’s a lot going on in the eral assembly meetings of the “The Top 14 table is stopped in Tokyo despite a horrific fall world right now and I want eve- international swimming federa- French rugby on Tuesday and ratified at the end of the during training in the United ryone to know that whatever we tion (FINA) in 2021. confirmed that it had aban- 17th round, the Pro D2 table is States. do we’ve got to do it with love Khaleel Al Jaber, President, doned hope of completing its stopped and ratified at the end Brown was rushed to hospi- and happiness.” Qatar Swimming Federation, coronavirus-interrupted club of the 23rd round,” the LNR tal by helicopter after falling in In a message alongside the emphasised that the interna- season and announced that it said in a statement, noting that training in California on Thurs- video, Brown added: “This was tional member federations and was ending the Top 14 and divi- not all the matches in the fi- day. my worst fall yet. My helmet FINA have great confidence sion two campaigns without a nal second-division round had She was reportedly unre- and arm saved my life. This will in the State of Qatar, pointing champion. been played. sponsive on arrival at hospital, not stop me. I am going for gold out that Qatar’s hosting of this The National Rugby League The decision means that, with her father Stewart saying in Tokyo 2021. Stay strong. Stay world congress is a confirma- (LNR) held discussions with the unlike French football, rugby there were fears for her life after positive.” tion of its position and ability to 30 clubs in the two divisions on ends its season without a club she suffered a fractured skull, Skateboarding is making its host major events. April 30, the day the country’s champion, for the first time but she is now recovering and Olympic debut in Tokyo. Al Jaber pointed out that football season was called off, since 1942. There will be no pro- has posted a video on social me- Brown is hoping to become the FINA general assembly and said at the time they had motion to, or relegation from, dia. Britain’s youngest summer meetings in 2021 will witness agreed to drop plans to hold either of the top two divisions. “I don’t usually post my Olympian in Japan, with the the election of a new board of President of the Qatar Swimming Association, Khalil Al Jaber, also play-offs at the end of August. The Top 14 will therefore re- falls or talk about them because Games postponed until next directors of FINA which will a member of the Board of Directors of the international swimming A press release from the sume on the opening day of the I want people to see the fun in summer because of the corona- govern the federation for the federation had attended the FINA General Congress in Gwangju, LNG’s executive committee 2020-2021 season, scheduled what I do, but this was my worst virus pandemic. next four years. South Korea, in July, 2019. on Tuesday rubber-stamped for September 4. Wednesday, June 3, 2020 13 NBA coaches intent on using ‘power and Tiger Woods urges platform to affect change’

TCA/DPA coaches - we lead groups of Aatlant men, most of whom are Af- calm over ‘shocking’ rican American, and we see, NBA coaches are taking a hear and share their feelings of stand. disgust, frustration, helpless- Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce ness and anger,” the statement last week spoke out against read. “The events of the past racism and the case of George few weeks - police brutality, Basketball Hall of Fame centre George Floyd death Floyd, who died on May 25 racial profiling and the weap- Wes Unseld. after a Minneapolis police of- onization of racism are shame- ficer was recorded pressing his ful, inhumane and intolerable. knee onto Floyd’s neck as he “As a diverse group of lead- Basketball lay on the ground in handcuffs ers, we have a responsibility for nearly nine minutes. The to stand up and speak out for Hall of Famer officer, Derek Chauvin, has those who don’t have a voice since been charged. - and to stand up and speak When Pierce shared his out for those who don’t feel it Wes Unseld thoughts, he mentioned that is safe to do so. Witnessing the it was about more than words murder of George Floyd in cold passes away and expressing emotion - it’s blood and in broad daylight about taking action to address has traumatized our nation, DPA the issue. but the reality is that African Washington As a member of a seven- Americans are targeted and person committee that the victimized on a daily basis. As Wes Unseld, a Hall of Fam- National Basketball Coaches NBA coaches, we cannot treat er and one of just two play- Association created to discuss this as an isolated incident of ers to win the NBA Rookie of issues of race and solutions to outrage. the Year and Most Valuable injustice, Pierce, who volun- “We are committed to Player in the same season, teers with the Georgia Inno- working in our NBA cities with died on Tuesday morning. cence Project and is passion- local leaders, officials and law He was 74. ate about using his platform to enforcement agencies to create A statement from Un- help others, is doing just that. positive change in our commu- seld’s family said he had The committee met for the nities. We have the power and been battling health issues first time on Saturday, met platform to affect change, and for some time, most recently again on Sunday and Tuesday, we will use it.” pneumonia. “He was our Golf star Tiger Woods Pierce said. When it comes to According to ESPN, Pierce hero and loved playing and expresses his shock over what action they’ll take and is joined by Spurs coach Gregg working around the game of tragedy and respect for suggest, they’re focusing on Popovich, Warriors coach basketball for the cities of the law at the same time. what is sustainable. Steve Kerr, Cavaliers coach JB Baltimore and Washington “The action is the challeng- Bickerstaff, Jazz coach Quin DC, cities he proudly wore ing part, because there’s so Snyder, former Knicks and on his chest for so many many things you want to try Grizzlies coach David Fizdale years,” the statement said. and cover and so many things and former Pistons, Magic and After a stellar collegiate that are presented, and ideas,” Heat coach Stan Van Gundy. career at Louisville, Unseld AFP Stand Against racism Pierce said. “But the word was drafted second over- Los Angeles we’re throwing out is ‘sustain- ‘Tons of ideas’ all by the Baltimore Bullets Former West Indies captain Darren Sammy (pictured) has urged cricket’s global governing body and able.’ What’s going to be sus- The committee has dis- in 1968. He averaged 13.8 Golf superstar Tiger Woods its member nations to speak out against social injustice following the death of an African-American tainable, what’s going to have cussed “a ton” of ideas, Pierce points and 18.2 rebounds in called George Floyd’s death a man in US police custody on May 25. a lasting impact?” Monday said, but they’re still in the his first season as the team “shocking tragedy” but said vio- “@ICC and all the other boards are you guys not seeing what’s happening to ppl like me? Are you morning, the NBCA released early stages of brainstorming. jumped from last place to lent protests were not the an- not gonna speak against the social injustice against my kind...” Sammy said in a series of emotional a statement on Floyd’s death. “I don’t know what is going first in the Eastern Division. swer as unrest flared across the tweets. “Now is not the time to be silent. I wanna hear u,” the St Lucia all-rounder, who led West Indies to be attainable, I don’t know Unseld won both Rookie of United States on Monday. to Twenty20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016, said. The 36-year-old said that if the Big support what’s going to be practical, the Year and MVP in 1969, Woods said he had the “ut- world of cricket, even after watching the video of Floyd’s death, did not take a stand, “... The statement was signed whether it’s the NAACP or joining Wilt Chamberlain as most respect” for police and you are also part of the problem”. ICC officials were not immediately available for com- by all 30 current NBA head getting the Innocence Project the only players to receive likened the situation to the ment. His former teammate Chris Gayle also posted a statement on social media, coaches and three former involved, or getting some poli- both awards in the same sea- Los Angeles riots of 1992, af- saying “Black life matters just as any other life!” Gayle said he had experienced ones, and more than 100 ticians that have been working son. He is widely regarded as ter four police were acquitted racist abuse himself during the course of his long career. assistant coaches. It on policy change involved,” the greatest player in Balti- over the beating of motorist The England and Wales Cricket Board tweeted a photo of wicket-keeper Jos begins with heart- Pierce said. “The word ‘sus- more/Washington franchise Rodney King. Buttler, spinner Adil Rashid and their Barbados-born quick Jofra Archer with the felt condolences tainable’ is so important for history. America is witnessing its message: “We stand for diversity, We stand against racism.” and prayers for us because it isn’t just a con- “His physical prowess, most widespread protests since Floyd’s family versation we need to keep undeniable talent and on- the 1960s after Floyd, an un- and continues: having, we do need to get court demeanour may have armed black man, died while utmost respect for our law ber of athletes including NBA Woods, the 15-time major-win- “As NBA coaches into action. struck fear in opponents being arrested in Minneapolis. enforcement. They train so legend Michael Jordan, who ner. “We can make our points - both head and throughout the NBA, but he “My heart goes out to diligently to understand how, said he was “plain angry”, and without burning the very neigh- assistant Atlanta Hawks head will be remembered best as a George Floyd, his loved ones when and where to use force. tennis player Coco Gauff, who bourhoods that we live in. coach Lloyd mentor, leader and friend,” and all of us who are hurting “This shocking tragedy asked: “Am I next?” “I hope that through con- Pierce: Speak- Washington Wizards Gen- right now,” Woods said in a clearly crossed that line.” “I remember the LA riots structive, honest conversa- ing for those eral Manager Tommy Shep- statement on Twitter. Woods’ statement follows and learned that education is tions we can build a safer, who don’t have pard said in a statement. “I have always had the strong comments from a num- the best path forward,” wrote unified society.” voice. Led by the rugged Un- seld, the Bullets reached four NBA Finals in the 1970s, the most of any fran- chise. They won their only England confirm first Windies Test at Ageas Bowl from July 8 championship in 1978, with Unseld earning Finals MVP honours. Unseld spent his AFP delayed because of the coro- staff, broadcasters and media. of bio-security. Both grounds ternational fixtures is seen as million -- an increase of £56 entire 13-year career with London navirus. “We are in daily dialogue have on-site hotels where vital to avoiding a financial million. the franchise, averaging 10.8 The West Indies, who with government and our players and officials can be black hole, with the ECB ac- In March, the ECB points, 14.0 rebounds and England will play three agreed in principle to play medical team, who have been closely monitored for signs of counts for the year 2019/20 launched a £61 million aid 3.9 assists in 984 games. Tests at home against the last week, are due to arrive in incredibly supportive during COVID-19. published Tuesday estimating package to help English crick- The five-time All-Star was West Indies in July, subject England on June 9 and will this period. These are our pro- the deficit to the board from et cope with the financial fall- inducted into the