Pandemic casts doubts on sports’ ability to fight doping

Doping agencies across the world are developing solutions to conduct remote tests, including remote video monitoring of sample collections.

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Anthony Joshua would fight behind closed doors only as last resort: promoter

Britain's world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua would fight behind closed doors only as a last resort, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.The British Boxing Board ...

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Little League World Series canceled for first time

This year's Little League World Series and the championship tournaments in six other Little League divisions have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.Little League ...

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NBA team presidents operating with intent to resume season

NBA team presidents met Thursday and emerged with belief that there are still ways to resume the season, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also ...

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Broncos’ Von Miller says he’s recovered from COVID-19

Denver Broncos star linebacker Von Miller tweeted Thursday night that he tested negative for the coronavirus two weeks after announcing he had been diagnosed with ...

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Brazil’s president wants soccer to return amid pandemic

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro wants to see soccer competitions start back up again soon despite the country's high number of coronavirus cases, arguing Thursday that ...

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PGA Tour players to keep cards in virus-shortened season

A shorter season brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic means no one will lose a PGA Tour card this year and the Korn Ferry Tour ...

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New Zealand backs Agustin Pichot in push for change at World Rugby

New Zealand Rugby says it backed challenger Agustin Pichot against incumbent Bill Beaumont in the contest for the chairmanship of World Rugby out of frustration ...

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Hawks pitcher Carter Stewart eager to prove himself in Japan

Carter Stewart is determined to prove that the Hawks made the right decision by taking a chance on him at such a young age

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Athletes, coaches react to cancellation of Inter-High School Sports Festival

For many high school athletes, the Inter-High School Sports Festival is an event they aim for each year.In a sense, the multi-sport event is akin ...

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Badminton pair uses 3/11 experience as guide during coronavirus pandemic

Olympic medal hopefuls who survived 3/11 disaster taking Tokyo 2020 postponement in stride

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Ideas differ across Europe over whether soccer can resume

England is scrambling to find a solution to the billion-pound question: How to restart the Premier League?However, the competition with the most to lose financially ...

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FIFPro lauds growth of women’s soccer, calls for more protection

A report on the state of women’s soccer globally lauded the growth of the game while also calling for greater support for players, including better ...

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Plan for NHL to return in handful of empty rinks gaining steam

Get used to the concept of pods and pucks if the NHL is going to have any chance of completing its season, with the most ...

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Carmen Electra recalls wild ride with ‘bad boy’ Dennis Rodman

Carmen Electra's relationship with former Bulls star Dennis Rodman was recently featured in the documentary series about Michael Jordan's final season with the Bulls.

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Sumo feels impact of COVID-19 but escapes major financial hit plaguing other sports

Sumo’s bi-monthly nature may have exempted it from the financial pressures that are hitting other sports hard, but the ongoing pandemic is still having an ...

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No fans means same sport, different arena for PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy contemplated what golf would be like without fans. This was five days before there was no golf at all."I'd be OK with it,” ...

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MLB opening options include three regional divisions

Major League Baseball is exploring various options that could allow the season to start if the medical situation allows, including a plan in which the ...

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J. League considering allowing five substitutes when matches resume

One league official believes increasing the number of substitutes will make matches more exciting.

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Former Suntory boss Keisuke Sawaki to coach Canon Eagles: sources

Canon Eagles have reached a basic agreement with former Suntory Sungoliath coach Keisuke Sawaki, sources close to the team revealed Wednesday.Sawaki, 45, replaces former Springboks ...

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Four NRL players fined for defying Australia’s social distancing measures

Concerns about the National Rugby League’s push to restart during the coronavirus pandemic have been compounded by sanctions against four players who flouted social distancing ...

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French government cancels remainder of rugby, soccer seasons

The French soccer and rugby leagues will not complete their matches this season after the government called them off as part of efforts to contain ...

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Saints agree to terms with QB Winston on one-year contract

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with unrestricted free agent quarterback Jameis Winston.Winston, the first overall pick in the ...

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North Carolina governor OKs NASCAR race at Charlotte

NASCAR can go forward with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway without fans in attendance at the end of May unless health conditions deteriorate ...

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Keisuke Honda launches digital media venture featuring high-profile athletes

Former Japan international Keisuke Honda is set to launch a new digital media venture involving several of the country's high-profile athletes.Voice recordings from the athletes ...

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Wataru Endo joins VfB Stuttgart on full transfer

Belgian top-tier side Sint-Truiden announced the full transfer of Japan midfielder Wataru Endo to VfB Stuttgart in the German second division on Tuesday.Endo moved to ...

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Judo coach Kosei Inoue weathering coronavirus storm

Kosei Inoue is trying to maintain his focus and keep his athletes in high spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Formula One still faces challenge with revised season plan

Formula One plans to start its stalled season with two races behind closed doors in Austria in July before more of the same at Britain's ...

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USA Swimming hopes to return to pool with tentative schedule

USA Swimming is planning a return to the pool.Though, no one is quite sure how it will all play out during the coronavirus pandemic. The ...

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England’s Ellis Genge wants new players’ union after COVID-19 pay cuts

England prop Ellis Genge has called for a new, more independent players' union amid dissatisfaction among fellow professionals about how pay cuts as a result ...

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South Korean soccer snapped up by sports-deprived foreign broadcasters

Broadcasters in 10 foreign territories have bought rights to air the upcoming South Korean soccer season, the country's K-League said, with major sports on hold ...

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NPB shutdown robs fans of limited chances to see aging legends

With the delayed season expected to start behind closed doors, it's unclear when Japanese baseball's elder statesmen will receive cheers from packed stands again.

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Injured Kei Nishikori returns to court at virtual Madrid Open

Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori returned to action Monday while still on the road to recovery from elbow surgery, joining a group of fellow top ...

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UK government’s delay in stopping sport events scrutinized

The region was hesitant to call off major gatherings, a decision that may have hastened the spread of the new coronavirus, despite warnings from the ...

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NBA pushes plan to reopen facilities until May 8 at earliest

The NBA has pushed back the possible reopening date of some team practice facilities for at least a week until May 8 at the earliest, ...

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FIFA wants to let teams use five substitutes as competitions work through coronavirus backlog

The proposed rule change could be applied to both club and national team competitions through 2021.

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Russian speedskating great Viktor Ahn retires due to injuries

Six-time Olympic gold medalist Viktor Ahn on Monday announced his retirement from short-track speedskating, citing several lingering injuries.The South Korean, who switched allegiance to Russia ...

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World champion Josh Taylor concerned over closed-door bouts

World champion Josh Taylor fears it will be hard to motivate himself for the "glorified sparring" of boxing behind closed doors.The Scot was meant to ...

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Four international players added to NFL practice squads for 2020

Each of the four NFC East teams will carry an international player on its practice squad in the upcoming season.As part of its developmental program, ...

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Blackhawks fire team president John McDonough in surprising move

The Chicago Blackhawks fired team president John McDonough on Monday, cutting ties with a key figure in the most successful decade in team history and ...

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Kobe-hosted world para championships postponed to 2022

The 2021 World Para Athletics Championships, originally scheduled for September next year in Kobe, will be held a year later to accommodate the postponement of ...

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Dragonflies’ Gregory Echenique named MVP of B. League’s second division

Venezuelan Gregory Echenique is voted the top player in a pandemic-shortened B. League season.

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NHL goalies trying to stay sharp during break

Vancouver Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom is using a tennis ball machine as part of his training to stay sharp.Columbus Blue Jackets counterpart Joonas Korpisalo doesn’t ...

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New Zealand sets up committee to review Super Rugby future

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has formed a committee with the country's five Super Rugby teams to review operating models and plot a way forward for ...

