THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 SPORTS Bombers banned from AFL finals in supplements saga

MELBOURNE: Essendon has been banned described it as a “sorry saga” and said it charged Essendon, Hird, the club’s doctor laid against any Essendon player, although ments used in the club’s sports science from the Australian Football League finals was the most significant sanction ever and two other officials with bringing the the AFL made it clear its sanctions were for program, the controversy rose to another series and fined $2 million in the first imposed in the league. game into disrepute. Hird, who was a star governance and management failings. level last week when the AFL released a major sanctions imposed since national Yesterday, Hird told media outside his player for the club before becoming coach, Essendon chairman Paul Little said Hird letter from Reid - written in January 2012 - anti-doping authorities revealed a wide- Melbourne home that he took a “level of received the harshest ban. Football man- had shown remorse, had taken the fall for protesting the “ludicrous” use of supple- ranging investigation into the use of responsibility” for what had occurred. ager Danny Corcoran was banned for six the club, and would be welcomed back as ments at the club. banned substances in professional sports. “There’s things that went on at our foot- months and assistant coach Mark coach when his ban expired. Little later Reid wrote the letter to Hird, among oth- The AFL Commission announced the ball club that shouldn’t have happened Thompson was fined $30,000. said Hird will be offered a contract exten- ers, saying drugs were given to players with- sanctions Tuesday against the club and last year, and as senior coach I have to take Club doctor Bruce Reid is fighting the sion and could coach the team again in the out his knowledge and that “we are playing three of its staff, including a 12-month some responsibility for what happened charges and is expected to face the AFL 2015 season. “James Hird told the commis- at the edge and this will read extremely bad- ban for head coach James Hird for bring- and not doing more to stop it,” Hird said. commission again today. Essendon, one of sion tonight he had taken responsibility for ly in the press for our club.” ing the game into disrepute. Commission The Bombers, who were in seventh the biggest clubs in the most-followed the shortcomings in the 2012 supplements Players were allegedly injected with sub- chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said the place and had already qualified for next football league in Australia, will be program,” Little said. The AFL has urged stances including AOD9604, now listed by Bombers had set up a supplements pro- month’s finals, have been under investiga- deemed to have finished ninth in the 2013 sports scientist Stephen Dank, a central WADA as a banned substance. Hird initially gram that was “experimental, inappropri- tion by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping competition and will lose their first- and figure in the 2012 supplements program at said the letter, gathered as part of the ASA- ate and inadequately vetted and con- Agency and the AFL since February over second-round picks for next season’s play- the Bombers who had worked at other DA investigation, was a deliberate attempt trolled” and failed to protect the health, the club’s 2012 supplements program. er draft under the sanctions imposed by football clubs in Australia, to meet with by the league to discredit him. He launched welfare and safety of players. After receiving an interim report of the the AFL. The ASADA investigation is con- league and ASADA officials. After months legal action but withdrew the action after AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou investigations earlier this month, the AFL tinuing and no doping charges have been of leaks and reports about the supple- two days of meetings with the AFL.—AP Ryan a near-lock to be first coach fired

NEW YORK: Even with the start of the knew. NFL season nearly two weeks away, you In hindsight, putting Buddy’s reputa- don’t need a Las Vegas bookmaker to tion for handling QBs alongside Rex’s, it’s pick a favorite for the first coach likely to probable that whenever the word “quar- be fired. It’s Rex Ryan. At the rate he’s terback” came up during those study ses- burning through whatever goodwill is sions, it was followed by words like “crush” left on the Jets’ side of town, he’ll be and “destroy.” Based on the way Rex Ryan lucky to still be working the sideline has brought Sanchez along, not to men- when they kick it off for real Sept. 8 tion his flirtation with Tim Tebow, it’s clear against Tampa Bay. his thinking