GENEVA (AP):Sepp Blatter tried to rally the troops at FIFA headquarters after the suspension of his top deputy, insisting football’s embattled world governing body would withstand the latest wave of corruption allegations.Blatter sent an email message to more than 400 staffers following Thursday night’s suspension of FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke over accusations involving black market World Cup tickets.FIFA has asked its ethics committee to investigate the latest allegations made against Valcke by ticket agent Benny Alon.Valcke’s lawyer in New York said in a statement late Thursday that his client “unequivocally denies the fabricated and outrageous accusations”.”Mr Valcke never received or agreed to accept any money or anything else of value from Mr Alon,” wrote Barry Berke of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel.”Please be assured that FIFA remains confident of its ability to recover from the present difficult situation and to restore its reputation for the good of game,” Blatter wrote in the email seen by The Associated Press.”I urge you all to continue your hard work to develop, promote and celebrate the game we love,” said Blatter, who is due to step down as FIFA president on February 26 after 18 years in the job.Valcke, a 54-year-old Frenchman, was in talks to settle his multimillion-dollar FIFA contract even before he was suspended, according to an official familiar with the situation.The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to publicly discuss confidential details. The official said Valcke had been in “intense negotiations” about an early exit deal, before being linked to a proposed deal to sell prime 2014 World Cup match tickets on the black market.The official said Valcke had been expected to leave FIFA in any case.Valcke could expect to earn several million Swiss francs over the next four years in salary and performance bonuses, paid according to FIFA’s results for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The tournament is expected to earn $6 billion in broadcasting, sponsorship, hospitality and marketing contracts.DisillusionedLast week, Valcke told reporters in Geneva of being disillusioned with working at FIFA headquarters, amid turmoil and uncertainty since American and Swiss investigations into corruption were revealed on May 27.Valcke has a contract through 2019, tied by usual FIFA protocol to the four-year presidential mandate which Blatter won two days after FIFA headquarters were raided and seven officials arrested at a luxury downtown Zurich hotel.With Blatter leaving office in five months, under pressure from the investigations of bribery and money laundering, Valcke was due to follow the president out the door.Instead, Blatter moved to get him out. He acted within days of United States. Attorney General Loretta Lynch visiting Zurich for a meeting unrelated to the FIFA bribery investigation case she oversees. read more
LeeAnn started creating a buzz early last year when she shattered several weightlifting and powerlifting records and has dominated Florida and regional high school competitions this year. Competing for Wellington High School in the fourth annual Southeastern USA Regional High School Powerlifting Championships in Florida, she squatted 473.5lbs, bench pressed 225.5lbs. and dead lifted 418.75 lbs, for a record total of 1117.75lbs. However, her most outstanding performance came in the recent USA Powerlifting Raw National Championships in Pennsylvania, where she won gold medals in the sub-junior and High school divisions. In three record-breaking performances – under the guidance of her powerlifting coach, Arian Khamesi – she lifted 529.1lb in the squat, bench pressed 236.9lb and dead lifted 468.5lb for a total of 1234.5lb. This outstanding performance by the 16-year-old won her the silver medal in the Open division for women and qualified her for the USA team that will compete in the next World Powerlifting Championships in June, 2016. She was beaten by defending world champion, 27-year-old Bonica Lough of Nebraska, who lifted 584lbs in the squat, 330 lbs. in the bench press and had a dead lift of 523lbs. LeeAnn Hewitt, a 16-year-old Jamaican-born athlete who goes to high school in the United States, has been creating a sensation in United States weightlifting and powerlifting circles recently, with a series of record-breaking performances at regional and national levels. LeeAnn, who is the daughter of well-known graphic designer, Errol Hewitt and his schoolteacher wife, Pauline, became the youngest lifter to be selected to represent the United States in the 2016 World Championships in Texas next June, with a series of scintillating performances in various competitions recently. A student at Wellington High School in Palm Beach, Florida, in six months she has shot to the top of her division in powerlifting by winning two gold and a silver medal in the recent USA 2015 National Raw Powerlifting Championships in Scranton, Pennsylvania. ONGOING BUZZ read more
