The Heat lead 21-11 in the first quarter. But the Celtics climbed back in the second to tie the game at 46 in halftime. The Heat however pulled away in the second half.

LeBron James scored 32 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade scored 22 points (10 in the fourth quarter) for Miami.

Kevin Garnett scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo scored 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for Boston.

Game 2 is on Wednesday in Miami.

AP Photo / Lynn Sladky

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Robert “Sandy” Vietze, 18, was arrested by police at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on early Wednesday morning after an overnight flight from Portland in Oregon. He allegedly stood up during the flight and urinated on an 11-year-old girl while her father – a Stage 4 cancer patient – was in the lavatory himself.

News reports said Vietze was drunk when the incident happened, but it was not immediately clear if he had been given alcohol by JetBlue or if he was already drunk when he boarded the flight. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21.

Doug Haney, the chief press officer for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), said Vietze was previously nominated to the U.S. Development Alpine Ski Team for the 2011-12 season. He has now been dismissed from the team.

“Based on the information we have, Sandy Vietze is in violation of the USSA code of conduct and team agreement, and has been dismissed from the team,” said USSA Executive Vice President of Athletics Luke Bodensteiner.

Vietze is also facing misdemeanor charges of indecent exposure, which could result in a fine and up to one year in jail if convicted.

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Charges were brought against the Hungarian and Bosnian referees after they were found guilty of match fixing during an international tournament in Antalya, Turkey, on February 9. During the matches, Latvia against Bolivia and Estonia versus Bulgaria, all the goals were scored from penalties.

The six match officials have been banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level for life. They were found guilty of passive corruption and unlawfully influencing match results, according to the FIFA disciplinary code.

The BBC reported that the Hungarian referees are being held by police in their country while authorities are further investigating the match-fixing accusations. The Bosnian officials denied the charges at the hearing but were found guilty.

The two friendly matches were fixed for a betting scam, which has become an important case as FIFA attempts to bolster its fight against match-fixing. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee meeting also examined the case of Lisle Austin, head of the Barbados Football Association.

Austin was punished by FIFA after he lodged a claim in the ordinary courts in the Bahamas to succeed Jack Warner as president of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

Austin was initially made interim president when Warner was suspended on bribery charges, but was himself suspended when he attempted to remove Chuck Blazer from his position as General Secretary of CONCACAF. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to ban Austin from taking part in any football-related activity for a period of one year.

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According to eyewitnesses, Gómez, who is also known as “Bolillo,” went to a local bar known as “El Bembe” on Saturday evening while he was accompanied by a woman. At 1.30 a.m. local time, as they were leaving the bar, Gómez allegedly started arguing with his female companion and hit her at least four times.

The assault was then anonymously reported to the Colombia radio station “La W Radio,” after which rumors about the incident quickly spread. Gómez was strongly criticized for allegedly hitting a woman.

El Tiempo reported that pressure exerted by the Bavaria brewery, which is the most important sponsor for the Colombian national football team, was one of the main factors for Gómez’ resignation.

Hours after resigning, Gómez was sued for injuries he allegedly caused. Lawyer Carlos José Castro filed the lawsuit against Gómez, protected under a new law which says that the alleged victim does not need to report the crime herself to start judicial action against the aggressor.

Speaking to El Tiempo, Gómez admitted that he had made a mistake which caused him family and professional problems and ultimately led him to resign his position in the Colombian national football team. He also said he was willing to get professional help.

Gómez started as Colombia’s coach in April 2010 with the promise he would take Colombia’s team to the World Cup. The Colombian national football team has not participated in the World Cup since 1998.

The Colombian Football Federation has not yet named a successor for Gomez but Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino and Leonel Álvarez have been mentioned as possible replacements. Martino just resigned as the coach for Paraguay’s national team after achieving second place in the Copa America championship and Leonel Álvarez is the current technical assistant for the Colombian national football team.

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According to local police, Smith’s caretaker found him at his Baldwin Hills home. The cause of his death is still uncertain, but the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said Smith’s death was apparently from natural causes.

Smith, of Beaumont, Texas, was selected first overall in the 1967 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts after a successful collegiate career in Michigan State University. With the Colts, the two-time Pro-Bowler won Super Bowl V in 1970. He was later traded to the Oakland Raiders and finished his career with the Houston Oilers.

