As the NBA nears the fourth month of its investigation into the Phoenix Suns and majority owner Robert Sarver, the team is working toward creating a confidential internal hotline in the coming weeks for employees to report complaints, team sources told ESPN.
On Monday, a Suns executive explained to colleagues that the reason for creating the internal hotline is because “no one actually uses the NBA hotline at all,” the sources told ESPN. (Other NBA teams also have internal hotlines.)
The Suns did not respond to a request for comment.
In 2018, in the wake of Sports Illustrated’s reported allegations of harassment and violence toward female employees inside the Dallas Mavericks organization, the NBA created a confidential hotline for team and league employees to voice concerns of improper conduct.
In ESPN’s November story, which outlined allegations of a sometimes toxic and hostile workplace during Sarver’s 17-year tenure in Phoenix, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said the league had not “received a complaint of misconduct at the Suns organization through any of our processes, including our confidential workplace misconduct hotline or other correspondence.”
The NBA did not respond to a request for comment.
Suns employees were made aware of the NBA’s hotline in a February 2018 email from team president and CEO Jason Rowley. It was noted in the email that the callers have the option to remain anonymous, but a disclaimer was included: “Note that if you make an anonymous complaint, someone could still guess your identity from the circumstances or other information you provide.”
Promoter Hearn denied that Joshua’s decision will be financially motivated, but argued there was a logic in him taking a backseat after recently trialling a number of new coaches as he seeks to replace long-time mentor Rob McCracken.
“There definitely no deal done,” Hearn said on the DAZN Boxing Show. “Long way to go in terms of detail.
“There is a smart play here somewhere, but AJ’s not about the money.
“If the plan makes sense – work with a new trainer, maybe have a fight first, go into a much bigger fight – yeah, I can see the sense in it.
Mohamed Salah scored the decisive spot-kick as record seven-time champions Egypt beat the Ivory Coast 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in Douala on Wednesday to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Climate change is threatening the Winter Olympics and the future of snow sports by making conditions much more dangerous for athletes and participants, experts warned in a report published a week ahead of the start of the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.
The Beijing Games, kicking off on Feb. 4, will be the first Winter Olympics to use virtually 100% artificial snow by deploying more than 100 snow generators and 300 snow-making guns working flat out to cover the ski slopes.
“This is not only energy and water intensive, frequently using chemicals to slow melt, but also delivers a surface that many competitors say is unpredictable and potentially dangerous,” said the report, written by researchers from the Sport Ecology Group at Loughborough University in England and the Protect Our Winters environment group.
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Lying in naturally arid climates, the two co-host cities, Beijing and Zhangjiakou, could use an estimated 49 million gallons of chemically-treated water frozen through snow machines, according to the research.
Reigning Olympic ski cross champ Brady Leman aims for more gold
Reigning Olympic ski cross champ Brady Leman aims for more gold – Jan 18, 2022
Though China repeatedly claims to be using only natural rainfall and recycled water in snowmaking, there have been concerns that the high water utilization rate would put additional pressure on the region’s already scarce resources.
Natural snow is becoming less plentiful in some regions and water availability for snowmaking is falling as a result of climate change, putting the global snow sport industry at risk.
“Navigating erratic snow seasons and rapid melt of low level resorts are now the norm for many competitors,” the research said.
“The risk is clear: man-made warming is threatening the long-term future of winter sports. It is also reducing the number of climatically suitable host venues for the Winter Olympiad,” it said.
Of the 21 venues used for the Winter Games since Chamonix 1924, researchers estimate that by 2050 only 10 will have the “climate suitability” and natural snowfall levels to host an event.
Chamonix is now rated ‘high risk’ along with venues in Norway, France and Austria, while Vancouver, Sochi and Squaw Valley in the United States are deemed “unreliable.”
A report revealed that AlphaTauri are running a pre-season test for their drivers at Imola, while Ferrari announced that their initial test plans for this week have been altered.
The report that was published by RacingNews365.com, confirmed that the Faenza-based team are conducting a test for both its drivers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda at Imola between January 25 and January 27 to get both drivers reacclimatized with Formula 1 machinery ahead of the 2022 season.
The team will be using their 2020 car the AT01 during the test according to the report.
But the team has announced today that due to some misunderstanding with the sport’s governing body regarding the cars they are allowed to use in tests, that they will revert to their 2018 F1 car, the SF71H for the test as they await further updates from the FIA.
Ferrari Team Statement:
“This morning, the test programme which Scuderia Ferrari was due to carry out, starting today at the Fiorano track has been changed. While awaiting an update from the FIA as to how rules relating to “Test Previous Cars,” which establish the criteria for which cars can be used in this type of test, are being applied for 2022, the decision has been taken to use a 2018 SF71H car. Further details on the test programme will follow later.”
“So as it stands, stop listening to the bulls*** until it comes from me, I’m the man in control of my destiny, I’m the man that handles my business.”