Rural schools Denbigh High and Holmwood Technical were crowned Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association all-island junior and senior schoolgirl champions, respectively at the finals yesterday at Clarendon Park in May Pen.In junior action, Denbigh defeated Gaynstead High 31-24, while defending champions Holmwood stopped Camperdown High 43-37 for their ninth title overall.Goal shooter Tracy-Ann Francis was again the outstanding player for Holmwood with 39 goals from 41 attempts. The rural school dominated their rivals leading 13-8 after the first quarter and 23-17 at half time.Despite a better third quarter from Camperdown where they outscored Holmwood 11-10 this was not enough as they continued to make careless turnovers which allowed Holmwood to maintain control of the match.Goal shooter Idara McCarthy with 21 goals from 27 attempts and Ramona Lawrence with 14 from 21 were the leading scorers for Camperdown.Carlene Graham-Powell, coach of Holmwood, said they were always confident of victory.”Despite losing several members from last year’s winning team, we did not panic as it is all about planning, and we sat down at the start of the season and made our plans and nothing has changed because of the winning attitude of the girls,” said Graham-Powell.”My girls did not play to instructions, especially in the shooting circle where there were too many turnovers,: Camperdown’s coach Wayne Stewart said.He added: Holmwood are a quality team and we cannot make these simple errors and expect to beat them,” said a disappointed Stewart.In the junior final, it was third time lucky for Denbigh after they were beaten by urban champions Queen’s for the past two years.Goal shooter Denay Thomas with 19 goals from 21 attempts top-scored for the winners, while her teammate, goal attack Zandria Cohen, scored a perfect 12 from 12. Gaynstead’s goal shooter Kelsey Jonas had 17 from 21.After seeing her team suffering defeat two years in a row at this stage, it was a relieved coach Janice Walker who spoke about their triumph yesterday.”The girls came out today and really played at their best, especially in attack. After losing two years in a row, they were determined to get one and they did so in fine style,” said Walker. read more
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP):Golden State’s Klay Thompson made a playoff-record 11 3-pointers and scored 41 points as the Warriors took out a must-win game at Oklahoma City on Saturday 108-101, sending the NBA Western Conference finals to Game 7.Stephen Curry bounced back from a slow start to finish with 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.The Warriors, who set the league’s regular-season record with 73 wins, will host Game 7 tonight. The winners will play Cleveland in the NBA Finals.”We’ve got a lot of belief and a lot of heart, and we’ve given ourselves a chance to win this series,” Curry said. “That’s all we could ask for. There’s obviously a lot of excitement, but we still have one job to do.”Thompson scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to help the Warriors overcome an eight-point deficit.”Steph told me before I went out in the fourth, ‘This is your time,'” Thompson said. “‘You know, put on a show out there and have fun.’ I took those words to heart, and I just tried to be aggressive.”DOMINATEDThe Warriors were well beaten on their previous visits to Oklahoma City in this series, but dominated from downtown on Saturday making 21 of 44 3-pointers while the Thunder were a miserable three of 23.”About time we had a stretch in this building where we imposed our will,” Curry said.Kevin Durant scored 29 points and Russell Westbrook added 28 for the Thunder. But Durant made just 10 of 31 shots and Westbrook was 10 of 27.Trying to become the 10th team to overcome a 3-1 deficit, the Warriors trailed much of the game and were behind by eight going to the fourth quarter.Thompson kept them in it with four 3-pointers in just over seven minutes to start the period. Curry then hit two, the second of which tied the game 99-99 with 2:47 to play.Thompson’s three with 1:35 to play put the Warriors up 104-101.The Thunder, who blew a number of fourth-quarter leads during the regular season, fell apart in the final minutes after Golden State had gone ahead.The Warriors held the Thunder to 18 points in the fourth quarter to stay alive. They expect another tough battle in Game 7.”To be in this situation people were doubting us,” Draymond Green said. “It will be the hardest game of our lives. It will be way harder than this game. Going back home, everybody will think, ‘Oh, it’s done.’ It will be way harder. But if we come out and do what we did and stick to the game plan, we’ll be fine.” read more