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Spanish soccer season unlikely to resume before summer

The Spanish soccer season, halted like most major sporting competitions due to the coronavirus pandemic, is unlikely to return until the summer, the country's health ...

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Smile Japan qualifies for 2022 Winter Olympics

Japan's women's hockey team will compete in its third straight Winter Games after securing a berth through its No. 6 world ranking.

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Asanoyama moves up to ozeki in rankings for Summer Grand Sumo Tournament

Sumo's rising star earned promotion to the sport's second-highest rank following his 11-4 finish in last month's Spring Basho.

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Tiger Woods promises some trash talk for event with Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning

Tiger Woods promised that next month's made-for-TV match with Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will be an entertaining contest as the quartet try ...

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Nadal says he’s ‘very pessimistic’ about return of tennis

Rafael Nadal said on Sunday that he was "very pessimistic" over a full resumption of the professional tennis circuit which has been halted by the ...

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Saints in negotiations with former Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston

The Saints are reportedly working on a contract proposal for former Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston.

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Italian government says soccer clubs can resume practice on May 18

Nearly seven weeks after the last game was played, Italy’s top soccer division finally has a target date to resume practice.Premier Giuseppe Conte announced Sunday ...

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IOC member Guy Drut says plans for 2024 Paris Olympics are ‘obsolete and outdated’ because of virus

Plans for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are "obsolete and outdated" in light of the coronavirus pandemic, International Olympic Committee member and former French ...

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Belarusian soccer wins fans abroad as locals boycott matches

International viewers have flocked to the only currently active top-flight league in Europe, but fans and players are wary of the new coronavirus.

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Author of book on 1964 Olympics sees parallels in Tokyo 2020’s struggles

Roy Tomizawa interviewed over 70 athletes from 16 nations in his quest to chronicle Japan's recovery through the lens of the first Tokyo Games.

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Arsenal to reopen training ground to players

Arsenal will reopen its London Colney training ground to their players next week for individual training but the Premier League club will continue to observe ...

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Documents filed in racial discrimination suit show MLB official doubted Cuban umpire would be approved for 2015 World Series

A major league official testified he suggested Angel Hernandez be removed from consideration for the 2015 World Series because he did not think Commissioner Rob ...

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Tokyo delay may harm Dina Asher-Smith’s chances, says former Olympian Iwan Thomas

Dina Asher-Smith's chances of Olympic glory could be hampered by a year's delay to the Games, according to Iwan Thomas.Reigning 200-meter world champion Asher-Smith was ...

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Anger swells at Dutch decision to end soccer season

Dutch top-flight club FC Utrecht is preparing for legal action to fight the Royal Netherlands Football Association decision to cancel the remainder of the league ...

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Wallaby Matt Toomua calls for rethink of ‘outdated’ Super Rugby

Wallabies flyhalf Matt Toomua has joined calls for a rethink of the Super Rugby competition once the sport restarts after the coronavirus shutdown.The Melbourne Rebels ...

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Defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs wrap up draft with eye on repeat

With nearly all of last season's starters retained for this year, general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid used the draft to hunt for ...

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Chelsea players told to donate to charity as club declines to cut pay

England's Chelsea has said it will not impose a pay cut on its first-team squad in response to the coronavirus outbreak.But the Premier League side ...

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NBA facilities will begin to reopen Friday: source

NBA players will be allowed to return to team training facilities starting Friday, provided that their local governments do not have a stay-at-home order prohibiting ...

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Mental strength essential for athletes during period of uncertainty caused by coronavirus

Even during the coronavirus crisis it's business as usual for Hayato Suzuki, a certified mental coach who helps amateur and professional athletes learn psychological techniques ...

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B. League realigns conferences for upcoming season

The B. League has announced its conference assignments for the 2020-21 season

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Sumo stablemaster, wrestler contract coronavirus

Stablemaster Takadagawa and wrestler Hakuyozan have both contracted COVID-19

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Eagles draft Jalen Hurts in stunning move during second round

After giving Carson Wentz a playmaker, the Philadelphia Eagles drafted his backup.The Eagles selected Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round of the NFL ...

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Dutch league causes controversy by canceling remainder of season; Ajax won’t be declared champion

Some clubs are unhappy with the decision to cancel the remainder of the Eredivisie season and use the current standings to allocate spots for UEFA ...

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England suspends professional cricket until July 1

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday extended the suspension of the professional game in the country until July 1 due to the ...

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Rookie Rafael Nadal facing tough test at virtual Madrid Open

When discussing the favorites to win the Madrid Open the first name on most people’s lips would usually be clay-court king Rafa Nadal. Things are ...

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Triathlon’s Grand Final will not take place in 2020

The World Triathlon Grand Final, scheduled for August in Edmonton, Alberta, will not take place in 2020, with restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak making ...

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UFC to hold three shows without fans in Jacksonville, Florida

The UFC is returning to competition on May 9 for three shows in eight days, without fans, in Jacksonville, Florida.The mixed martial arts promotion on ...

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NFL mostly gets things right with draft held during difficult time

For a moment, at least, it looked like the NFL had made a late trade with the White House for Dr. Anthony Fauci to announce ...

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The Hundred in limbo after latest delay to start of domestic cricket season in England

The Hundred, English cricket’s controversial new competition that was supposed to be the centerpiece of the domestic game, was left in limbo after the ban ...

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South Korea’s soccer league sets May 8 kickoff date

Players, coaches and fans have two weeks to get used to new rules around soccer in South Korea after the K-League announced Friday that the ...

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Former Wallaby, Top League MVP Berrick Barnes announces retirement

Ricoh Black Rams back Berrick Barnes, a two-time Japan Rugby Top League MVP capped 51 times by Australia, announced his retirement from rugby on Friday, ...

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Rui Hachimura earned starting spot: Wizards head coach Brooks

The competition for the Washington Wizards' starting spot was open when Rui Hachimura came to the NBA team's training camp, but he proved that he's ...

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Gareth Bale and other players warn against rushing to resume Spanish soccer

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale says there should be no rush to restart the Spanish first division during the coronavirus lockdown as the Spanish soccer ...

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Quarterback Joe Burrow selected first by Cincinnati in glitch-free draft

The NFL's annual distribution of college talent went off without any issues in its virtual setting, with Commissioner Roger Goodell, players and coaches participating from ...

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UEFA says Champions League qualification should be determined ‘on sporting merit’

UEFA on Thursday left the door open for leagues to bring an early end to their seasons during the coronavirus pandemic but said qualification for ...

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WADA wants answers after banned Sun Yang’s ‘Olympic training call-up’

The World Anti-Doping Agency demanded answers Friday after reports that Chinese swimming star Sun Yang was called up for national training for the Tokyo Olympics ...

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European Championships cancellation delivers another blow to athletics

Athletics was left with the prospect of a lost season on Thursday after this summer's European Championships, set to be held in Paris, were canceled ...

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Raelene Castle’s ‘welfare’ played a part in her removal: Rugby Australia chairman

Concerns about Raelene Castle's welfare contributed to a loss of confidence in her leadership before her abrupt resignation as chief executive, Rugby Australia (RA) chairman ...

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Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson already trash talking ahead of charity showdown

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson haven't seen set a date for their charity golf showdown alongside NFL stars Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but the ...

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Former Boston Marathon champion Keizo Yamada dies at 92

The Akita Prefecture native who competed at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics ran in roughly 340 marathons until hanging up his shoes for good in 2009.

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Riot Games cancels League of Legends 2020 Mid-Season Invitational

The League of Legends 2020 Mid-Season Invitational has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.The tournament, which had already been rescheduled from May to July, ...

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Retired Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully hospitalized after fall at home

Retired Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully has been hospitalized after falling at his Los Angeles-area home.The team says the 92-year-old fell Tuesday and was ...

