Forty-five minutes that could change soccer’s world
LONDON (Reuters) – When Sepp Blatter is not comparing FIFA to a boat in calm or choppy waters he often uses football analogies to illustrate his point so it might amuse him to think he faces a tricky 45 minutes at this month’s Congress.
Dodgers’ Ryu to have surgery; likely out for season
(Reuters) – Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin will have arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome left shoulder this week, likely ending his season, the Major League Baseball team said on Wednesday.
Maple Leafs hire Babcock as new head coach
(Reuters) – The Toronto Maple Leafs won the Mike Babcock sweepstakes on Wednesday by beating out a handful of teams that tried to land the highly-coveted head coach who spent the last 10 NHL seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Oliver flies past rivals to set alight Bird’s Nest
BEIJING (Reuters) – Justin Gatlin may have flown home but at least the Bird’s Nest Stadium could thrill instead to another 33-year-old American speedster, David Oliver, running the fastest 110 meters hurdles this year at Beijing’s World Challenge meeting on Wednesday. 
Leaderboard fear factor is a definite plus for McIlroy
VIRGINIA WATER, England (Reuters) – World number one Rory McIlroy believes there is something of a fear factor when rival golfers see his name on a leaderboard these days.
NFL didn’t push Patriots not to fight ‘Deflategate’ penalty: Goodell
(Reuters) – New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s decision not to appeal the team’s “Deflategate” penalty was made without pressure from the National Football League, Commissioner Roger Goodell said on Wednesday.
Beijing organizers say they did not ‘kick out’ Gatlin
BEIJING (Reuters) – Organizers of Wednesday’s Beijing World Challenge have denied that they kicked out Justin Gatlin from their meeting and said they were “perplexed” by the controversial sprinter’s claim. 
Texan Spieth set for a ‘crazy’ week at Colonial
(Reuters) – Masters champion and local favorite Jordan Spieth is preparing for a “crazy” time in front of massive crowds when he competes in this week’s Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
FIFA central to soccer’s success despite scandals
LONDON (Reuters) – One of FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s favorite lines is that his organization boasts more members than the United Nations.
Combining Europe with U.S. is tough juggling act: McDowell
VIRGINIA WATER, England (Reuters) – Ryder Cup stalwart Graeme McDowell has explained how hard a juggling act it is for the top European players to commit to events on their home circuit and compete in the best tournaments in the U.S.