After his professional football career, Smith began acting and landing small roles in movies and TV shows. He is commonly remembered for portraying Moses Hightower in the comedy movie series ‘Police Academy’ in which his large size – 6 foot 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 300 pounds – was especially highlighted.

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U.S.’ Alex Morgan opened the match’s scoreboard at the 69th minute, but just nine minutes before the match ended, Japan’s Aya Miyama scored the equalizer on the 81 minute marker, forcing overtime periods. At minute 104, Abby Wambach scored what seemed to be the game winner for the U.S., but Japan stayed focused and resilient until the team was able to score another equalizer on 117 minute by Homare Sawe.

During the penalty shootout, the U.S. team missed one of their four shots, while Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori saved two shots to carry the team to its first World Cup championship victory with a 3-1 shootout. Defender Saki Kumagai hit the last and decisive goal.

“The Americans had some great attacking play, but our defensive line was very well organized,” Japanese coach Norio Sasaki stated. “The players were patient, they wanted to win this game, and I think it’s because of that the Americans scored only two goals.”

However, Sasaki said his team had luck in the penalty shootout, and went on to say the team “got some help from my football god!” Despite winning the championship match, he also noted some points of criticism, saying that the team was somewhat rigid at times and did not always play out its strategy.

“Our defensive was very focused and organized, very much like the game against Germany,” Sasaki stated, but he said the team did not get into the game 100 percent.

Meanwhile, U.S. coach Pia Sundhage praised the Japanese team, saying that they play “comfortable with the ball even when they are behind and that kind of thing is good for women’s football.”

“Playing in the final at the highest level, you have to take your chances, and we weren’t sharp enough with the two goals conceded and that is why we didn’t win the game.,” Sundhage added.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS (BNO NEWS) — Basketball superstar Yao Ming on Friday announced his retirement after nine years with the Houston Rockets of the NBA, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Ming, 30, of Shanghai, China, who has suffered from recurrent injuries, played out his entire NBA career with the Rockets after being drafted number one overall in 2002. He had previously played for five years for the Chinese Basketball Association’s Shanghai Sharks, where he began playing as a teenager. He would later buy the team in July 2009 after the Sharks faced severe financial issues.

Since his appearance in the NBA, Ming, an eight-time NBA All-Star, was selected to the NBA Second Team on two occasions (2007 and 2009). He was also voted second in the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, which was awarded to Amar’e Stoudemire, although he would be unanimously chosen as part of the NBA All-Rookie First Team selection.

Ming had a huge impact for the NBA’s Asian audience, especially China, further globalizing the league’s market. Measuring 7 foot 6 inches (2.29 meters) and weighing 310 pounds (141 kilograms), he was the tallest active player during his career. Despite only missing two games due to injury during his first two seasons, he would be plagued by injuries over the next six seasons in which he missed a total of 250 games. He would miss the entire 2009-10 season and only played five games last season.

In 486 professional games in the NBA, Ming averaged 19 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.9 blocked shots, and 1.6 assists per game.

Ming is one of the most popular athletes in China, and one of the most recognized celebrities. He led Forbes’ Chinese celebrities list in income and popularity for six straight years, earning $ 51 million (357 million yuan) in 2008. Much of his income comes from multimillion dollar sponsorship deals, but he has consistently participated in charity events, donating $ 2 million for relief work alone after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

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LOS ANGELES (BNO NEWS) — The Los Angeles dodgers on Monday announced that the organization filed for bankruptcy protection after owing around $ 30 million in payroll obligations, Major League Baseball (MLB) reported.

Frank McCourt, Dodgers’ owner, sought the intervention of the court after MLB interfered with the organization’s operations and Commissioner Bud Selig rejected a $ 3 billion television deal with Fox Sports. The acclaimed franchise is now likely to be sold in the near future.

Selig claimed that the lucrative deal would not be beneficial for the club on the long term as well as for the best interests of baseball. On the other hand, McCourt said that Selig’s actions have been risking the finances of the team.

“It is my hope that the Chapter 11 process will create a fair and constructive environment to get done what we couldn’t achieve with the Commissioner directly,” said McCourt in a statement.

Reportedly, the 17-year agreement between Los Angeles Dodgers and Fox Sports would have injected $ 235 million into the organization immediately in order to cover the team’s payroll. The current television deal with FOX runs out in 2013.