hasn’t evolved much. Ryan was eerily calm at a news confer- “I like where our quarterbacks are,” ence Monday, fending off question after Ryan said at one point Monday. There’s no question about: a) his bizarre decision to point in reciting preseason stats, but suf- risk quarterback Mark Sanchez’ health fice it to say Ryan is in denial. At least that late in Saturday night’s preseason game may explain his eerie calm. Sanchez has against the crosstown Giants; and b) the rarely been a serviceable NFL quarter- even-more bizarre postgame meltdown back, and after Ryan sent him back into during which Ryan did everything - Saturday night’s meaningless game including invoking the Constitution - to behind a line made up of scrubs, he’s as avoid explaining that decision. far away as ever. Top draft pick Geno “Do I regret that he got injured? Of Smith threw three interceptions in the course,” Ryan finally acknowledged a day same game and just for good measure, and a half later. “But again, I’m not going stepped out of the end zone in a panic to say anything more about it, because I and got whistled for a safety. covered that already.” Ryan’s job was already on the line at Not surprising, the next question was the end of last season. Idzik inherited him whether Jets owner Woody Johnson or and barely needs an excuse to disown new general manager John Idzik had him. Even so, Ryan handed him all the spoken to Ryan about his performance excuses he needed Saturday night. Asked Saturday night. about Sanchez and how he planned to “No. Absolutely not,” Ryan replied, solve the glaring quarterbacking problem before heading for the exit. Even if that’s on his hands, Ryan threw a fit. Like a man true, he’ll be called to the principal’s office walking on coals, he shuffled from side to ZURICH: Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (right) receives Fuleco, the mascot of the FIFA Football World Cup Brazil 2014 from FIFA President soon enough. Ryan came to town four side and even narrated the scene. Sepp Blatter, during his visit to the Home of FIFA in Zurich. —AFP years ago with impeccable defensive cre- “I’ll stand backwards and answer the dentials, plenty of bluster and a promise question,” he said, then segued into, “I’m to win championships. Instead, his tenure going sideways.” Bolt sees greatness in has provided a textbook study on why If Johnson and Idzik are genuinely wor- some very smart coordinators aren’t cut ried about the Jets’ season, let alone the out to be head coaches: They talk a great team’s reputation, they might as well start game, but they only really “get” what hap- negotiating the severance check now and 3rd Olympic triple gold pens on what used to be their side of the nudge Ryan in the direction of the back ball. door. His stay began with plenty of fan- ZURICH: Usain Bolt aims to achieve greatness with ters, across the city from the stadium where he will Ukrainian when taking the world title in Moscow. In Ryan’s case, it almost seems genetic. fare and some impressive results - back- a third Olympic triple gold-medal haul at the 2016 run today. Bolt was greeted on arrival by FIFA “Many people wait for the world record. I can’t His father, Buddy, was the same way. It’s to-back losses in the AFC championship Rio de Janeiro Games. “To actually go to Rio and President Sepp Blatter, and later accepted a blue just decide when I jump the world record, or I also why Ryan’s twin brother, Rob, cur- game - but like Buddy, given enough win again would be a feat in itself,” Bolt said yester- FIFA football shirt bearing his name and the No. 9. would do it,” said Bondarenko, who looked forward rently in New Orleans beginning his time, he wears a team out. day, speaking ahead of the Weltklasse Diamond Blatter joked that nine seconds was probably to competing in a more relaxed setting Thursday. “I fourth stint as a defensive coordinator in The Jets are tired, or else incapable, of League meeting. the limit for Bolt, whose 100 world record set in think this is good because emotions get in the way the NFL, probably won’t ever get a shot. cashing the checks Rex writes with his The Jamaican will run in the 100 meters on 2009 stands at 9.58. Bolt suggested he was capa- of jumping.” Ethiopian rivals Meseret Defar and There’s a neat little story about how mouth. More than a few coaches and GMs Thursday after a world championship sweep in the ble of running in the 9.70s at Weltklasse, where a Tirunesh Dibaba rarely race each other outside of the old man reacted when both sons were who were fired last season got pink slips 100, 200 and 4x100 relay in Moscow, where he warm, still evening is forecast. major championships, yet the winners of the past finishing college and told Buddy