Kamis, 02 Februari 2012

Egyptian protesters blame police for soccer deaths

By MAGGIE MICHAEL and SARAH EL DEEB
Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) -- Security forces clashed Thursday with stone-throwing protesters enraged by the failure of police to prevent a soccer riot that killed 74 people, as sports violence spiraled into a new political crisis for Egypt.

The deaths Wednesday night in a post-match stadium riot in the Mediterranean city of Port Said fueled anger at Egypt's ruling military and the already widely distrusted police forces. Many in the public and in the newly elected parliament blamed the leadership for letting it happen - whether from a lack of control or, as some alleged, on purpose. STORY....

Egypt Rioting Depressingly Familiar For Soccer

By GRAHAM DUNBAR and JOHN LEICESTER
AP Sports Writers

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) -- The riots that killed 74 people in Egypt were sickeningly familiar for soccer: a rush to the field by fans, fighting, a deadly stampede - scenes replayed over and over at stadiums around the world. This time, however, there were important differences.

Most important, context. Soccer in the Arab world has long been tied to politics. Before the Arab Spring, attending soccer games was one of the few outlets to vent frustration about life under autocratic leaders. In Egypt, hardcore fans known as Ultras played an important role in the popular uprising that toppled former leader Hosni Mubarak last year. STORY....

Pats' Rob Gronkowski Practices For First Time During Super Bowl Week

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 31:  Rob Gronkowski...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
By Pro Football Writers of America


New England tight end Rob Gronkowski's return from a high ankle sprain highlighted Thursday's Super Bowl XLVI practice.

Appearing during the second half of the nearly two-hour session, Gronkowski participated on a limited basis for the first time since suffering a sprained left ankle during the AFC Championship Game. READ ON....

NFL Will Help 49ers Pay For New Stadium In Santa Clara

By Steve Wyche - NFL.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NFL has approved a decision to loan $200 million to the San Francisco 49ers to help finance a new stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., where the team's headquarters are located.

Team president and CEO Jed York said the construction timeline -- which was part of the proposal to the NFL -- projects that the stadium will be built by 2015, but added that the stadium could be done by 2014. MORE....

Louisiana Tech Football Player Found Dead

APEX Sports Newswires

Louisiana Tech running back Tyrone Duplessis was found dead Thursday morning at his off-campus apartment.

Rabu, 01 Februari 2012

Winner Of Daytona 500 Guaranteed Record Purse

APEX Sports Newswires

The Daytona 500 will boast a record purse of more than $19 million. This year's winner is guaranteed a minimum of $1.4 million.

Floyd Mayweather To Fight Cotto In May

APEX Sports Newswires

Floyd Mayweather announced Wednesday that he will fight Miguel Cotto on May 5th if licensed by the Nevada Boxing Commission.