“This transaction would make the Dodgers financially secure for the long term and one of the best capitalized teams in Major League Baseball,” said Steve Susman, senior partner of Susman Godfrey. “Commissioner Selig’s letter of rejection is not only a disappointment, but worse, is potentially destructive to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and MLB.”

In late April, Selig appointed Thomas Schieffer, former president of the Texas Rangers, to monitor operations of Los Angeles Dodgers franchise after the league took over the organization due to the financial issues of McCourt.

In addition, MLB urged McCourt to settle his divorce dispute with Jamie McCourt, his wife of 29 years who also served as CEO of the club until 2009. Frank and Jamie reportedly reached an agreement but the FOX deal was rejected anyway.

This was the third time in recent MLB history that the Commissioner’s office has taken over operations of a club. Last year, the Texas Rangers, the American League champions, were placed under operational control of MLB. The situation was resolved in a bankruptcy court and the team was sold for $ 550 million.

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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND (BNO NEWS) — Jack Warner, Vice-President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), resigned on Monday from his position in the international body after being involved in the organization’s bribery scandal.

The resignation was accepted by FIFA’s governing body which said it regrets the turn of events that led to Warner’s decision. The former FIFA Vice-President was accused of being involved in a bribery scandal.

Warner was provisionally suspended by the FIFA Ethics Committee along with three other Executive Committee Members for alleged violations of the organization’s Code of Ethics. He was under investigation over the issue.

However, as a consequence of Warner’s self-determined resignation, FIFA closed all Ethics Committee procedures against him and the presumption of innocence was maintained.

Many football associations demanded a thorough probe by FIFA on the scandal but Monday’s actions may leave the issue unresolved. Warner was accused of giving away bribes in relation to the past presidential election in which Joseph Blatter, who was also investigated over the scandal, was re-elected for a fourth term.

The former FIFA Vice-President and Mohamed Bin Hammam, an Executive Committee Member, were accused of paying bribes of 680,000 Euros (around $ 970,000) to Caribbean associations in order to secure their votes.

After his suspension, Warner published an e-mail in which FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke suggested that Bin Hammam bought the 2022 World Cup for the benefit of Qatar. He also threatened to reveal more ‘dark’ secrets from FIFA’s governing body.

Warner was a member of FIFA for nearly 30 years. He officially said that he step down from his position to focus on his important work on behalf of the people and government of his native Trinidad and Tobago.

The ex-FIFA Vice-President will serve as Cabinet Minister and as the Chairman of the United National Congress, the major party in Trinidad and Tobago’s coalition government.

“The FIFA Executive Committee, the FIFA President and the FIFA management thank Warner for his services to Caribbean, CONCACAF and international football over his many years devoted to football at both regional and international level, and wish him well for the future,” said the football organization in a statement.

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RIA Novosti said that over 2,000 policemen, including 240 special task police officers, were providing security during a match between Spartak Moscow and another club from the Russian capital, Lokomoti.

“There were no serious incidents during the match but some 200 fans were detained for various violations. They are mainly young people, who were drunk,” the spokesman said. Spartak Moscow defeated Lokomotiv, 2:0.

Last month, more than 100 football fans were also detained in the Russian capital for various offenses after a match between rival Moscow clubs Spartak and CSKA.

And over 60 football fans were detained last year during an unsanctioned rally to demand an investigation into the death of 28-year-old Spartak Moscow fan Yegor Sviridov, who was killed in December in a fight between football fans and internal migrants from the North Caucasus.

The rally was not organized by the Spartak Moscow fan group, Fratria, which Sviridov was a member of. The shooting death of Sviridov sparked ethnic clashes for more than a month in Russia, including a brawl between over 5,000 football supporters and police.

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The K-League said that 10 of the 11 players indicted in the case will be permanently prohibited from playing and being directly related with any Korean professional football team. The bans are the toughest ever imposed on K-League players.

On top of that, if found guilty of match fixing and giving bribes, those indicted may face up to seven years in prison and/or could be ordered to pay a maximum fine of 70 million won ($ 64,500). Those guilty of receiving bribes may also receive another five years in prison or be fined up to 50 million won ($ 46,000).