Basketball to government clearance, the be based at Old Trafford for a posed dates and they remain ‘Contingency venue’ a loss of matchday revenues, out from the pandemic. Hall of Fame in 1988. England and Wales Cricket three-week period of quaran- subject to UK government ap- Edgbaston, in Birming- broadcast and sponsorship in- Pakistan are due to arrive Unseld also coached the Board announced on Tuesday. tine and training before trav- proval.” ham, will remain a “contin- come this season at £252 mil- in England for a three-Test franchise from 1988-94, The first Test will take elling down to Southampton. The series should have gency venue” and will be used lion ($316 million). series later in the season, compiling a 202-345 record. place at Southampton’s Ageas England and Wales Crick- started at the Oval in London to stage additional training That followed a previous with England also scheduled He also served as the fran- Bowl from July 8-12, with et Board (ECB) Director of on Thursday, with the sec- throughout July. warning by ECB chief ex- to play limited-overs matches chise’s vice president for six the second and third Tests Events Steve Elworthy said: ond and third Tests originally Last week the ECB an- ecutive Tom Harrison that a against Australia and Ireland. years before coaching and at Emirates Old Trafford in “Our main objective is to de- scheduled for Edgbaston and nounced it was pushing back wiped out season could cost The ECB said a decision on as general manager from Manchester on July 16-20 and liver a safe environment for Lord’s. the start of its domestic sea- the English game £380 mil- those matches and the wom- 1996-2003. Unseld also was July 24-28. all stakeholders including The ECB decided to move son until August at the earli- lion. en’s internationals against In- active in the Baltimore and The series had been due players, match officials, op- the matches to the Ageas Bowl est. Tuesday saw the ECB re- dia and South Africa would be Washington communities. to take place in June but was erational staff, essential venue and Old Trafford for reasons But going ahead with in- port a record turnover of £228 made at a later date.

Ashamed of myself after watching Kohli’s fitness: Tamim Stokes can be England’s ‘captain fantastic’: Root

Tribune News Network but he is training so much and AFP England’s triumphant World DOHA I have not doing even half of London Cup campaign and scored a it. We have a great example in stupendous unbeaten Test Bangladesh opening bats- our team as well, Mushfiqur England skipper Joe Root hundred as England beat Aus- man Tamim Iqbal has said Rahim manages himself well believes Ben Stokes would tralia at Headingley. that he was ashamed on seeing regarding fitness,” he added. make a “fantastic captain” if he Although England want the training regime of Indian During his initial days of has to hand over the reins when to keep their squad in a secure skipper Virat Kohli. international cricket, Kohli he becomes a father again. “bubble” to prevent the spread Iqbal said that the incident was fond of chicken which he The England and Wales of COVID-19, they have said happened two-three years has admitted several times Cricket Board (ECB) still plan players will be allowed to spend back as he thought to himself during media interaction. to stage a full international pro- time between matches with that why he cannot do the But in 2013, the 31-year-old gramme despite the coronavi- their families. same even when he is the same batsman intentionally shifted rus-shortened season. England’s captain Joe Root (left) with teammate Ben Stokes. (AFP) “The start of July is the due age as Kohli. his focus to fitness, diet, and The schedule will begin with date, so that complicates things “I must say this, it is not India skipper Virat Kohli during a training. a three-Test series against the “I think if Ben was captain and gets the best out of the play- slightly,” said Root. because I am talking to an workout session. (Virat Kohli/ Instagram) Now he has become punc- West Indies, starting on July 8 he would be fantastic,” said ers around him.” “In terms of the bubble, Indian commentator, India tual about his diet which has at Southampton -- around the Root. and the pregnancy, it’s always is our neighbour so what- in a videocast hosted by ESP- given him a different character time that Root’s wife is due to “One of his great qualities Nightclub incident an evolving thing, it’s being ever things they do, it affects NCricinfo. on and off the field. give birth to their second child. as vice-captain and as a leader Stokes was restored to the discussed currently with the Bangladesh as well. We follow “I have no shame in ad- The comparisons between The England captain said is he sets the example, the way England vice-captaincy after medical team.” what is happening in India, mitting this, when I saw Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday that he would at- he goes about his training, how missing the 2017/18 Ashes in The ECB confirmed the re- when India changed its ap- Kohli running around two- have also kept on growing and tend the birth come what may, he wants to bowl in difficult cir- Australia, before being acquit- vised dates for the West Indies proach towards fitness, it im- three years ago, I was ashamed many have picked the current with Stokes in line to take over. cumstances, the way he stands ted on an affray charge fol- series on Tuesday and Root pacted Bangladesh the most,” of myself, I thought this is a Indian skipper to break the re- Root has no doubt the star up in different scenarios with lowing an incident outside a said it would be a huge boost Iqbal told Sanjay Manjrekar guy who is probably my age, cords set by Tendulkar. all-rounder would cope with the the bat. nightclub. Since then he has for the game even if they are extra burdens of captaincy. “He drags people with him played a starring role during behind closed doors.