18 Established 1961 Thursday, May 21, 2020 Sports

Photo of the day No British Grand Prix without quarantine exemptions: F1 LONDON: A British Grand Prix would be “impossi- ble” this year if elite sport is not exempt from 14-day quarantine restrictions when entering the United Kingdom, Formula One said on Tuesday. Silverstone is planning to host two races behind closed doors this summer, subject to government approval, to make up for some of the lost time in the 2020 F1 season with 10 races already either cancelled or postponed. Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle says an agreement in principle has been reached with Formula One to hold the races at the central England circuit, immediately after the season begins in Austria. However, the UK government’s coronavirus recovery strategy document set out an intention to introduce a 14-day quarantine rule for international arrivals. “A 14-day quarantine would make it impossible to have a British Grand Prix this year,” a Formula One spokesperson told AFP. “Additionally it has a major impact on literally tens of thousands of jobs linked to F1 and supply chains. “We would be travelling back to the UK on F1- only occupied aircraft and all staff would be tested making a quarantine totally unnecessary. “If all elite sport is to return to TV then exemptions must be provided.” Seven of the 10 teams on the grid have bases in England. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament last week the return of sport on televi- sion would “provide a much-needed boost to national morale”. F1 organisers are hoping to start the season with the Austrian Grand Prix on July 5 behind closed doors, followed by a second race at the same venue a week later. It was hoped Silverstone could then host two races in the final two weekends in July. MUNICH: Jaime Mateu performs at the Munich Mash 2019 Red Bull Roller Coaster in Munich, Germany. —Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com Should quarantine measures not be lifted for elite sport then they could also have a major impact on the participation of British sides in European football competition. –AFP NFL expands Rooney Rule to boost diversity, backs off incentive proposal Brady conducts two-hour workout with new NFL teammates

LOS ANGELES: NFL teams must interview at least son, just one went to a minority candidate and only two minority candidates when looking to fill a head three of the past 20 head-coaching openings were coaching position under a resolution passed on filled by a person of color, according to NFL.com. Tuesday by team owners that is designed to The owners on Tuesday failed to pass a resolu- increase diversity, the league said. tion that would have rewarded teams that hired Under the expanded Rooney Rule, clubs will also minorities with improved positions in the NFL Draft. be required to interview at least one minority candi- Critics had said the proposal could have led to ten- date for coordinator positions and at least one sions between coaches across the league and could external minority candidate for the senior football give off the perception that someone was hired to operations or general manager position. improve the team’s draft prospects and not because Clubs must also include minorities or female he or she was the best candidate for the job. applicants in the interview processes for a variety of Meanwhile, six-time Super Bowl champion quar- senior level front office positions including club terback Tom Brady worked out with his new Tampa president as well as senior executives in communica- Bay Buccaneers teammates for about two hours in tions, finance, human resources and legal. early morning drills at a Tampa prep school Tuesday. The NFL said the Brady, who spent 20 league will also adhere to seasons with the New the requirements. “The England Patriots before NFL is committed to signing with the Bucs in diversity, equity, and inclu- March, was shown in pho- sion, which I believe is tographs by the Tampa Bay critical to our continued Positive Times wearing a helmet success,” NFL commis- strides and shoulder pads with an sioner Roger Goodell said. orange jersey, although not “While we have seen one bearing his traditional positive strides in our number 12. coaching ranks over the According to the news- TAMPA BAY: File photo taken on December 28, 2019, Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots calls out years aided by the Rooney paper, Brady displayed plays during a game against the . Brady worked out with his new Rule, we recognize, after the last two seasons, that solid arm strength and directed many of his new teammates for about two hours in early morning drills at a Tampa prep school. —AFP we can and must do more,” he said. receivers, walking through routes at times to show “The policy changes made today are bold and where on the field he liked having his targets make $50 million with Tampa Bay, took shotgun snaps After the workout, Brady spent about half an demonstrate the commitment of our ownership to cuts in the 7-9 a.m. session. from Bucs center Ryan Jensen before launching his hour with his new teammates sitting in the increase diversity in leadership positions throughout Buccaneers receivers running deep routes and spirals in humid conditions as he tries to learn coach stands and building chemistry he hopes will pay the league.” The Rooney Rule, named after former taking passes from Brady included Mike Evans and Bruce Arians’ offensive schemes. off with a trip to the Super Bowl, set for next NFL diversity committee chairman , was Scotty Miller, with running back Dare NFL training facilities have been closed due to February in Tampa. originally introduced in the NFL in 2003 and Ogunbowale, tight ends Cameron Brate and O.J. the coronavirus pandemic but that didn’t stop Brady Brady is set to play in a charity made-for-televi- obliged clubs to interview at least one minority can- Howard and quarterbacks Ryan Griffin and Blaine from starting to develop a rhythm with his new sion golf event Sunday with former NFL quarter- didate for every senior role. Gabbert also on hand. teammates on an artificial turf field at Berkeley back Peyton Manning and US golf stars Phil Of the five head-coaching vacancies this offsea- Brady, who signed a two-year NFL deal worth Prep, closed to students due to the virus outbreak. Mickelson and Tiger Woods. —Agencies