The scandal began last month when Changwon District prosecutors arrested three players from the Daejeon Citizen team. They were accused of fixing the results for the league cup game against Pohang Steelers in April, which Daejeon lost 3-0.

Then two other players, a midfielder from Daejeon and a Gwangju FC goalkeeper, were arrested. Four more athletes were booked but not detained, while one retired player admitted his involvement in a suicide note.

Jeong Jong-kwan, former K-League star, was found dead in an apparent suicide after he was linked to the other suspects. He left behind a note in which he allegedly admitted his role in the match fixing schemes.

The eleventh player involved in the case received a five-year ban. In addition, the Daejeon team will lose 30 percent of its annual share from Sports Toto while Guangzhou will lose 10 percent of its share with same sports lottery business.

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After losing their 2016 bid, Ishihara said that Tokyo’s bid for 2020 would demonstrate Japan’s recovery after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck the country over three months ago, the Japan Times reported.

“If we can show that Japan has recovered, and we will, nine years later, it will be the best appreciation for the friendship and encouragement that were given to us from all over the world,” Ishihara said.

“I would definitely like every Tokyo resident and Japanese to join their hands together with the disaster-hit areas and the whole of Japan,” Ishihara added. “I am strongly expecting Japan to become the one behind hosting the games.”

Tokyo has until September 1st to apply to the International Olympic Committee and Ishihara is expected to make the announcement official later in July. The winner will later be decided during the committee’s general assembly, which is scheduled to beheld in 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In 2009, Tokyo lost its bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics as the International Olympic Committee chose Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, which also topped Chicago, Illinois and Madrid, Spain.

At least 15,421 people were killed and 7,937 others remain after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and a subsequent tsunami devastated the country on March 11. Tens of thousands of people still remain in shelters in 21 prefectures around Japan.

The disaster also severely damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, disabling its cooling systems. Radioactive elements leaked into the sea and were later found in water, air and food products in some parts of Japan.

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McLeish, 55, began his managerial career in 1994 at Scottish football club Motherwell whom he guided in his first season to second place behind Rangers, then in the midst of their nine-in-a-row Scottish titles. He later managed Hibernian, Rangers, and Scotland up until 2007.

But after leaving the Scotland national football team in 2007, McLeish served as manager for Birmingham City until he unexpectedly resigned by e-mail on Sunday. “Acting chairman Peter Pannu received an e-mail resignation from McLeish earlier today while away on business in Amsterdam,” Birmingham City F.C. said in a brief statement.

There were immediately rumors that McLeish had Aston Villa as his next destination, and news that Aston Villa would proceed with an interview with McLeish angered Birmingham City F.C. The club said it saw the move as a contempt of Premier League and FA rules.

“The club feels this will taint football and give the game and the footballing authorities a bad name if this is allowed to materialize,” Birmingham City F.C. said in a statement on Tuesday. “The club will do what is within its powers to prevent this and will lodge a formal complaint to the authorities tomorrow as there is now not the slightest doubt remaining about this tap up attempt.”

The club added that McLeish’s move, if condoned, would “open up flood gates” and “set a very bad precedent.” “This is also an attack against the intelligence and integrity of not only the Villa fans, but most importantly our fans who are badly let down after having just been relegated,” Birmingham City F.C. said in its statement.

In Friday’s announcement, Aston Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner said he believes the club has appointed the right man for the job. “Alex is someone with whom we will work close and work well together,” Faulkner said.

“Unquestionably, Alex meets the criteria we set out at the beginning of our search which was based on proven Premier League experience, leadership, a hard-working ethic and, most importantly, a shared vision for Aston Villa,” Faulkner said, adding that it aims to compete as strongly as it can.

McLeish said he was honored to have the opportunity to manage Aston Villa. “The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible. The challenge for me is to try to add my own chapter,” he said in a statement. “Since first becoming a manager at Motherwell, my desire to succeed and my energy and drive have never waned. My objective is to impart that drive and will to win to the players and fans of Aston Villa.”

McLeish said he understood that some fans have raised concerns about the sudden developments. “It will be up to me to convince you that I am the right man to drive the Club forward and I intend to give absolutely everything to prove that I can be a success at the Club,” he said.

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According to the Vancouver Sun, the riot began following the Canucks’ defeat in Game 7 of the National Hockey League (NHL) finals when people set a police car on fire in the CBC Fan Zone.