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JFA cuts most J. League clubs from 100th Emperor’s Cup

With professional soccer at a standstill in Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual tournament will be shortened to allow J. League clubs to ...

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Japanese Derby to be held behind closed doors

The Japanese Derby and other high-profile races will be run behind closed doors due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

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Long layoffs could prove detrimental to amateur, pro rikishi

The cancellations caused by the coronavirus will likely have an adverse effect on the sumo world

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NPB, J. League noncommittal about return to action following latest meeting of COVID-19 task force

NPB and J. League officials are consulting with medical experts as they try to get their teams back on the field of play

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Notre Dame’s Muffet McGraw retires after Hall of Fame career, two national titles

Just two years removed from the euphoria of winning her second national championship, Muffet McGraw knew it was time.Time to relax a bit. Time to ...

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Refreshed Gronk says chance to reunite with Tom Brady in Tampa helped get fire burning again

Rob Gronkowski planted the seed for a NFL comeback when he played catch with Tom Brady two months ago.He told the six-time Super Bowl champion ...

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A-League vows to complete season despite virus shutdown

Football Federation Australia said Wednesday it was committed to completing the A-League season but was unable to confirm when games would resume as a strict ...

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Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson to stage rematch involving quarterbacks Tom Brady, Peyton Manning

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are ready for a made-for-TV rematch at a time when fans are craving live action.And this time, they'll have company. ...

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Roger Federer calls for merger of ATP, WTA tours

Roger Federer says now would be a great time for the men's and women's tennis tours to come together as a single organization

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Red Sox lose draft pick as part of punishment for stealing signs in 2018; Alex Cora suspended

MLB has announced its findings from an investigation into allegations the Red Sox cheated during the 2018 season

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Norika Konno reflects on first season in U.S. with Louisville

Sendai native Norika Konno spent this season playing in the U.S. as a freshman with Louisville in the ACC

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Australian Rugby League pushes ahead with plans to resume NRL on May 28

Australian Rugby League commissioner Wayne Pearce says players in the top-flight national competition will be back in training early next month and organizers are pushing ...

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Tim Finchem to join Tiger Woods next year in World Golf Hall of Fame

Tim Finchem, who expanded the PGA Tour’s footprint around the world and negotiated TV contracts that more than tripled prize money during his two decades ...

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J. League offers clubhouses as PCR testing sites

The J. League isn’t just doing everything it can to help players and fans stay safe when professional soccer returns to Japan — it’s also ...

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Serie A commits to finishing season when virus lockdown ends in Italy

The Italian league insisted Monday that it was committed to finishing the season despite reports seven clubs are against a return to action as the ...

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Tennis’ Big Three allow fans fans eavesdrop on their conversations

Ever wondered what a chat between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal might sound like? How about Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray or Stan Wawrinka?Fans got ...

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Expect college football to take slow road back from COVID-19 pandemic

While professional sports leagues can ponder plans to isolate their athletes from the coronavirus and have them play in unusual, even secluded places, college sports ...

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Jamie Joseph expecting Japan’s summer tests against England, Wales to be called off or postponed

With Japan's summer test matches against Wales and Rugby World Cup runner-up England almost guaranteed to be called off as a result of the coronavirus ...

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A-Rod retains JP Morgan in bid to buy Mets

Alex Rodriguez, once again, wants to be like Derek Jeter.A-Rod and fiancee Jennifer Lopez have retained J.P. Morgan to represent them in raising capital for ...

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Tokyo 2020 staffer tests positive for coronavirus

A member of the organizing committee for the 2020 Summer Games has tested positive for COVID-19

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Premier League asked to consider preventing Saudi Arabia from buying Newcastle

The English Premier League has been asked by human rights activists and one of its major broadcast partners to consider blocking Saudi Arabia's attempt to ...

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Rory McIlroy against idea of staging Ryder Cup without fans

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy on Tuesday added his voice to the chorus of players opposed to the idea of playing this year’s Ryder Cup ...

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MLB can cut pay, lay off managers, coaches starting May 1

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has made a move that allows teams to lay off or cut the pay of major and minor league managers, coaches, ...

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Rob Gronkowski set for reunion with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay

Tight end Rob Gronkowski is coming out of retirement to reunite with quarterback Tom Brady as a member of the Buccaneers

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South Korean baseball resumes with preseason game in front of empty stands

The game between the Seoul-based Bears and Twins represented the return of professional sports to a country hit hard in the early days of the ...

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Andres Iniesta’s Japanese journey proving to be winding road

The former Barcelona captain's thoughts have been with his Spanish homeland as he and his Vissel Kobe teammates wait for the J. League season to ...

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Coronavirus shutdown has exposed ‘inequities’ of tennis: Billie Jean King

Tennis great Billie Jean King says the financial fallout from the coronavirus shutdown has exposed the unfairness of the sport and that it is important ...

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South Korea’s K-League allows practice games as virus fears ease

South Korean soccer clubs will be allowed to hold practice matches behind closed doors from Tuesday, the K-League said, with the season delayed by two ...

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Belgian club Lokeren faces bankruptcy after failing to find investors

Belgian second-tier club Lokeren face going out of business after its owner on Monday said that the club had failed to meet a deadline to ...

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PGA says Ryder Cup without fans under consideration

PGA chief executive Seth Waugh has said his organization is studying the feasibility of staging this year's Ryder Cup without fans in light of the ...

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MLB players say pay shouldn’t be cut for empty ballparks

Major League Baseball players are upset over the prospect teams may seek additional pay cuts if games are played in empty ballparks due to the ...

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Poll finds American sports fans reluctant to attend sporting events without COVID-19 vaccine

Teams could see significant decreases in game-day revenues even after stadiums and arenas are reopened to fans.

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No major hangups in NFL’s digital mock draft

The NFL's practice draft Monday to test technology and communications for the real thing beginning Thursday night had no major hangups.There were some technical glitches ...

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Track agent accepts two-year ban for doping talk to reporters

An athletics agent who was filmed telling undercover reporters he could supply performance enhancing drugs has agreed to a two-year ban in a case that ...

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World Rugby looking into allegations against Fiji chairman

The buildup to the World Rugby elections has been plunged into turmoil by a Fijian candidate for a place on the governing body’s executive committee ...

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Nevada approves wagers for two more esports tournaments

Nevada esports gamblers will have one more option in the fall, as the state's Gaming Control Board on Monday approved wagering on ESL One: Rio, ...

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Canada’s Alphonso Davies extends Bayern contract to June 2025

Canadian soccer star Alphonso Davies has agreed to a two-year contract extension with Bayern Munich through June 2025.Bayern announced the agreement Monday with the 19-year-old ...

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Keyshawn Davis, U.S. boxers choosing delayed Olympics over pro riches

The postponement of the Tokyo Games is forcing amateur boxers to choose between taking big-money deals and retaining Olympic eligibility.

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Abe has agreed to pay extra costs of postponed Tokyo Olympics, says IOC

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has committed Japan to covering additional costs incurred due to the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, the International Olympic Committee said ...

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Rugby Australia, players agree on pay cuts after lengthy talks

Australia’s top rugby players will demand a greater say in the future of the sport after reaching agreement Monday on pay cuts designed to allow ...

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Soccer returns to Turkmenistan with fans in attendance

Turkmenistan resumed its domestic soccer season on Sunday, with fans returning to stadiums in one of the few countries yet to declare a case of ...

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Social distancing takes hit as Taiwanese baseball teams brawl

Playing to empty stadiums, Taiwan has managed to keep its baseball league running during the coronavirus pandemic — but social distancing went out of the ...

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B.J. Armstrong offers perspective on Michael Jordan, ‘The Last Dance’

B.J. Armstrong played on three NBA championship teams with Michael Jordan. He knows how Jordan is behind closed doors. He knows the sort of trials ...