View comments IT happens: Facebook sorry for Xi Jinping’s name mistranslation Extra! Extra! Red Sox once again playing a lot of innings LIVE: Sinulog 2020 Grand Parade Currently, combo-guard Jordan Clarkson is expected to relieve Ball at point guard, while the Lakers also signed Summer League standout Alex Caruso. Khristian Ibarrola /raSports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next MOST READ Missile-capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal inches closer to entering PH Navy’s fleet IT happens: Facebook sorry for Xi Jinping’s name mistranslation LATEST STORIES Duterte’s ‘soft heart’ could save ABS-CBN, says election lawyer 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ House honors Rodolfo Albano Jr , a veteran lawmaker, mentor and family man PLAY LIST 03:00House honors Rodolfo Albano Jr , a veteran lawmaker, mentor and family man05:05SEA Games 2019: Rubilen Amit finally beats Chezka Centeno for 9-ball gold (HIGHLIGHTS)02:35SEA Games: Centeno tops Amit for gold anew as Filipinas end up 1-2 in 10-ball01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Malacañang open to creating Taal Commission In a bid to fully maximize the potential of the team’s prized recruit, Lonzo Ball, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson and General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed their desire to sign a veteran point guard to mentor the recently awarded NBA Summer League MVP.In separate appearances for ESPN, the executive duo confirmed that they’ll be using one of the team’s two available roster spots to fill in the void of back-up point guard.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’Although the top free agent names have already been snagged by other teams, several serviceable guards are still available, including Ian Clark and Ramon Sessions, as well as former All-Stars Derrick Rose and Deron Williams.The team initially had their sights set on acquiring the services of NBA Champion Rajon Rondo, before he elected to sign with the New Orleans Pelicans. Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball APIt’s certainly been a busy off-season for the upstart Los Angeles Lakers squad, selecting multiple promising players in this year’s draft and picking several veterans as well.With the regular season still more than three months away, it seems that the immensely decorated franchise is not done making moves.ADVERTISEMENT read more
Albay to send off disaster response team to Batangas Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano warn public of fake account posing as her Calisaan seethed over losing the rare opportunity, saying that games like those is a big for San Sebastian, which could put them at a good standing at the end of the first round while giving a show to its schoolmates.“We need to be complete when we’re playing because if we’re not, my teammates may have a hard time adjusting,” he said.But Calisaan accepts his fate and vows to be the Golden Stags’ loudest booster on their home floor, entrusting much of the leadership to their trio of guards in RK Ilagan, Ryan Costelo, and Renzo Navarro.“I hope they all step up. I just told them to enjoy their game so that we’ll all be happy,” he said. Lack of tournaments not a problem for Lehnert Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Teen gunned down in Masbate Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ MOST READ Passengers bear waiting at terminal for chance to be home for Christmas PLAY LIST 02:06Passengers bear waiting at terminal for chance to be home for Christmas00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano 2 nabbed in Bicol drug stings LATEST STORIES Calisaan was slapped with two unsportsmanlike fouls while playing defense on Sidney Onwubere, sending him out of the game with 1:14 left in the period.The 22-year-old forward argued that he didn’t do anything wrong with his defense.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’“I know for myself it’s not an unsportsmanlike foul. I wasn’t going for the face or the head. Even if you review the tapes, I only hit him in the elbow. I was going for the ball, but he double-pumped and that’s the reason why (Onwubere) got hit in the arm.”Consistently racking double-doubles this season with his averages of 16.1 points and 10.0 rebounds, Calisaan’s ejection takes him out of the running for the end of season awards. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netMichael Calisaan was in disbelief after he got ejected late in the third quarter of San Sebastian’s 75-73 win over EAC on Friday.“I don’t know,” said Calissan, struggling to explain what led him to hit the showers early.ADVERTISEMENT End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend That, however, means little for the fourth-year forward, sharing that his biggest goal is to help the Golden Stags return to the Final Four for the first time since 2013.“The important thing for me is to win and to achieve what we’re aspiring for which is to be a champion. We’ll all try our best to do that,” he said. “I’ve won awards before, but if you get those and your team is in the bottom, that means nothing. What I want more is to be on top, make it to the Final Four for the first time in college. I made it in high school but that has eluded me in college.”San Sebastian currently stands at an even 4-4 with a game left in the first round.The ejection, though, will keep Calisaan out of the Golden Stags’ home game against JRU on Thursday, where he is set to serve his one-game suspension.“It could have been my first time playing in our home court,” he rued.ADVERTISEMENT View comments read more
Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award A costly, catty dispute finally settled Ranidel de Ocampo. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netRanidel de Ocampo is not only a great player, he’s a class act as well as his former TNT coaches and teammates offered nothing but praise for the versatile forward.De Ocampo was traded to Meralco on Monday in a three-team deal, ending a nine-year stint with the Talk ‘N Text franchise that won six PBA titles during that stretch.ADVERTISEMENT End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend His departure has left his teammates and coaches in TNT emotional, as they took to social media to thank De Ocampo and wish him luck.“Countless unforgettable moments [Ranidel] through the years. Always a champion on and off the court. He will bring that winning attitude and find success wherever he goes. [I’m so impressed with this person. Thanks for everything, Del]! It will be weird to not see you in practice anymore,” TNT assistant coach Josh Reyes posted on his Instagram.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smog“We are thankful for Ranidel’s service and sacrifice for TNT for the last 10 years. Built good relationships and memories along the way. He will surely be missed,” TNT head coach Nash Racela said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.The 35-year-old de Ocampo was the Finals MVP in two of those title runs with Talk ‘N Text, bagging the award in the 2013 Philippine Cup and 2015 Commissioner’s Cup. LATEST STORIES Despite training woes, Medina vows to give best for PH in ASEAN Para Games While De Ocampo is leaving his longtime team, he is joining a familiar face on the Bolts bench—at least for the remainder of the PBA Governors’ Cup.“He and I have built a great friendship thru all our battles together both with TNT and Gilas, so I’m looking forward to having him around,” his former longtime teammate Jimmy Alapag told INQUIRER.net.“I feel he’s one of the best forwards to ever play in the PBA and an absolute winner who brings championship experience and leadership to the team,” added Alapag, who is an assistant coach for the Bolts but was tapped to call the shots for Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League.TNT veteran Harvey Carey, one of the last remaining players who suited up during Chot Reyes’ stint as coach, summed up de Ocampo as a “warrior” in his farewell message.“1 word describes @jutaca33: WARRIOR. Times may change but what was accomplished cannot be erased. Good luck tol,” Carey said on Twitter.ADVERTISEMENT OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Learning about the ‘Ring of Fire’ Winning start Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Break new ground It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Mayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’ MOST READ Even KaTropa rookie Roger Pogoy spoke of how valuable de Ocampo was to his young PBA career despite just spending nearly a full season as his teammate.“Kuya @jutaca33, I will never forget all your advices, both for the basketball and life. Salamat kuya,” Pogoy wrote on his Twitter account.The 13-year veteran played his first four years in the league as a member of the defunct Air21 Express and would likely end his career with Meralco but Talk ‘N Text will always be his team.He expressed his affection to the franchise moments after he got traded as he posted a team photo with the words, “Will always be my family.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments read more
“There were several other cities that were interested,” Silver said. “We try over time to take care of all the cities that do want to have an All-Star game. I think it becomes a function of timing. I think for some of the other cities that were building, some of the refurbishments that are planned had not been completed yet, had not been finalized in terms of financing so the timing just didn’t work out. It’s really more a function of scheduling.”The United Center opened in August 1994. But it has been undergoing a bit of a transformation in recent years.The biggest change is the construction of an addition adjacent to the arena. It houses offices as well as a Bulls and Blackhawks team store and concessions.The Bulls moved into a new practice facility across the street a few years ago, and the Blackhawks will be moving into a new one nearby in a few weeks.The 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena that just opened a few miles away on the city’s Near South Side will host some All-Star events as will Navy Pier.