Most of the looting took place on Granville Street as chaos moved away from the fan zone up the Georgia corridor. Rioters also committed acts of mischief and violence. Vancouver police (VPD) took control of the situation at about 11:30 p.m. local time.

“We have a small number of hooligans on the streets of Vancouver causing problems. It’s absolutely disgraceful and shameful and by no means represents the city of Vancouver,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Roberston.

Overall, at least four people were stabbed and many others were injured, although rumors that one person died were denied by police. In addition, police arrested a number of instigators and launched an investigation in order to bring as many as possible perpetrators to justice.

“There’s never been a time in history where there’s more eyes and cameras and surveillance and cell phones on people,” VPD spokesperson Jana McGuinness told the Vancouver Sun. “It’s going to take some time to finish those investigations, but you can’t commit damage on this scale and expect that you’re going to get away with it.”

The mass riot resembled the one that followed the Canucks’ defeat against the New York Rangers in the 1994 Stanley Cup. The angered fans provoked acts of violence and looting during the Robson Street hockey riot. More than 200 people were injured and about $ 1 million in damages was caused.

This year, the VPD feared that similar incidents could take place and called for hockey fans to maintain order. However, small groups of instigators began hurling bottles and objects at businesses following the 4-0 defeat.

Vehicles parked nearby were rolled over and set on fire. The windows of the nearby Bank of Montreal were shattered. Several fistfights were reported as well and the Emergency Room and intensive care unit at Vancouver General Hospital was over-run.

On Thursday morning, VDP urged citizens to send images and videos recorded during Wednesday’s riots as evidence for the investigation. The police department added that more information on the arrests made will be available soon.

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The Mavericks won the sixth game of the series in Miami’s American Airlines Arena to win the finals series four games to two, as German superstar Dirk Nowitzki, 32, was named the NBA Finals’ MVP, becoming the second European player to earn the award after San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker, from France, in 2007.

With Nowitzki going 1 of 12 from the field during the first half Sunday evening, Dallas Guard Jason Terry gave the team a huge boost, scoring 27 points off the bench, to go along with 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists.

Miami began leading the game 20 to 11, but the Mavericks made important defensive adjustments, switching to zone, and going on a 21-4 run to take control of the game 40 to 28 with 9:42 left in the first half. However, the Heat did not lose composure, scoring 14 straight points and regaining the lead 40 to 42.

However, Dallas stared taking complete control of the game in the second half as Nowitzki slowly began making shots, finishing the game with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The Mavs entered the fourth quarter with an 81-72 lead, which they never lost. Nowitzki then made a series of tough shots to take clear control of the game with a 10 point advantage with just over 2 minutes remaining.

Miami’s superstar trio made up of Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, and Chris Bosh, which scored 17, 21, and 19 points respectively, pushed the team to be considered the heavy favorites to win the series, but the Mavericks’ experience and team play proved to be key factors during the series.

“This is an old school bunch,” Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle said. “We don’t run fast or jump high. These guys had each others backs. They played the right way, they trusted the pass. This is a phenomenal thing for the city of Dallas.”

During the final game, the Mavericks’ bench outscored Miami’s 43 to 20, as it went 11 of 26 from the 3-point line.

“It took so long for us to get here,” Nowitzki said. “I don’t really know if it would have made a difference [winning in Miami]. Just this feeling to be on the best team of the world is just indescribable.”

In addition to Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, 38, and Jason Terry 33 won their first NBA Championship.

“It doesn’t mean as much to me,” Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who purchased the team 11 years ago said during the celebration. “I just feel so good for Dirk, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, and Shawn Marion.”

“The whole world was telling us that we were done, that we were going to get knocked out in the first round, but this team has so much heart, so much determination, and so much fortitude that I love every one of them,” Cuban added.

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The U.S. Open, one of the four major championships in golf, is scheduled to be held from June 16 through June 19 in Bethesda, Maryland. Woods participated last year and finished three-over-par in a tie for fourth place.

But the golfer, whose career suffered dramatically when details about numerous extramarital affairs were published, recently was diagnosed with a Grade 1 mild medial collateral ligament sprain to his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon suffered while hitting a second shot from under the Eisenhower tree at hole No. 17 during the third round at the Masters.