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Deep receiver class faces high hopes for immediate impact in NFL

The upcoming NFL draft features a tantalizing class of wide receivers expected to make an immediate impact as rookies.It’s a tall task even for an ...

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Olympic boxing hopeful Arisa Tsubata helping in fight against coronavirus as nurse

The 26-year-old is aiding COVID-19 patients at a hospital in Saitama Prefecture while also training for the 2020 Games.

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Spurs’ Son begins three-week military training: report

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-min began his three-week military training at a marine boot camp on Monday, a report said, with the Premier ...

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Premier League’s transfer market bubble set to burst

The financial squeeze put on Premier League clubs by the coronavirus crisis could be felt across the continent in the coming months as the well ...

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Chinese Super League to start by July: club chairman

The coronavirus-delayed Chinese Super League (CSL) season is scheduled to begin in late June or early July, a club chairman says.Suspended leagues across the world, ...

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World No. 1 Novak Djokovic opposes compulsory coronavirus vaccination

Novak Djokovic faces a dilemma if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following ...

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‘The Great One’ rooting for Alex Ovechkin to overtake him

Wayne Gretzky sees a lot of himself in Alex Ovechkin, from the smile on his face each time he steps on the ice to his ...

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Swimming star Daiya Seto forcing himself to look past Olympic postponement

The four-time gold medal winner at the world championships admits he has 'not (been) able to move on completely' following the decision to reschedule the ...

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Sports leagues search for ways to play amid coronavirus pandemic

With no games being played, recent sports headlines have centered around hopes and dreams — namely, the uncharted path leagues and teams must navigate to ...

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‘The Last Dance’ started with simple idea in 1997

This year's highly-anticipated look at Michael Jordan's Bulls began with plan hatched during late '90s

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Brooks Koepka says playing without fans will be ‘weird’

World No. 3 Brooks Koepka is bracing for the "weird" experience of playing golf tournaments without fans as the PGA Tour eyes a return to ...

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Unbeaten Contrail soars to victory at Satsuki-sho

Race-favorite Contrail beat third-pick Salios at the wire in the 80th running of the Satsuki-sho on Sunday to capture the first leg of this year's ...

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Strong-legged IBM kicker aims to be NFL’s first Japanese player

Waseda graduate Toshiki Sato, who holds the record for Japan's longest field goal, has hired an agent after receiving inquiries from several NFL teams.

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Former NBA top pick Andrew Bogut unsure about playing future

After 15 years in professional basketball, Andrew Bogut is close to making a decision on when to end his career. The new coronavirus and subsequent ...

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NFL teams look for players capable of filling multiple positions

The NFL is embracing dexterity for the first time since the 1960s, when expanded rosters and the age of specialization ushered out the last of ...

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Karateka Ken Nishimura reignites passion for sport during coronavirus crisis

With close contact, deep breathing, crowded indoor spaces and shared equipment, sports are a potential minefield for coronavirus infection.Athletes playing team sports are obviously at ...

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Louisville adjusts to new date, season for Kentucky Derby

Postponing the Kentucky Derby was jarring enough for a city that draws much of its identity from hosting horse racing’s marquee event.Canceling it, well, that’s ...

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Shohei Ohtani goes to bat in fight against coronavirus

The Los Angeles Angels star and Samurai Blue defender Yuto Nagatomo have contributed to crowdfunding efforts aiming to provide protective equipment to medical workers.

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World Rugby chief says current crisis may lead to calendar consensus

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont believes the unity shown in the global game during the coronavirus pandemic will finally lead to a new international competition ...

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Several hundred staff needed for closed-door Premier League games, says West Ham executive

At least 300 people will be required in Premier League stadiums even if games are played without fans when the coronavirus-halted season can resume, according ...

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Spain set to finish soccer season without fans in stadiums

Soccer matches and other sports events in Spain will take place in empty venues at least until the end of the summer, the mayor of ...

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Spirit of World Cup win inspires Siya Kolisi to help South Africa

Just when South Africa needs inspiring again, Siya Kolisi is drawing on the sense of national unity that last year’s Rugby World Cup triumph was ...

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Olympic delay sends world champ Tomoa Narasaki back to drawing board

Tomoa Narasaki was expected to be among the favorites at the Olympics this summer

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Champion driver Sebastian Vettel dismisses condensed F1 schedule as ‘not realistic’

1rob

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Pro cyclist Davide Martinelli uses bike to deliver medicine in virus-hit Italy

Giving back to the community that has supported him during his career, Astana cyclist delivers medicine to residents in remote part of Italy's Lombardy region.

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Sabrina Ionescu headed to Liberty as No. 1 pick in WNBA draft

Sabrina Ionescu was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft Friday night, going to the New York Liberty in an Oregon sweep of the ...

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Premier League clubs meet to discuss restarting, completing season

English Premier League clubs met on Friday to discuss the coronavirus testing required and the scenarios that could allow the season to resume from June ...

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Wales coach says three players tested positive for coronavirus

Three Wales rugby players have contracted the coronavirus, coach Wayne Pivac has said.Pivac did not identify the players in an interview with New Zealand's 1 ...

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Dan Carter’s brief time in Japanese rugby ends with Top League cancellation

All Blacks great Dan Carter bid his fans in Japan a subtle farewell on Friday, praising his brief time with Kobe Kobelco Steelers following the ...

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DeAndre Hopkins not surprised by trade, ready to help Cardinals

Most of the NFL world was stunned when the Arizona Cardinals pulled off a trade last month to land elite receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the ...

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Tigers pitch in with 4,500 ponchos for healthcare workers in Osaka

The Hanshin Tigers have donated 4,500 rain ponchos to the city of Osaka for use as emergency protective gear in its fight against the coronavirus ...

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Denver Bronco’s star Von Miller in good spirits after contracting COVID-19

Von Miller has the coronavirus and the NFL star wanted to come forward with his diagnosis to show people how serious the disease is."Von wants ...

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NPB cancels interleague play as delay to start of season continues

The announcement by league commissioner Atsushi Saito meant that Central and Pacific League clubs would not play each other during the regular season for the ...

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Muay thai fighters in despair as rings fall silent

Training in masks, two meters apart, Thailand's professional fighters are battling a new reality — shuttered gyms and canceled tournaments after the coronavirus pandemic left ...

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Bubba Wallace condemns Kyle Larson for using racial slur in esports event

Bubba Wallace, one of NASCAR's most successful African-American drivers, has condemned Kyle Larson for using a racial slur during an esports event, saying his fellow ...

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PGA Tour hopes to resume in June at Colonial with no fans

The PGA Tour laid out an ambitious plan Thursday to resume its season the second week of June and keep fans away for at least ...

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Olympic medal hopeful Risako Kawai using lockdown to lock in mental fortitude

The Rio gold medalist is focusing on studying possible opponents as she prepares to wrestle in the lighter 57-kg category next year.

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Ambition deferred, Rio champion Kyle Chalmers eyes greatness at ‘biggest’ Olympic Games

Kyle Chalmers stunned the swimming world when he stormed to gold in the 100-meter freestyle at the Rio Olympics, and the Australian believes greatness awaits ...

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Mima Ito climbs to No. 2 in world rankings, Japan’s highest ever

Mima Ito has climbed to second in the women's singles world rankings, achieving the highest position ever held by a Japanese table tennis player, male ...

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Agustin Pichot looking to change sport’s mindset through run for World Rugby chairman

Former Argentina captain believes strong emerging nations such as Japan deserve to participate in high-level international competitions.

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Carmen Williamson, boxing’s first black Olympic judge, dies of COVID-19 complications

Carmen Williamson, who in the 1940s and ’50s was a top U.S. amateur boxer and then in 1984 became the first black boxing referee and ...