Blacks employers. He was consistently one of the better play- NFL’s Baker, Dunbar Ma’a Nonu, counted All Blacks team mate Tana Umaga saw ers in the side having developed strong distri- Nonu as a potential all-time great just months bution skills, an adept short kicking game and plead not guilty to among the greats of after making his and test debut ability to help organise the defence. in 2003, but he failed to cement a regular But it was his try in the 2015 World Cup starting spot during ’s early final against Australia that demonstrated all robbery charges rugby coaching tenure. the attacking attributes that prompted Umaga MIAMI: NFL cornerbacks Quinton Dunbar and WELLINGTON: Nine seconds of supreme Limited to a bit part role with the All Blacks to believe he was destined for greateness. DeAndre Baker have formally pleaded not guilty to balance and explosive power in the 2015 and then snubbed for the 2007 World Cup His ability to spot space and exploit it, charges of armed robbery in Florida. Seattle World Cup final underscores exactly why squad, Nonu infuriated fans by agreeing to explosive speed off the mark, superb balance, Seahawks defender Dunbar formally entered his plea Ma’a Nonu is counted among the greats of join an Australian rugby league club. a massive sidestep off both feet and enough in Broward County Circuit Court on Tuesday, a day . However, he never finalised the contract top-end pace to hold off outside backs led to after the New York Giants’ Baker pleaded not guilty. Nonu, who turns 38 on Thursday, was and was given an All Blacks lifeline when the All Blacks establishing a 21-3 lead shortly Both men’s attorneys have asked for a jury trial, and assistant coach Wayne Smith convinced Henry after halftime. Dunbar’s lawyer, Michael Grieco, said he thought his painted early on as selfish and one-dimen- sional, a player more concerned with style to make him their first-choice inside centre in Nonu simply described the try as “lucky” client’s next court hearing could come within weeks. 2008. having received “a good pass” from Sonny Bill Grieco told the Seattle Times that he continued to than substance for daring to wear eyeliner and hope the case against his client would be dropped, dying his dreadlocks blonde. Despite the stability Nonu attained as a Williams. saying he had produced five affidavits from four vic- His difficult relationship with the media saw regular in the All Blacks midfield he continued That quiet, self-effacing reply as he went tims and one witness who say that Dunbar did not few develop a complete understanding of him, to polarise. into international retirement was an indication take part in any criminal activity. but his team mates have described him as In 2011, coach that Nonu always believed in the ‘team first’ Broward County prosecutor Aaron Passy, however, intensely loyal and having a sharp sense of reportedly clashed with Nonu over his atti- ethos that both Henry and his successor Steve called the affidavits “suspect”. Both Dunbar and humour. tude and influence over the younger squad Hansen expected of players. Baker are facing four charges of armed robbery in He has also been known to turn up unan- members and told him to find another team. “The time I have had with these players has connection with an alleged May 13 incident at a party While he appeared disinterested at Super been special,” Nonu added after his 103rd and at a home in Miramar, near Miami, where witnesses nounced at his former secondary school to help with coaching and also played for his Rugby level over the next three seasons, those final test. told the police the two took thousands of dollars in lacklustre performances were not repeated “Life goes on but we’ll always be cash, expensive watches and other valuables from local club in Wellington at every opportu- guests. —AFP nity, often to the annoyance of his All with the All Blacks. brothers.” —Reuters