“We’re excited not just holding a basketball game, but of hosting the world because now the NBA has gone from … an American game held here in the United States to a world event,” Emanuel said.The mayor has pushed hard to land high-profile events such as the NFL and NHL drafts in recent years. But this will be the first major All-Star game in the city since Major League Baseball held its Midsummer Classic on the South Side in 2003. The NHL last had it in Chicago in 1991.Silver isn’t concerned about having the All-Star game in a cold-weather city. Most events are indoors, though he acknowledged snow can disrupt air travel.When Jordan put on his show in 1988, Silver was just a law student at the University of Chicago, sitting in an upper level at the Stadium.He figures to have a better view this time. Celtics Irving may miss date with Raptors over fracture View comments Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? “I’m sure we would have been here sometime earlier in the last 30 years (had the Bulls been interested),” Silver said. “When the mayor and Michael Reinsdorf showed interest, it put them back to the top of the list in a way just because we like to rotate around the league. It’s a major city, and we haven’t been here in a long time.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. LATEST STORIES Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Commissioner Adam Silver, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Bulls executives Michael Reinsdorf and John Paxson were on hand Friday for the announcement on the United Center floor.Silver said Chicago faced “a lot of competition” to bring it back and the city’s plan put it “over the top.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smogRenovations in and around the arena, a new 10,000-seat facility on the Near South Side and Emanuel’s desire helped bring in this one. So did a change of heart by the Bulls.For years, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf opposed hosting the game because of concerns about displacing season ticketholders. But with son Michael — the president and chief operating officer — assuming more authority and grandson Joey in favor, he relented. In this Sept. 28, 2017 file photo, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a news conference in New York. Chicago will host the 2020 All-Star game for the first time since 1988, when Michael Jordan took off from the foul line in an epic dunk contest and delivered an MVP performance in the game. Silver, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Bulls executives Michael Reinsdorf and John Paxson were on hand Friday, Nov. 10 for the announcement on the United Center floor. APCHICAGO — For the NBA, Chicago was a slam dunk to host the 2020 All-Star game.The city will host the showcase event for the first time since 1988, when Michael Jordan took off from the foul line in an epic dunk contest and delivered an MVP performance in the game.ADVERTISEMENT “We’ve been going for so many years,” Michael Reinsdorf said. “At the end of the day, I tried to explain it to my dad. I don’t think he’s been to an (NBA) All-Star game since 1988. I tried to explain to him the difference now than what it was like when we hosted last. It’s just such a great impact to the city.”There was some thought that the 2019, 2020 and 2021 All-Star games would go to teams with new arenas. Golden State, Sacramento, Milwaukee and Detroit have all either recently constructed new homes or have one being built.But the schedule also got thrown off a bit after North Carolina passed a law restricting the rights of LGBT people. The league moved the 2017 All-Star game from Charlotte to New Orleans in response.After North Carolina passed a compromise bill limiting anti-discrimination protections for lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people, the NBA gave Charlotte the 2019 game.As for 2020?ADVERTISEMENT Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson read more
Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina View comments First night relay race in PH puts premium on ‘team spirit’ Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew LATEST STORIES Kevin Belingon. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOTeam Lakay’s Kevin Belingon looks to extend his winning streak inside the cage when he faces Andrew Leone in ONE: Heroes of Honor on April 20 at Mall of Asia Arena.Belingon (17-5) is on a four-fight winning streak and once challenged Bibiano Fernandes for the bantamweight belt in a fight that ended in a loss for the Filipino back in January 2016.ADVERTISEMENT Conor McGregor seeks to emerge from controversy in UFC comeback Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown In Liverpool, Man United sees the pain and path to recovery Leone (8-3), meanwhile, will look to bounce back after losing also to Fernandes back in August 2017 when he challenged the Brazilian for the same title Belingon fought for.Belingon joins ONE heavyweight champion Brandon Vera, former ONE lightweight champion Eduard Folayang, Honorio Banario, and Geje Eustaquio as the Filipinos who headlined a card in Manila.