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Michael Leitch says Japan must become ‘One Team’ to beat coronavirus

“One Team,” the slogan used by Japan's Brave Blossoms at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, was selected as the 2019 buzzword of the year.Now team ...

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UEFA considering plan to hold Champions League final in late August

UEFA, European soccer's governing body, is hoping the Champions League final can be played at the end of August in Istanbul, three months after the ...

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Esports pull in more viewers as coronavirus halts live competitions

Viewer demand is rising not only for competitions hosted by traditional sports leagues, but also for nonsports games such as Riot Games' League of Legends.

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World Rugby announces $100 million global relief package

Rugby union's global governing body will assist national unions that have suffered devastating financial fallout as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Organizers meet to discuss new framework for 2020 Games

Local organizers and the IOC are moving ahead with their plans for the Tokyo Olympics

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Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw cast doubts on rumored MLB plans to start season

Mike Trout has major concerns about the possibility of players being quarantined if the MLB season moves forward once the coronavirus outbreak slows.The Los Angeles ...

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Rams center Brian Allen first known NFL player to test positive for COVID-19

Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen says he tested positive for COVID-19 three weeks ago.Allen is the first active NFL player to acknowledge testing positive ...

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NPB still in limbo as CPBL, KBO get ready to play ball

Baseball is slowly returning to Asia amid the coronavirus pandemic

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Women’s sports likely to be hit harder by COVID-19

Amid rising calls worldwide for gender equity, women’s sports had been enjoying unprecedented attention and support before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.The World Cup in France ...

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WWE cuts wrestlers after Florida deems it an ‘essential’ business

WWE started releasing professional wrestlers on Wednesday in budget cuts related to the coronavirus pandemic.The moves came even with the company allowed to continue to ...

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FIFA braced for challenges over player contract extensions

FIFA is braced for legal challenges over the recommendation that player contracts should be extended until the seasons halted by the coronavirus pandemic can be ...

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Tour de France to begin in late August in first non-July start since World War II

World's biggest cycling event will take place in fall this year because of coronavirus

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NTSB report says Roy Halladay was under influence of drugs, doing stunts before fatal plane crash

Baseball Hall of Famer Roy Halladay had high-levels of amphetamines in his system and was doing extreme acrobatics when he lost control of his small ...

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Dusty Baker laments lack of blacks in MLB on Jackie Robinson Day

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker celebrated Jackie Robinson’s legacy on the 73rd anniversary of the fall of the major league color barrier and lamented the ...

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AFC intends to push ahead with continental competitions despite pandemic

Asia's top soccer competitions will go ahead this year despite the coronavirus pandemic, a senior official said, although games may have to be played behind ...

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Rui Hachimura urges Japanese fans to ‘stay positive’ during crisis

The Washington Wizards rookie answered questions from fans in English and Japanese during a 30-minute video chat hosted on the team's official Twitter account.

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Asanoyama strong favorite to become sumo’s next hot star

With the sport mostly at a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic, the upcoming NFL Draft inspires Japan Times sumo columnist John Gunning to again ...

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Takumi Minamino and Kotaro Matsushima among Japanese athletes selected for Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list

Liverpool Football Club signing Takumi Minamino and Rugby World Cup star Kotaro Matsushima were among the Japanese athletes named in Forbes’ fifth annual “30 Under ...

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Reigning judo champion Shohei Ono puts Olympic delay in perspective

Judoka Shohei Ono is taking the challenge of the unprecedented one-year Olympic postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic in his stride as he prepares to ...

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Arizona says it is willing to host MLB as league cuts pay from senior staff

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey says his state is willing to host all 30 major league teams if public health concerns allow it, which could lead ...

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European soccer set for UEFA-led talks on restart options; domestic competitions could get priority

UEFA will host another round of talks next week with European soccer leaders as they look for a way to end the shutdown caused by ...

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Former London Marathon winner Daniel Wanjiru suspended over alleged doping

Former London Marathon winner Daniel Wanjiru of Kenya has been provisionally suspended for suspected doping.The charge against Wanjiru was announced Tuesday by track and field's ...

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Yankees co-owner Hank Steinbrenner dies at 63

Hank Steinbrenner, the oldest son of George Steinbrenner and one of the four siblings who own the controlling shares of the New York Yankees, died ...

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With hockey on hiatus, storied Stanley Cup is locked away

Phil Pritchard spent a recent afternoon carrying groceries back to his home outside Toronto — a far cry from taking the Stanley Cup around North ...

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SANZAAR mulls options for Super Rugby, Rugby Championship

Super Rugby organizer SANZAAR is hopeful the southern hemisphere tournament will go ahead in some form this season, possibly being played simultaneously with the Rugby ...

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Scott Hamilton, Miki Ando join online fundraiser in support of health care workers

Despite having no ice on which to perform, more than 40 figure skaters from nine countries will take part in a fundraiser Friday to help ...

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B. League to realign teams into two conferences for 2020-21 season

The B. League will play its 2020-21 season with teams split into two conferences — the East and West — instead of three, which has ...

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Tokyo 2020 organizers have no plans in place to handle second Olympic postponement

Tokyo 2020 organizers said Tuesday they have no "B Plan” in the event the Olympics need to be postponed again because of the coronavirus pandemic.Masa ...

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NASCAR suspends Kyle Larson for using racial slur in virtual race

Kyle Larson's racial slur cost him his two primary NASCAR supporters. It likely will cost him his job soon.McDonald's and Credit One Bank ended their ...

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Analysts fear economic ‘meltdown’ in cycling if Tour de France canceled

The Tour de France is not only a French monument, but also the economic heartbeat of professional cycling itself, and analysts fear heavy consequences if ...

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FIFA vice president says International matches may not resume until 2021 because of COVID-19

FIFA will likely place emphasis on domestic competitions as soccer looks to future

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Athletes coming off doping bans in 2020 may get unexpected chance to reach delayed Tokyo Games

Olympic postponement may give suspended athletes second chance at qualifying for Summer Games

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Don Mattingly, Marlins stuck in limbo as MLB plans next steps

Marlins manager Don Mattingly and his team are coping with being in limbo as the coronavirus pandemic continues to create uncertainty in the world of ...

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Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey becomes NFL’s highest-paid running back

The Carolina Panthers have rewarded Christian McCaffrey for his production and versatility, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL.The team agreed to a ...

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Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, mother of Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns, dies from COVID-19

Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, the mother of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, died Monday due to complications from COVID-19 after more than a month of fighting the ...

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NASCAR star Kyle Larson uses racial slur during virtual race

NASCAR star Kyle Larson used a racial slur on a live stream during a virtual race — the second driver in a week to draw ...

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Six months on, Brave Blossoms captain Michael Leitch reflects on historic World Cup

The New Zealand-born back rower became a symbol of the multicultural squad that achieved Japan's first-ever quarterfinal appearance at the tournament last fall.

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IOC bracing for extra costs from Tokyo Games delay: Thomas Bach

Bach expects his organization to pay several hundred million dollars in additional costs as a result of the Olympics' rescheduling to July and August 2021.

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Former pro golfer Doug Sanders, remembered for his runner-up finishes in several majors, dies at 86

Doug Sanders brought a flamboyance to golf fashion ahead of his time, a colorful character known as much for the 20 times he won on ...

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Pandemic beach closures cramps surfers’ way of life

For Ray Booth, surfing is more than just a sport. It's a passion, a way of life, a therapy. Maybe even an obsession.So when the ...

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NBA has ’25-day plan’ to return to action: report

The NBA may not know when — or if — play will resume this season, but the league reportedly has a plan to get players ...

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Former Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Bonetti dies at age 78

The short-statured Bonetti earned over 200 clean sheets for Chelsea in 729 appearances and was a part of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

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Roger Goodell to announce draft picks from his basement: report

The 2020 NFL Draft won't have crowds, big stage and the usual fanfare that comes with the offseason's biggest night because of the ongoing coronavirus ...