Fury has now responded to those claims from Joshua by conducting a poll among his own fans.
The Gypsy King asked his Instagram followers if they thought Joshua would step aside, referring to AJ as a “bum” in the process.
Alongside the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers on his poll, Fury also included a third option with another dig at his British rival – ‘I’m injured’.
As it stands, with no step-aside agreements in place, Joshua is still set to fight Usyk in a rematch later this year while the Fury and Whyte camps will have to come to an agreement over their meeting.
Achraf Hakimi scored a brilliant free-kick to send Morocco through to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 win over Malawi on Tuesday.
Gabadinho Mhango gave outsiders Malawi, playing their first ever knockout game at the tournament, a shock early lead with a stunning goal from 40 metres at Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium.
But Youssef En-Nesyri headed Morocco level in first-half stoppage time before Hakimi drilled in the winner on 70 minutes to set up a meeting with Egypt or Ivory Coast in the last eight.
That quarter-final was due to take place at Olembe Stadium in Yaounde but will be moved after a fatal crush outside the ground on Monday which killed eight people and injured 38.
As with the earlier match between Senegal and Cape Verde in Bafoussam, a minute’s silence was observed before kick-off and players of both teams wore black armbands.
Morocco, bidding for a second Cup of Nations title and first since 1976, fell behind on seven minutes when Mhango caught Yassine Bounou off his line with a superb long-range strike.
The Atlas Lions responded by creating a series of chances as Imran Louza stung the palms of Charles Thomu, who then did well to keep out Hakimi’s powerful free-kick and the follow-up from Louza.
Mhango dragged wide for Malawi after a terrific long ball from Micium Mhone, but the Flames found themselves under sustained pressure as Morocco captain Romain Saiss volleyed against the bar.
En-Nesyri prodded weakly at Thomu from close range before the Malawi goalkeeper tipped Hakimi’s low drive onto the post and then denied Sofiane Boufal with his legs.
Morocco were finally rewarded for their persistence on the stroke of half-time as En-Nesyri rose to power Selim Amallah’s deep cross past Thomu.
Hakimi appealed vociferously for a penalty in the second half when his cross struck the arm of Malawi defender Dennis Chembezi, but the Paris Saint-Germain star took matters into his own hands to secure victory.
His late equaliser against Gabon had secured top spot in the group stage, and Hakimi delivered again with another magnificent free-kick 20 minutes from time to end Malawi’s impressive run.
The league punished Allen, who was ejected from the Bucks’ 94-90 victory over the Bulls on Friday night after receiving the flagrant 2 foul, for what it deemed was “unnecessary and excessive contact,” according to a news release. Allen will serve his suspension during the Bucks’ next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
The Bucks said in a statement that they “disagree” with the suspension.
“We disagree with the suspension. We support Grayson and look forward to him rejoining our team for Friday’s game vs. New York,” the team said.
Caruso is scheduled to have wrist surgery Monday that will sideline him for six to eight weeks.
“Nothing is changing from what happened the other night to where we are now, and the best thing we can do as a team is just move on,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said during a video conference before Sunday night’s 114-95 loss to the Orlando Magic. “That’s really the only thing we have control over. I feel bad for Alex that he’s going to be out this long more so than anything else.”
Friday marked the first time this season Allen, who is in his first season with the Bucks, has been called for a flagrant foul and only the second time in his NBA career. In 2019, he was ejected from a Summer League game for picking up two flagrant fouls within seconds of each other.
The suspension will cost Allen a $27,963 game check, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Although the Bulls are poised to be without Caruso and Lonzo Ball, who is scheduled to undergo knee surgery this week, they could be getting some reinforcements back from injuries soon. Zach LaVine (knee) and Javonte Green (groin) are both expected to meet the team on Monday in Oklahoma City. Donovan said there is “a chance” both players are available to play.
“Provided everything goes well,” Donovan said. “We’ll see where they’re at physically.”
Top-ranked player Novak Djokovic could be allowed to defend his French Open title under the latest COVID-19 rules adopted by the French government, even if he is still not vaccinated when the clay-court Grand Slam starts in May.
Djokovic was deported from Australia and barred from playing in the Australian Open this month for not meeting the country’s strict COVID-19 vaccination rules.
It initially appeared that the Serb tennis star would not be welcomed at Roland Garros either under a new law intended to exclude the unvaccinated from stadiums, restaurants, bars and other public places.
As questions quickly arose about Djokovic’s status in France following his deportation from Australia, Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu previously said that as soon as the law was passed the country’s vaccine pass would become compulsory to enter stadiums, theater or exhibitions, “for all spectators, practitioners, French or foreign professionals.”
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But the vaccine pass is not restricted to vaccination.