they because they couldn’t develop a quarter- talked of working hard to attain “the greatness “I have gotten a lot of rest,” said Bolt, who last three Olympic titles over 5,000 will clash over that wanted to follow him into the profession: back, let alone uncover one already on thing.” He completed the same triple at the past year in cool, wet conditions set a Weltklasse meet distance in Zurich. “It’s a prestige-laden race - and He piled them into the car and drove to a the roster. Ryan has proven he’s not about two Olympics and is focused on repeating in Rio. record of 19.66 in the 200. “This track is always a yes, it’s very expensive,” said meet director Patrick motel not far from his family home in to learn any new tricks, and after the stunt “For me, the key thing is just to go to defend my fast track and I’ve run some fast times here.” Magyar, describing his efforts to make the match Oklahoma. Buddy spent the next two he pulled Saturday night, he’s going to titles, and that’s my focus,” Bolt said. “It would be He ran a season’s-best 9.77 in Moscow and as perhaps the toughest of his career. days making them watch film morning have a hard time finding anyone to bail the first time anybody has ever won three times in rivals Thursday include worlds runner-up Justin Magyar also accepted Caster Semenya of South until night, teaching them everything he him out. — AP a row.” Bolt became the most decorated athlete in Gatlin of the United States and Jamaican bronze Africa, who missed the worlds through injury, into world championships history this month, with his medalist Nesta Carter. Though Bolt is the star the 800 meters after taking the word of her coach, career tally of eight golds and two silvers lifting attraction, the sold-out Letzigrund stadium will Maria Mutola, who holds the record for wins at the him above American great Carl Lewis. also focus on stellar fields for the men’s high jump prestigious Weltklasse meet. DA: Charges won’t be Three more gold for Bolt in Rio would still leave and women’s 5,000. Last month in Switzerland, “If Maria tells me Caster is in shape to beat any- him trailing Lewis’ Olympic track and field record Bohdan Bondarenko barely failed to clear 2.46 body in this race, I have to believe her,” said of nine gold and one silver. meters at the Athletissima meeting in Lausanne, Magyar, who has a special send-off planned for a filed against Pippen “I won’t be adding a fourth event in Rio, for which would have lifted him above a cherished retiring American long jump star. sure,” said the 27-year-old Bolt, whose 34th birth- record in track and field. Dwight Phillips, the 2004 Athens Olympics gold LOS ANGELES: Prosecutors won’t file crimi- the mouth and kicked him several times. The day could fall during the 2020 Summer Games. Cuban great Javier Sotomayor’s 20-year-old medalist and four-time world champion, will com- nal charges against Scottie Pippen for fight- last memory Shafighi had before losing con- Bolt’s news conference was held at FIFA headquar- mark of 2.45 survived another challenge by the pete in his final competition at the age of 35.—AP ing with an autograph seeker who authori- sciousness was seeing Pippen’s foot coming ties say was drunk and exaggerated his toward his face, the report said. injuries, including faking seizures after claim- Pippen admitted spitting at Shafighi and ing the former Chicago Bulls star punched pushing him away, but prosecutors said that Broad hits back at Vaughan him in the face. based on witness accounts, it was unclear The Los Angeles County district attorney’s whether Pippen was the aggressor or acted office said Tuesday there was insufficient evi- in self-defense. Shafighi, who has filed a $4 criticism of England squad dence to bring assault charges against million lawsuit against Pippen, was taken to a Pippen for the altercation with Camran hospital with a possible concussion. All tests LONDON: England Twenty20 captain spectful to the side that’s going to go go and watch England beat Australia, since been suggestions fast-medium Shafighi at Nobu, a restaurant and celebrity showed there wasn’t any internal trauma, but Stuart Broad has accused former out on the field. “There’s guys who that’s it.” Meanwhile, Broad said he bowler Broad may need additional hangout on the beach in Malibu. Shafighi returned to the hospital later and skipper Michael Vaughan of being have performed throughout the was looking forward to returning to security in Australia in order to pro- Pippen was dining with his family on June told doctors he had been diagnosed with “disrespectful” for criticising the deci- county season to get a chance at the Australia despite comments from tect him from over-zealous home 24 when he was