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Taiwan reverses trend of virus-related sports cancellations with new baseball season

The island's ability to keep the coronavirus pandemic under control has allowed it to resume professional sports competitions, even as neighboring Asian leagues remain shut ...

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Daring Tact captures first G1 victory at Oka-sho

Daring Tact won the 80th running of the Oka-sho on Sunday and claimed her first Grade 1 victory in just three starts while capturing the ...

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Ninth member of Japan judo federation tests positive for coronavirus

The infection count at the All Japan Judo Federation is high enough to meet the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's standards for designating an ...

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Billie Jean King says female athletes should stay focused on fight for equality

Tennis great Billie Jean King on Saturday said that despite the myriad of setbacks facing female athletes due to the coronavirus pandemic, they should not ...

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Soccer’s sponsors worry about paying for nothing as coronavirus drought continues

With stadiums dark, match shirts folded in closets and most players confined at home, soccer's sponsors have lost all visibility and are growing restless.European clubs ...

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World Rugby vice chairman Agustin Pichot looks to unseat Bill Beaumont for top job

Agustin Pichot will run against incumbent Bill Beaumont for the top job in World Rugby this month, the outspoken former Argentina international announced in a ...

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Sky’s the limit for Rui Hachimura, says All-Star teammate Bradley Beal

Rui Hachimura may not see the court again in his coronavirus-interrupted rookie season, but the play of Japan's great basketball hope has already proven to ...

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Oilers’ Colby Cave dies at 25 after brain bleed

Edmonton Oilers forward Colby Cave died Saturday after a brain bleed this week. He was 25.The NHL club confirmed Cave’s death with a statement from ...

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JFA chief Kozo Tashima calls on Japan to support health care ‘national team’

Japan Football Association President Kozo Tashima called Japan's health care workers "our national team" on Saturday and pleaded for people to support them following his ...

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Simon Pagenaud wins IndyCar’s first virtual race on an oval

IndyCar's virtual return to Michigan International Speedway mimicked the U.S. 500 at the start, when the current open-wheel racing stars mismanaged the green flag and ...

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Devin Booker wins NBA 2K20 Players Tournament in all-Phoenix Suns final

Devin Booker won the NBA 2K20 Players Tournament on Saturday night, sweeping Phoenix Suns teammate Deandre Ayton in the best-of-three final."I played a lot growing ...

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Japanese athletes helping people stay fit at home amid pandemic

Japanese athletes reach out to fans stuck at home

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JBPA President Shigehiro Taguchi gives rise to players’ voices during pandemic

JPBA president had to lead B. League players through uncertain situation when COVID-19 outbreak hit

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Mexican League players jump on esports bandwagon to hold virtual season via FIFA 20

The Mexican League joined other sports leagues around the world Friday by using its players to conduct an esports tournament that will be broadcast to ...

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Olympic CEO Toshiro Muto hints Summer Games could still be in doubt come 2021

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto says the coronavirus pandemic could still interfere with hosting the games in 2021 if mankind doesn't get it under control.

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International Champions Cup cancels preseason matches

With no indication of when the 2019-20 European soccer seasons will end, the International Champions Cup exhibition tournament ahead of the 2020-21 season has been ...

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Korea Baseball Organization targeting May as potential start date as number of new virus cases in South Korea drops

With new cases of the coronavirus falling in South Korea, the country’s baseball league is targeting an early May restart with teams ready to play ...

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NHL fielding offers from cities interested in hosting playoff games

The NHL is listening to offers from venues around North America that are volunteering to host neutral-site playoff games.NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly discussed the ...

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Rams trade receiver Brandin Cooks to Texans

The Los Angeles Rams are trading receiver Brandin Cooks to the Houston Texans, according to a person familiar with the deal.The person spoke on condition ...

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ITF advises tennis players to seek local support while sport is on hiatus

The International Tennis Federation is looking at ways to help the players most severely affected by the sport’s shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ...

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World Athletics chief hopes for ‘belated season’ starting in August

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe is still hoping that a belated outdoor athletics season can be staged from August to October this year, he said ...

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Back in training, Bayern’s Kingsley Coman hopes to complete season

German first-division clubs clubs returned to training earlier this week after almost a month off due to the COVID-19 outbreak and while the players are ...

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Olympic dreams on hold for local volunteers, hosts

Olympic volunteer Ami Endo has dreamed for years of seeing the games, but despite her crushing disappointment over Tokyo 2020 being postponed, she is determined ...

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Sumo’s rigid lifestyle offers bubble of protection against coronavirus disruption

With just one case of infection and wrestlers already living in a state of near-isolation, professional sumo may survive the COVID-19 pandemic without a significant ...

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Wizards GM says rookie Rui Hachimura exceeded expectations in virus-abbreviated debut

Japan's first NBA star has impressed in his debut season with 13.4 points and six rebounds per game, despite sitting out part of the season ...

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NHL players struggle to find substitute for ice time

Taking ice away from NHL players has caused some to resort to desperate measures.New York Islanders captain Anders Lee bought a Peloton. Anaheim defenseman Josh ...

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First sumo wrestler tests positive for coronavirus

The announcement that a lower-ranked wrestler has tested positive for the virus is a blow to the Japan Sumo Association's efforts to maintain its tournament ...

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FIBA postpones Olympic qualifiers by one year in readjusted schedule

World basketball's governing body has postponed the men's Olympic qualifiers, the European Championship and the Americas Championship by a year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, FIBA ...

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Retired foreign NPB players urge fans to be safe at home

Members of the Japan Retired Foreign Player Association are sending instructions and messages of encouragement to Japanese supporters through social media.

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Floyd Mayweather’s virtual likeness to face boxing greats

Floyd Mayweather went undefeated during his storied career and will now hope to maintain that dominance in simulated bouts after agreeing to put his digital ...

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Scottish clubs set for crucial vote on ending season

The Scottish soccer season was suspended until at least June 10 on Thursday as clubs prepared to vote on a Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) ...

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Former manager and Hall of Famer Junzo Sekine dies at 93

Junzo Sekine, a Hall of Famer and former manager who split his playing career between the mound and the batter's box, has died at the ...

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Paralympic Marathon will still be held in Tokyo despite postponement, IPC confirms

The International Paralympic Committee revealed Wednesday that the marathon that is part of the Tokyo Paralympic Games will be held in the capital, as the ...

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Kevin Garnett yearns to see NBA return to Seattle, has big plans for future

Kevin Garnett always found Seattle to be a difficult place for opponents. He played in 27 games there during his NBA career, leaving the court ...

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Tom Brady says it was ‘just time’ to leave Patriots

Tom Brady entered his final season in New England with a strong inkling it would be his last with the Patriots.The six-time Super Bowl champion ...

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South Sudanese athletes in Japan keep Olympic dreams alive

The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was a heavy blow for many athletes, but a team of South Sudanese sprinters training in a Japanese ...

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Track world championships rescheduled for July 2022

The first major domino tipped in the wake of the Olympic postponement on Wednesday when track leaders rescheduled next year's world championships for July 2022, ...

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Former Rangers star Josh Hamilton indicted, accused of abusing 14-year-old daughter

Former Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton has been indicted on a felony charge of injury to a child after his teenage daughter accused him of ...

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Augusta community dealing with impact of pushing Masters to November

The Masters is so intertwined with Augusta, they added an extra day to spring break.You see, the first full week of April isn't just a ...

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LeBron James hoping to get chance to finish NBA season

Instead of preparing for a playoff run, LeBron James is mostly spending the spring playing hoops with his teenage sons and enjoying tea time with ...