“I am extremely disappointed that I won’t be playing in the U.S. Open, but it’s time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future,” Woods said. “I was hopeful that I could play, but if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed. I hope to be ready for AT&T National, the next two majors and the rest of the year.”

Woods previously canceled his participation in the Wells Fargo Championship and withdrew after nine holes in the first round at The Players Championship after re-injuring his leg on the opening tee short.

“It’s been a frustrating and difficult year, but I’m committed to my long-term health,” Woods said. “I want to thank the fans for their encouragement and support. I am truly grateful and will be back playing when I can.”

In 2008, Wood competed at the U.S. Open despite having a ruptured ACL and a double stress fracture of the left tibia. Doctors then told him, however, that playing in the tournament would not make his leg worse.

Woods has won a total of 14 Major Championships since 1997. Four of those wins were at the Masters Tournament, three at the U.S. Open, three at The Open Championship, and four others were at the PGA Championship. His last major win was during the 2008 U.S. Open.

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“We have already held talks with the president of the International Federation of Association Football about the participation of Iranian women in matches with full Islamic hijab,” the head of the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) Ali Kaffashian was quoted as saying on Saturday.

“Unfortunately, however, I do not know why the official in charge of the matches refused to let our team play.”

On Friday, a FIFA official banned the Iranian women’s national soccer team from playing against Jordan in the second round of the qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympic Games in the Jordanian capital city, Amman. Jordan was announced to have won 3-0 after the Iranian team refused to remove their hijab.

According to Islamic guidelines, women are required to cover their hair in public. The FIFA women’s association, however, requires the neck and ears to remain uncovered.

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“We did it,” O’Neal said in his video tweet where he is seen wearing a black t-shirt and a thick beard. “Nineteen years, baby. I want to thank you very much. That’s why I’m telling you first. I’m about to retire.”

O’Neal, from Newark, New Jersey and commonly known as Shaq, won four NBA championships – three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat, being awarded with the NBA Finals’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) on three occasions – was named NBA MVP in 2000, NBA Rookie of the year in 1993, and appeared in 15 NBA All-Star games.

With a successful college basketball career in Louisiana State University, the Orlando Magic drafted O’Neal first overall in 1992. After leading the team to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1995 – where they lost to Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler of the Houston Rockets – he signed a 7-year contract with the Lakers in 1996 as a free agent, only four years after being drafted.

Teaming up with head coach Phil Jackson and guard Kobe Bryant, O’Neal went on to win three consecutive NBA championships with the Lakers from 2000 to 2002.

In 2004, O’Neal was traded to the Heat, and along with Dwayne Wade, he was able to win his fourth and final NBA championship in 2006 after the team defeated the Dallas Mavericks.

O’Neal later played with the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and finally the Boston Celtics.

Standing at 7 feet 1 inches tall (2.16 meters) and averagely weighing some 325 pounds (147 kilograms) throughout his NBA career, future Hall-of-Famer O’Neal was known for using his strength and size with surprising agility. He has been compared with legendary NBA centers such as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

In addition to his NBA career, O’Neal released four hip hop albums, earning a platinum record with his first ‘Shaq Diesel’ album, and appeared in several motion picture films such as ‘Blue Chips’ and ‘Kazaam.’ He has also appeared on a number of TV reality shows and in WWE professional wrestling events.

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“We believe the election should be rescheduled to facilitate a period of consultation to deal with the issues that have arisen in recent weeks,” said Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan. “The events of the last two days, in particular, have made any election unworkable.”

On Wednesday, a voting is scheduled to elect the successor of FIFA President Joseph Blatter. On May 19, the English FA announced that it will abstain from participating in the elections due to concerns over the lack of transparency and accountability within the organization.

“The series of allegations relating to FIFA Executive Committee Members made it difficult to support either candidate,” said FA Chairman David Bernstein. “We call on FIFA and ask other national associations to support us with two initiatives.”

Bernstein called for support to postpone the elections to give credibility to the process as well as appointing an independent external body to make recommendations for improving governance and compliance procedures and structures within FIFA.

“This has been a very damaging time for the reputation of FIFA and therefore the whole of football. To improve confidence in the way the game is governed at the very top, we believe these requests would be a positive step forward,” added Bernstein.