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkAlso in the card is the inaugural bout of the ONE Super Series, a striker-exclusive event that is another brainchild of ONE Chairman Chatri Sityodtong.Italian Kickboxer Giorgio Petrosyan, regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of his generation, will face Jo Nattawut of Thailand in the first match for ONE Super Series. Scarlett Johansson, Sterling K. Brown among SAG Awards presenters MOST READ Cabuyao City rising above the ashes through volunteerism Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil Petrosyan owns several titles across his storied career and sports a record of 85-2-2, with two no contests, and once went undefeated for six years across 42 fights.Among Petrosyan’s several championships are the two K-1 World Championships and the World Muaythai Intercontinental welterweight title.Nattawut, who now resides in Atlanta, sports a 60-11-2 record and is a two-division Lion Fight champion and World WMC champion.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Recto seeks to establish Taal rehab body to aid community, eruption victims read more
Rachel Robinson, left, widow of Jackie Robinson, and daughter Sharon pose for a photograph with a plaque honoring Jackie on Jackie Robinson Day, Sunday, April 15, 2018, in New York, before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)NEW YORK — Jackie Robinson’s daughter thinks black baseball players are more reluctant to speak publicly about racial issues than their NFL and NBA colleagues because they constitute a lower percentage of rosters.She spoke at Citi Field on Sunday to mark Jackie Robinson Day, the 71st anniversary of her father breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers.ADVERTISEMENT Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ “They do it around their involvement in community themselves, and talk about why that’s important,” she said.“Part of the protest with the NFL or the NBA is how do we funnel some of these proceeds from the games, where we’re helping to bring these proceeds, and funnel them into the African-American community? So some of the baseball players do that through their own charities or their own work within communities that they’re playing (in).”Edward Robinson, a son of Jackie’s brother Mack, attended the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against Arizona and wouldn’t address Sharon Robinson’s comments.“However, I will tell you that Jackie stood for strength and education. I’ve seen some progress,” he said. “It comes and goes. What we need to do is maintain the high levels of progress and continue to show unity.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ LATEST STORIES MOST READ Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident Inquirer 7 top UAAP 80 women’s volleyball players: Week 10 ‘Stop romanticizing Pinoy resilience’ While more than 200 NFL players protested racial inequality last season by kneeling or sitting during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Oakland Athletics catcher Bruce Maxwell was the only baseball player to take a knee.“I don’t think they have much choice,” Sharon Robinson said. “They are in the minority and where in football and basketball you have a group and therefore you can take a group action. So players if they speak out individually, they could be the only African-American player on their team and it could be a difficult spot for them to be in.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownThe percentage of black players from the United States and Canada on opening-day active rosters rose to 8.4 percent, up from 7.7 last year and its highest level since at least 2012.The percentage peaked at 19 in 1986, MLB said last week, citing Mark Armour of the Society of American Baseball Research. Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC View comments Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew “It’s definitely a small representation at this level,” Pittsburgh All-Star second baseman Josh Harrison said. “For younger guys coming up, if guys with 10 years or so in this league haven’t really done much, you lean on those guys for advice. If you don’t have anybody telling you one way or the other, you’ll keep your mouth shut. You don’t want to ruffle any feathers. If you don’t have anybody to help you in that regard, you’ll see a lot of guys be quiet.”“Guys feel it’s a lose-lose situation for them,” Harrison said. “It sucks because you want to have a voice, but some people feel they can’t.”Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig retired Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 throughout the major leagues in 1997, made Jackie Robinson Day an annual event in 2004 and five years later started asking all players to wear No. 42 each April 15.An educational consultant to Major League Baseball, Sharon Robinson attended the first-pitch ceremony before the Mets-Milwaukee game with her mom, 95-year-old Rachel Robinson, and brother David. On a chilly afternoon, the game time temperature was 42.Sharon Robinson said action among African-American players is more an individual undertaking.ADVERTISEMENT read more