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Veteran boxer Katsunari Takayama willing to wait out COVID-19 for return to ring

It has been 22 years since Katsunari Takayama first picked up boxing gloves. But the burning passion is still there.The 36-year-old Takayama retired as a ...

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NPB closes main office, announces further delays to season after emergency declaration

Like many other organizations in Japan, professional baseball is adjusting to the state of emergency declared Tuesday by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to combat the ...

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J. League clubs feeling financial crunch from pandemic

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Tuesday night announcement of a state of emergency marked the latest and most dramatic step in Japan’s battle against the COVID-19 ...

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Osaka Evessa announce three more infected players

The Osaka Evessa announced Tuesday that three more of their players have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of infected players and team ...

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Japan’s Olympic training bases close after emergency declaration

The Japan Sport Council said Wednesday it will close two major Olympic training facilities in response to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's declaration of a state ...

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Athletes already qualified for Tokyo Games get to keep spots

About 6,500 athletes who already have earned their spots for the Tokyo Games are in for 2021 under re-drawn qualifying regulations published Tuesday by the ...

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Warren Gatland wants Lions-All Blacks ‘decider’ after coronavirus crisis

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has proposed a series “decider” between the All Blacks and his composite team when the coronavirus crisis is ...

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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman raises possibility of not completing regular season

For the first time since halting play four weeks ago, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman raised the possibility Tuesday of not completing the regular season in ...

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Players, managers intrigued by MLB’s all-Arizona option

Boston’s Chris Sale, out for the season following Tommy John surgery, thought about the prospect of his teammates sequestered in the Phoenix area for an ...

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Ronaldinho to leave Paraguayan jail for luxury hotel house arrest

Retired soccer star Ronaldinho was released from a high-security jail in Paraguay on Tuesday after more than a month, but was ordered to serve house ...

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Virus fears halt public display of Olympic flame in Fukushima

The public exhibition of the Olympic flame in Fukushima Prefecture will be suspended after Wednesday due to escalating concerns about the spread of the new ...

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Dana White claims UFC close to securing private island for fights

Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White has said the mixed martial arts promotion is close to securing a "private island" to stage bouts for international ...

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Japan’s athletes and sports associations brace for impact of emergency declaration

Already reeling from the chaos caused by the spread of COVID-19, sporting bodies are bracing for further disruption when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declares a ...

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WADA president cautions athletes against using pandemic as opportunity to dope

Athletes are fooling themselves if they think they can use the global chaos caused by the coronavirus pandemic to cheat, World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold ...

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U.S. prosecutors say bribes influenced voting for 2018, 2022 World Cup rights

Prosecutors have revealed new details of alleged bribes paid to members of the FIFA executive committee to gain votes for Qatar to host the 2022 ...

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver doesn’t expect any decisions about league before May

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is bracing for several more weeks of uncertainty about the remainder of this halted season, revealing Monday night that he does ...

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Wrestling’s governing body to hold world championships during Olympic year for first time in 2021

The international wrestling governing body, United World Wresting (UWW), plans to keep its world championships in 2021, which would mark the first time the event ...

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MLB, union discuss playing all games in Arizona

Putting all 30 teams in the Phoenix area and playing in empty ballparks was among the ideas discussed Monday by Major League Baseball and the ...

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British Open canceled, Masters moved to November in major overhaul

The British Open will not be played this year for the first time since 1945, golf officials announced Monday as they tried to reconfigure a ...

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Beloved Tigers star, Hall of Famer Al Kaline dies at 85

Fresh off the train and only 18 years old, Al Kaline ran into an immediate roadblock trying to join the Detroit Tigers. Called up to ...

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Wayne Rooney calls handling of dispute over pay in Premier League ‘a disgrace’

Wayne Rooney has criticized the U.K. government and the Premier League for placing soccer players in a “no-win situation” over proposed pay cuts after players ...

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Former Scotland rugby captain Dougie Morgan dies at 73

Dougie Morgan, the former Scotland rugby union captain and head coach, has died. He was 73.The scrum-half died in an Edinburgh hospital on Saturday night, ...

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Pro day cancellations forcing changes to NFL draft process

Bill Polian simplified the NFL's draft process years ago.He studied film, relied on medical experts, checked the numbers and interviewed players. With the flurry of ...

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Brex star Ryan Rossiter reflects on virus-shortened season, career

When the 2019-2020 B. League season was forced to end abruptly last month because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Utsunomiya Brex were among the contenders ...

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Ichiro named to all-time Rookie of the Year team

Former MLB star Ichiro Suzuki was among three outfielders included on an MLB.com list of the all-time best Rookie of the Year Award winners at ...

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Coronavirus may take spit, sweaty towels, handshakes out of sports

As the coronavirus brings the international sports calendar to a grinding halt, there are some long-standing habits which could change forever once competition resumes.Saliva to ...

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Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell dies at 84

Bobby Mitchell, the speedy NFL offensive star of the late 1950s and 1960s who became the Washington Redskins' first black player on the way to ...

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Saints hero Tom Dempsey dies at 73 after COVID-19 complications

Tom Dempsey, the kicker born without toes on his kicking foot who made a then-record 63-yard field goal, died late Saturday while struggling with complications ...

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Manchester City’s Kyle Walker apologizes for ‘lockdown party’

England defender Kyle Walker is facing disciplinary action from Premier League team Manchester City after appearing to break lockdown conditions during the coronavirus pandemic.The 29-year-old ...

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Olympic saga reveals Japanese sports world’s lack of influence

The unprecedented decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics for a year amid the spread of the coronavirus has highlighted the impotence of Japan's ...

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Virus alone will set timeline for return of sports in U.S.

The unthinkable, at least for sports fans, already has happened.The games, as we know them, are shut down. We’ll never know if San Diego State ...

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Twenty20 World Cup organizers hopeful for successful tournament despite potential clash with other sports

Organizers expect this year's Twenty20 World Cup to be a success even if it has to vie with Australian rules football and rugby league for ...

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Mild winter, no games aid grass at MLB parks

Nicole Sherry poked some holes in the turf at Camden Yards, cut the grass and then left the ballpark about the same time the Baltimore ...

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World champion swimmer Adam Peaty adjusts to life with no pool

Cyclists and rowers can stay in top shape in their personal gyms even during the coronavirus shutdown, but Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty has to ...

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NBA’s prospects for resuming season on the wane after CBA’s move: report

The NBA's chances of resuming the 2019-20 season are growing smaller because of the global coronavirus pandemic, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said.Speaking late Friday on "SportsCenter," ...

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English Premier League, players’ union at impasse over 30 percent pay cut

English Premier League players failed to reach an agreement on Saturday with clubs to take 30 percent pay cuts during the coronavirus pandemic, escalating a ...

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Fijian rugby players arrested for breaching virus isolation

Two Fijian rugby players have been arrested for ignoring the Pacific nation's coronavirus self-isolation rules, with local authorities saying their "irresponsible behavior" would be reported ...

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Istiklol wins Tajikistan’s Super Cup in one of world’s few active leagues

Tajikistan started a new soccer season on Saturday, joining a small group of countries around the world where play has continued despite the coronavirus pandemic.Istiklol ...

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Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett headline Basketball Hall of Fame’s class of 2020

Kobe Bryant’s resume has yet another entry to validate his greatness: He’s now, officially, a Hall of Famer.And he’s got plenty of elite company in ...

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Trump talks with U.S. pro sports leaders, says fans “want to be back” in arenas

U.S. President Donald Trump met by phone with many American pro sports leaders Saturday to discuss how that industry has been affected by the global ...

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Astros’ Justin Verlander will donate pay during MLB shutdown

Veteran Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander said he will donate his adjusted paycheck during MLB's coronavirus shutdown to multiple organizations providing assistance during the crisis.Verlander ...