The international football organization has been recently on the spotlight due to alleged cash payments to FIFA delegates in the past designations of the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Blatter is campaigning for being re-elected for a fourth term but his presidency has been recently marred with corruption allegations and doubts over the legitimacy of the World Cup bidding processes- He, however, claimed that FIFA was not in crisis.

A panel of the FIFA Ethics Committee cleared Blatter from the accusations of receiving payments from delegations during a special meeting of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU).

The same committee provisionally suspended on Sunday FIFA Vice-President Jack Warner and FIFA Executive Committee member Mohamed bin Hammam for alleged violations of the FIFA Code of Ethics in relation to the forthcoming presidential election.

In response, Warner published an e-mail in which FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke suggested Bin Hammam bought the 2022 World Cup for the benefit of Qatar. He also threatened to reveal more ‘dark’ secrets from FIFA’s governing body.

Valcke said that his e-email meant that the winning bid used their financial strength to lobby for support. He denied any bribery accusations or similar unethical behavior. He added that there is no investigation open regarding the 2022 FIFA World Cup host election.

Furthermore, the Ethics Committee examined the cases of two officials from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) in relation to alleged violations to FIFA’s ethics code. Debbie Minguell and Jason Sylvester were later provisionally suspended as well.

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An estimated 50,000 fans gathered in the heart of the Catalan capital after Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Manchester United in London. Fans began to throw bottles and all kinds of objects, prompting police to act.

According to a police statement, the 84 people were arrested for disorderly conduct, throwing objects, damaging street furniture and attacking law enforcement officers. Around 132 people were injured, most of them lightly. Among the injured there were 44 police officers.

Meanwhile, almost 2,000 protesters continued their sit-in at Plaza Catalunya, near the celebrations. Protesters formed human barriers in an attempt to prevent clashes with the football fans.

Earlier on Friday, at least 100 people were injured after police tried to disperse protesters to end the almost two weeks of demonstrations against high unemployment and the Spanish government’s austerity measures.

The spokesman for the Catalan Government, Francesc Homs, defended police actions, saying that they were just trying to allow the cleaning of the area to avoid unrest following the Champions League final football match between FC Barcelona and Manchester on Saturday. The opposition, however, condemned the incident and criticized the authorities for attacking the peaceful protesters.

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FIFA Executive Committee member Mohamed bin Hammam has requested the committee to open proceedings against Blatter after a report submitted by General Secretary of CONCACAF, Chuck Blazer.

In the report submitted earlier this week, it is disclosed that FIFA Vice-President Jack Warner informed Blatter in advance over the alleged cash payments to delegations attending a special meeting of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) organized by Warner and bin Hammam.

Bin Hammam, who is Blatter’s rival for the next FIFA presidential elections, and Warner will be present at Sunday’s hearing to answer to the bribery charges at the federation headquarters in Zurich.

Blatter denied commenting on the allegations and instead said that the “facts will speak for themselves.” The ethics proceedings were opened in compliance with article 16 of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

Since 1998, Blatter has been the president of FIFA and one of the most powerful men in football. However, the federation has been immersed in a power struggle amidst allegations of fraud in regards to the designations of the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

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According to TMZ, Savage was driving his 2009 Jeep Wrangler when he suffered heart-attack, losing control of the vehicle and veering across a concrete median. The jeep collided head-on with a tree.

Savage, 58, was transported to the Largo Medical center along with his wife Lynn Poffo. The former wrestler died shortly after due to the wounds sustained. His wife had survived with minor injures only.

The Florida Highway Patrol said that the accident took place at about 10:00 a.m. local time and both individuals were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision. Police added that alcohol was not a factor in the incident.

Savage, whose real name was Randall Poffo, was one of the most recognized wrestlers in history. He was known for his deep voice and colorful costumes as well as his aggressive wrestling style.

During the late 80′s and early 90′s, Savage was fundamental for the success of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), currently known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) the biggest wrestling company worldwide.

He is also remembered for his feuds with the likes of Hulk Hogan and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat as well as his Wrestlemania III match. He left WWF/WWE in 1994 for the then rival WCW, owned by TNT.

Since then, he was never mentioned again in WWE programming despite his contribution to the company’s success. Many rumors circulated for years in regards to Savage’s ban from WWE.

However, he was recently included in the 2010 video game WWE All Stars which was an indication that the problems between Savage and WWE’s owner Vince McMahon might have been over.

