Patriots’ ball scandal could take shine off Super Bowl
(Reuters) – A growing storm over the New England Patriots’ alleged use of illegal balls during a playoff win that clinched a Super Bowl berth is threatening to overshadow what could be a classic matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
Bryant has torn rotator cuff, season in doubt
(Reuters) – Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant has a torn rotator cuff, according to preliminary results of an MRI exam, the Los Angeles Lakers said on Thursday.
Brady denies altering balls, says not met with investigators
(Reuters) – Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has denied any wrongdoing over allegedly deflated footballs and said the NFL had yet to speak to him as part of their investigation following the AFC Championship win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Gordon to stop racing full-time after 2015 season
(Reuters) – Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon, who ranks third in all-time race wins, said on Thursday the 2015 season would be his last as a full-time driver.
Three-time NFL Pro Bowler Tommy Mason dies
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Running back Tommy Mason, an 11-year veteran of the National Football League and the No. 1 overall pick in the 1961 NFL draft, has died at the age of 75, the Washington Redskins said on Thursday.
FIA take legal action against ex-driver Streiff
PARIS (Reuters) – Formula One’s governing body took legal action against French former F1 driver Philippe Streiff on Thursday for comments he made about an investigation into compatriot Jules Bianchi’s horrific crash.
Olympics: Billards, snooker want spot in Tokyo 2020 Games
BERLIN (Reuters) – Billiards and snooker on Thursday launched an unexpected bid to win a spot on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics sports program, saying sharp global rise in popularity helped their case.
Brazilian World Cup stadium closed for urgent repairs
SAO PAULO (Reuters) – One of Brazil’s sparkling new World Cup stadiums has been shut down by authorities for urgent repairs less than a year after it opened, government officials told Reuters on Thursday.
NASCAR’s Gordon to stop racing full-time after 2015 season
(Reuters) – Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon, who ranks third in all-time race wins, said Thursday the 2015 season will be his last as a full-time driver.
Former Rabobank, Team Sky doctor gets life ban: USADA
LONDON (Reuters) – Former Rabobank and Team Sky doctor Geert Leinders has been banned for life for multiple doping violations, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said on Thursday.