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FIFA extends age limit for men’s soccer at Tokyo Olympics due to virus

FIFA has extended the age limit for the men’s soccer tournament at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic.The amended Olympic rule on ...

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NBA players forced to improvise to stay in shape during pandemic

Giannis Antetokounmpo is spending much of his time during the coronavirus-imposed hiatus working out, helping care for his newborn son and occasionally playing video games.What ...

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Coronavirus has taken over as biggest bad guy at WrestleMania

WrestleMania planned for Gronk Gone Wild.Rob Gronkowski is set to host WWE’s signature show. But the frivolity — and perhaps the physicality if a wrestler ...

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Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish speaks about fear Asians feel in U.S. amid coronavirus outbreak

Chicago Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish expressed concern Friday about the rising incidence of anti-Asian discrimination in the United States amid the coronavirus crisis.In a YouTube ...

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NPB has to be flexible in approach to opening day

Former NPB Commissioner Ryozo Kato used to joke that Japanese baseball was similar to a large boat in the middle of the ocean.You can make ...

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International Swimming League to keep funding its pro athletes through Tokyo Olympics

The International Swimming League will fund its professional athletes through next year's rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, starting with payments in September.The league said Friday it plans ...

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LPGA postpones five tournaments including U.S. Women’s Open

The LPGA on Friday announced the postponement of its next five tour events, including the U.S. Women's Open, in response to the coronavirus crisis.LPGA commissioner ...

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Anthony Joshua could prioritize fight with Tyson Fury fight if limited to one bout in 2020

Anthony Joshua wants to face Tyson Fury in a world heavyweight unification fight if he has to settle for just one bout this year due ...

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Former French sports minister says staging Tour de France as planned would be ‘crime against humanity’

Allowing the Tour de France to go ahead as scheduled despite the COVID-19 pandemic would be "madness" and a "crime against humanity," former French sports ...

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Basketball Hall of Fame set to announce 2020 class

A unique Hall of Fame class will be announced Saturday in a unique way.Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett are all expected to be ...

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Hacker repeatedly posts racial slur during fan chat with Rangers’ K’Andre Miller

A hacker posted a racial slur hundreds of times in an online fan video chat Friday with a black New York Rangers prospect.The NHL team ...

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Olympic delay adds uncertainty to workload, costs and cash flow

Postponing the Tokyo Olympics to 2021 will make the event more costly for all parties, the International Olympic Committee acknowledged Thursday, although it offered few ...

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All-Japan Championship canceled for first time over coronavirus

The Japan Rugby Football Union announced Thursday the cancellation of this year's All-Japan Championship in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.The season-ending championship, usually involving ...

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Japan Sumo Association postpones May and July tournaments by two weeks

The Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, which was scheduled to open May 10, will be postponed for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japan ...

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‘Phantom Olympian’ Kenichi Chida finds silver lining in Tokyo Games postponement

When Japan won the bid to host the 2020 Summer Games in 2013, retired top fencer Kenichi Chida was determined to find some role to ...

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FIFA boss Gianni Infantino says soccer will be ‘totally different’ after coronavirus

Soccer will be totally different when it eventually resumes after the coronavirus outbreak, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Thursday."Football will come back, and when it ...

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Russian boxing coach diagnosed with coronavirus after returning from Olympic qualifiers

A Russian national boxing team coach has tested positive for COVID-19 after returning home from Olympic qualifiers cut short in London last month.Anton Kadushin, who ...

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Rugby in crisis as unions engage in ‘unprecedented dialogue’

USA Rugby has filed for bankruptcy. The Australians are facing a black hole of more than $70 million. English rugby leaders have drawn up worst-case ...

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Japan’s baseball, soccer leagues give up on April restarts as COVID-19 cases increase

Nippon Professional Baseball and the J. League on Friday said starting their respective seasons later this month would be practically impossible given the current situation ...

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Premier League stars face backlash over high wages during pandemic

The request to Premier League players from British health secretary Matt Hancock was direct: "Take a pay cut.”The swift response from the Professional Footballers’ Association ...

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World Games postponed until 2022 to avoid Olympic clash

The World Games is a showcase for athletes who compete in eclectic array of sports that have one thing in common: They are not part ...

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Club Brugge declared Belgian champions after season canceled

Club Brugge have been declared Belgian champions after the remainder of the country’s professional league season was canceled on Thursday due to the coronavirus pandemic.Brugge ...

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Sapporo to remain as Olympic venue for marathons, race walks

Kit McConnell, the International Olympic Committee's sports director, said Thursday he anticipates the marathon and race walking events will remain in Sapporo next year for ...

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Eddie Jones extends contract with England until Rugby World Cup 2023

Eddie Jones has agreed to a contract extension as coach of the England rugby team, keeping the Australian in the role until the World Cup ...

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Evessa player tests positive for COVID-19 in B. League first

A member of the Osaka Evessa has tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, while several other players, club and arena staff have complained ...

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Compressed schedule could increase need for pitchers in MLB

When and if opening day comes around this year, New York Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake anticipates a brimming bullpen.Major League Baseball and the players' ...

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UEFA postpones more events amid uncertainty over resumption of European soccer

UEFA postponed more matches and deadlines Wednesday without giving any firm indication on when European soccer might be able to resume as it continues to ...

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Oka-sho, Satsuki-sho to be run without spectators

The Japan Racing Association said Thursday it will extend its closed-door, audience-free events through April 19.The three upcoming Grade One events, the Osaka Hai, scheduled ...

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Beijing 2022 organizers to assess impact of postponing Tokyo Games

Organizers of the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing say they will conduct a "detailed assessment” of the impact the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics ...

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Coronavirus poses threat to World Baseball Classic schedule

The fifth World Baseball Classic, scheduled to be held in March of 2021, is now under threat from the coronavirus pandemic, Nippon Professional Baseball's secretary ...

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Simone Biles admits Olympic postponement was ‘a lot to take mentally’

There's a large whiteboard calendar on a wall inside the massive gym owned by Simone Biles' family that outlines every major gymnastics event of the ...

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Khabib Nurmagomedov won’t break COVID-19 quarantine in Russia to fight at UFC 249

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has said he won't leave quarantine in Russia to fight, dealing another blow to UFC President Dana White's determination to ...

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Olympic flame to be shown for one month at Fukushima’s J-Village

The flame for the postponed Tokyo Games was put on public display Thursday at a soccer training center in Fukushima Prefecture that served as a ...

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Wimbledon canceled for first time since WWII because of coronavirus

For the first time in its nearly century-and-a-half history, Wimbledon was canceled for a reason other than war, scrapped in 2020 on Wednesday because of ...

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Olympic flame passed to Fukushima in low-key ceremony

Tokyo 2020 organizers left the Olympic flame in the hands of Fukushima Prefecture on Wednesday, where it will be on display in a lantern for ...

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Fukuoka-hosted aquatics world championships look for new dates after Tokyo 2020 postponement

After new dates were announced for the Tokyo Olympics, swimming’s governing body is going back to the drawing board to figure out when to hold ...

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Former Buffaloes, Fighters manager Masataka Nashida tests positive for coronavirus

Masataka Nashida, who managed two teams to Pacific League pennants, has tested positive for the new coronavirus, his management company said Wednesday.According to the company, ...

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Rui Hachimura joins Kevin Durant and other NBA stars in NBA 2K tournament

NBA fans starved for action amid the shut-down forced by the coronavirus pandemic will get a taste of competition in an NBA 2K Players Tournament ...

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Brave Thunders players regret early end to stellar season

There was no one to blame, but it was certainly a disappointing way to end the season for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders.Last Friday, the B. ...

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Free movement of young wrestlers could help sumo build stronger base

Two significant changes in status took place after the Osaka Grand Sumo Tournament.First up was the promotion of Asanoyama to the sport’s second-highest rank. At ...

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