In 2011, it was rumored that Savage could return to WWE programming or even be an inductee for the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame. After his wrestling career, he played small roles in films, most notably in Spiderman (2002).

Savage married two times but had no children. He first got married in 1994 to Elizabeth Ann Hulette, who alter became his valet in WWF. They divorced in 1992 and Hulette died due to an overdose in 2003. Savage was a recovered alcoholic and cocaine user.

On May 10, 2010, Savage married his long time girlfriend, Lynn Payne. The couple just recently celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary.

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Wanjiru, 24, jumped to his death at about 00:30 a.m. local time under unclear circumstances. He was at his residence in Nyahururu and died after sustaining severe injuries after crashing into the concrete floor.

Paramedics were rushed to the spot but the 24-year-old marathon runner was pronounced dead on arrival, as informed by Nyahururu Police chief Jaspher Ombatii. Two women were taken to the police station for questioning.

According to preliminary information, Wanjiru committed suicide after his wife, Triza Njeri, returned home unexpectedly and found him in bed with another woman. Njeri and the other woman were questioned but not arrested.

Ombatii added that the athlete and his wife engaged in an argument which led to Njeri locking the bedroom’s door. Wanjiru wanted to reach out his wife and apparently jumped off the balcony.

Police are not only considering suicide as the death cause. His coach, Dr. Federico Rosa told law agents that one day before he was in good spirits and looking forward to upcoming competitions.

However, some relatives said that the Olympic gold medalist had a troubled marriage and that had led him in the past to threatening with committing suicide. His wife recently dropped charges against Wanjiru in regards to illegal possession of a firearm.

Wanjiru rose to fame in the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he won the gold medal in full marathon. He also won four top marathons: the London, New York and Chicago races. He retained his Chicago title in 2010.

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Weylandt, 26, was riding at a high speed during the descent downhill and lay motionless on the roadside while medical assistance arrived. The accident took place about 20 kilometers (12.42 miles) from the finish line in Rapallo.

Giro d’Italia’s official doctor, Giovanni Tredici, was the first in arrive as he was travelling in a car behind the group in which Weylandt was riding. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him for 40 minutes before he was airlifted to Lavagna hospital.

According to Tredici, the 26-year-old cyclist suffered a fracture at the base of the skull as well as serious facial injuries. Paramedics were able to resuscitate him once but he died due to the severe injuries sustained.

“It’s a devastating tragedy for Wouter’s family, friends, teammates and team. Our condolences go to all who knew Wouter,” said Bjarne Riis, owner of Weylandt’s Saxo Bank-SunGard team.

Weylandt was the first rider killed in a crash in one of cycling’s main tours since Italian rider Fabio Casartelli died during the 1995 Tour de France. He is the fourth athlete to die during Italy’s competition and first in the last 25 years.

“It’s terrible news and I want to pass my condolences to Wouter’s family, to all his friends,” said Alberto Contador, one of the favorites to win this year’s competition. “Whether each of us is in a different team, we are all in the same place and this is an extremely difficult day for the world of cycling.”

Italian prosecutor, Francesco Brancaccio, said that an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. In addition, an official investigation was launched into the accident.

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Ballesteros, who was the world’s number one golfer in the 80s, had serious health problems ever since undergoing surgery on a brain tumor in 2008 after he lost consciousness at Madrid airport. His condition rapidly worsened on Friday.

“The Ballesteros family informs that Seve’s neurological condition has suffered a severe deterioration,” his family said in a statement on Friday. “The family will inform accordingly about any change in his health condition and takes this opportunity of thanking everyone for the support that both Seve and his own family have been receiving during all this time.”

On Saturday morning, Ballesteros’ family confirmed that the golf legend had passed away at his home in the Spanish town of Pedreña. He passed away at 2.10 a.m. local time while surrounded by his family.

“The Ballesteros family is very grateful for all the support and gestures of love that have been received since Seve was diagnosed with a brain tumour on October 5, 2008 at Madrid Hospital la Paz,” the family said in a statement after his death. “At this time the family asks for respect and privacy at such a painful time.”

Ballesteros won the Masters Tournament in 1980 and 1983 and won the Open Championship in 1979, 1984, and 1988. He also finished third at the U.S. Open in 1987 and finished fifth at the PGA Championship in 1984. Overall, Ballesteros scored more than 90 professional wins.

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