Auto Racing
After Charlotte, N.C., NASCAR suspends aerial cameras
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR suspended the use of aerial camera systems Friday, nearly two months after a Fox Sports cable snapped and injured fans and damaged some cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Ten people were injured during the Coca-Cola 600 when part of the drive rope landed in the grandstand. Three people were taken to hospitals and were checked out and released soon after.
College Football
After NCAA snub, EA Sports goes back to school
More than 150 colleges, conferences and bowl games have approved a three-year contract extension with EA Sports to continue production of its college football video game, which has been at the center of a legal controversy.
The announcement, confirmed Friday, comes two days after the NCAA announced it would not renew its contract with EA Sports after next year, citing business reasons and litigation costs amid a raft of lawsuits involving the game. The NCAA’s decision means the popular game no longer will be called “NCAA Football” but rather “College Football.”
Cycling
Two indicted for threatening USADA’s CEO Travis Tygart
DENVER – Two men have been charged with directing threats toward U.S. Anti-Doping Agency chief executive officer Travis Tygart in the aftermath of USADA’s decision to strip cyclist Lance Armstrong of his Tour de France titles.
One indictment, unsealed Thursday, alleges that Gerrit Keats of Clearwater, Fla., threatened Tygart via interstate communication in October.
The other, unsealed Friday, makes the same charge against Robert Hutchins of Sandy, Utah. That indictment said Hutchins made the threat last Aug. 23, the same day Armstrong announced he wasn’t going to fight the USADA sanctions for doping.
Both suspects in the cases have been arrested and are scheduled to make initial appearances in federal court in Denver on July 29.
WNBA
Delle Donne, the No. 2 pick, is No. 1 in All-Star voting
NEW YORK – Elena Delle Donne already is leaving her mark on the WNBA.
The Chicago Sky star became the first rookie to lead the league’s All-Star voting when the starters were announced Thursday night. Delle Donne received 35,646 votes, nearly 2,000 more than Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker.
The Chicago Sky first-year player, who was the No. 2 pick in the WNBA draft in April, will be joined on the Eastern Conference squad by teammate Epiphanny Prince. The other Eastern Conference starters are New York’s Cappie Pondexter, Atlanta’s Angel McCoughtry and Indiana’s Tamika Catchings, who will be playing in her eighth All-Star game.
Parker will be joined in the starting lineup for the West by Phoenix teammates Diana Taurasi and rookie Brittney Griner. Minnesota’s Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus rounded out the Western Conference starting five.
The All-Star reserves will be announced Tuesday.
Soccer
FIFA sets 2014 World Cup ticket prices in Brazil
SAO PAULO – Fans will pay $90 for tickets to see World Cup matches in Brazil next year, $10 more than in 2010 in South Africa.
Announcing ticket rates Friday, FIFA said international fans will pay from $440 to $990 in three category bands to see the final July 13 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
FIFA said prices will start at $220 for the opening match in Sao Paulo on June 12. Top category seats will cost $495.
At the other 47 group-stage matches, seats will cost $90 in the cheapest Category 3 band. Category 1 tickets will cost $175.
Associated Press