Under the law that took effect on Monday, anyone who has proof they tested positive within the previous six months is exempt from having to show a vaccine pass. That suggests Djokovic could play in the French Open in May and June, the next Grand Slam tournament, because he has said he tested positive in mid-December.
Tennis fans divided after Djokovic deported from Australia
Tennis fans divided after Djokovic deported from Australia – Jan 16, 2022
The French sports ministry was not immediately available to answer questions from The Associated Press on Djokovic.
French Open organizers have previously said it’s too early to comment since virus restrictions can change between now and May depending on the virus situation.
Djokovic’s team also declined to comment Monday. Djokovic said earlier he would not give public statements until the end of the Australian Open.
Cafe owners and patrons in Paris largely welcomed the new law, which is central to the government’s anti-virus strategy.
“Personally, it reassures me in the sense that I know the people I have around me,” said Parisian Charles Tuile. “We want to be in a place where we can be safe in terms of health. And if you can see that the waiter checks vaccine passes and even ID cards, then it’s reassuring in many ways.”
France is registering Europe’s highest-ever daily coronavirus infection numbers, and hospitals are continuing to fill up with virus patients, even though the number of people in intensive care units has dropped in recent days.
Macron’s vow to ‘piss off’ unvaccinated people brings mixed reaction in France
Macron’s vow to ‘piss off’ unvaccinated people brings mixed reaction in France – Jan 5, 2022
The government has imposed few other restrictions amid the surge in the omicron variant, focusing instead on the vaccine pass, approved by France’s parliament and Constitutional Council last week.
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Critics question whether the pass will make much difference in a country where 94% of French adults have had at least one vaccine dose, and scattered groups held protests Saturday against the new law. The French government hopes that it protects the most vulnerable and reduces pressure on crowded ICUs, where most patients are unvaccinated.
Since last summer, France has required a “health pass” to go to any cafe, museum, movie theater or take a regional train or domestic flight. But until Monday, unvaccinated people could activate the pass by getting a recent negative test. The new pass only works for people who are fully vaccinated and those who recently recovered from the virus.
“To me, it’s not a problem (to show ID card) but I can perfectly imagine the kind of downward spiral it could trigger – it’s like racial profiling,” said Tania Chauvin, 31, as she ate in a Paris restaurant.
France, meanwhile, opened up access to booster shots Monday for 12- to 17-year-olds.
Djokovic’s Australian saga began when he was granted an exemption to strict vaccination rules by two medical panels and the tournament organizer in order to play in the Australian Open based on documents he supplied showing he had recently had COVID-19. He received a visa to enter the country through an automated process. But upon arrival, border officials said the exemption was not valid and moved to deport him.
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In the end, Australian authorities revoked Djokovic’s visa, saying his presence could stir up anti-vaccine sentiment and that kicking him out was necessary to keep Australians safe. He was deported a day before the tournament got underway in Melbourne.
Alex Turnbull in Paris contributed to this report. Petrequin reported from Brussels
British boxing superstar Anthony Joshua has hit back at “bulls**t” claims he’s agreed to step aside and let Tyson Fury fight Oleksandr Usyk. Reports emerged suggesting a £15million fee had been agreed for Joshua to bow out of an Usyk rematch, but the former unified heavyweight world champion took to social media to deny a deal is in place.
Joshua, 32, is first in line for a shot at Usyk after activating a rematch clause following their fight in September when the Ukrainian triumphed via unanimous decision.
However, it’s understood Fury wants to have the first crack at Usyk as he seeks to unify the heavyweight belts before facing Joshua in a much-anticipated winner-takes-all duel.
As things stand, the ‘Gypsy King’ is on course to face Dillian Whyte, the mandatory challenger for his WBC belt, though there have been difficulties agreeing the purse share.
Amid talk of a restructure in regards to whom fights whom, 24-2 Joshua has instructed his followers to not listen to “the bulls**t” and wait for official word.
“You know what’s mad about all these interviews I see? I see certain interviews that quote what I said,” the Londoner said in a video shared by boxing journalist Michael Benson.
“Don’t listen to the bulls**t from other sources, if I tell you something then you know it’s real.”
While reports have suggested Joshua would be open to accepting a substantial enough offer to not fight undefeated Usyk, the same cannot be said for Whyte as he gears up to meet Fury.
The 28-2 Whyte suffered a shock fifth-round knockout loss to Alexander Povetkin in August 2020, but he came back in March last year to redeem himself with a fourth-round TKO.
Matchroom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn recently lamented the 20 per cent split Whyte had been offered to face Fury but said a meeting in “April, early May potentially” looked realistic.
“[It] looks like Dillian Whyte will definitely get his shot at the WBC title, but we have to fight for his rights and make sure it’s fair,” said Hearn.
“It’s not going to stand in the way of the fight.”
It’s understood any rematch between Joshua and Usyk is also expected to take place around April, and Hearn has said there are “substantial amounts of money” on the table for both fighters.
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