approached by Shafighi fractured ribs and ankle, the report said. The sion to rest several leading players international level. “As an ODI team, Australia coach Darren Lehmann to a fans looking to act on Lehmann’s inside the restaurant. Pippen obliged to have only visible physical injuries were a small from the upcoming one-day interna- we’re building towards that 2015 Melbourne radio station that he comments. a photo taken but not with Shafighi, and bruise on Shafighi’s chin and a cut to his lip. tionals against Australia. World Cup (where) you need to have hoped the hosts’ fans would “send “I’ll feel like a rock star with some then Shafighi followed the retired NBA for- Shafighi, whose blood sample turned up Test skipper Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, a big group of players going into that Broad home crying” after calling him big heavies behind me. I’m not con- ward outside into the parking lot. He again positive for opiates and a 0.18 percent James Anderson, Graeme Swann and World Cup with experience of inter- a cheat for not walking when he was cerned at all,” he said. “I’ve toured asked for a photo and an autograph from blood-alcohol level - twice the legal limit for Broad himself, who all featured in the national caps. caught during the first Test at Trent Australia a couple of times. I’ve Pippen, who said no. driving - also feigned having seizures, recent 3-0 Ashes series win, were all “They wouldn’t be in the squad if Bridge. always loved Australia, it’s a fantastic Pippen told investigators Shafighi according to the report. The seizures ended left out of the squads announced they’re not good enough to play and Lehmann was fined by the place to go with great restaurants became irate, “grabbing at him, cursing him when the doctor ordered him to stop them. Tuesday for the lone one-dayer that ODI squad will be very focused International Cricket Council for his and good bars. “I see that as being no and then spit in his face,” according to a The physician who examined Shafighi against Ireland and the five-match on beating Australia. “I know if I was remarks and apologised to Broad different. report by the district attorney’s office. told investigators he believed Shafighi was ODI campaign against Australia. paying to go and watch, I’d want to during the Oval Test. But there have “At the end of the day we are Shafighi, 49, said Pippen punched him in “making up stuff,” the report said. Pippen’s Australia too have made whole- going to Australia to win the Ashes attorney, Mark Geragos, indicated his client sale changes-only seven of their 18- and play games of cricket. “That will will sue. “This shakedown artist was drunk, man ODI squad played in the Test be the players’ job. The rest of the off- screaming racial slurs, and assaulted my series-and it’s clear both countries are field stuff is up to the ECB (England client and his family,” Geragos said. “Scottie already looking ahead to the return and Wales Cricket Board) to sort out. and his family are grateful to the sheriff for Ashes in Australia in November. “I “I’m certainly not going to be their investigation and DA for their decision would have only rested Captain looking over my shoulder.” Broad’s to reject these unfounded charges. Scottie Cook.. Plenty of time to rest from focus is firmly fixed on the two-match and his family plan on holding this man Sept 16th - Nov 21st!!!? Can’t sell tick- Twenty20 international series. accountable for his outrageous actions.” ets then rest 5 star names!!!!,” Australia have not won an interna- Steve Kaplan, a spokesman for Shafighi’s Vaughan wrote on Twitter. tional fixture since February 10 this lawyer Lee Boyd, said they were reviewing “No problems resting players but I year and it is a run Broad would love the report and couldn’t immediately com- think Supporters who have paid to extend. “We know Australia are a ment. Pippen, 47, won six NBA titles with good money to watch the best dangerous team and we know they Michael Jordan and the Bulls. In 1996, he should get a small refund.” will be hungry to beat England. was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest However, England Twenty20 cap- They’ve not beaten England in players. He was inducted into the Basketball tain Broad, who will lead his side in England since June 2010 in any for- Hall of Fame in 2010. Pippen now serves as the first T20 international against mat. “It’s up to us to continue that special adviser to the Bulls’ president and Australia in Southampton on form and that responsibility falls on Scottie Pippen chief operating officer.—AP Thursday, said Wednesday: “I think these players. It’s an exciting respon- they’re (Vaughan’s comments) disre- Stuart Broad sibility.”—AFP