Reuters Sports News Summary

08/24/2016 0:56

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Brazil didn't mess up Games, nor did it make most of them

As the Olympic hoardings are taken down in Rio de Janeiro and the Carnival atmosphere subsides, there is relief that cash-strapped Brazil avoided making a mess of the Games but also a nagging suspicion it did not make the most of them either. Brazil overcame fears over the Zika virus, a painful recession that left government coffers bare, and the suspension of its president just three months before the opening ceremony of the first Games in South America.

Rio to help cover deficit of local Olympic committee: mayor

Rio de Janeiro's City Hall will help cover the deficit of the local Olympic organizing committee if necessary, Mayor Eduardo Paes said in an interview on Tuesday, going back on assurances that the committee would be entirely privately funded. The local organizer, known as Rio 2016, is a private company responsible for running the Olympics and Paralympics using funds from ticket sales, sponsorship, merchandise and broadcast proceeds passed on by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Knox could be record-tying sixth European Ryder rookie

Scotsman Russell Knox sits fourth on the FedExCup points list but may need a strong showing at The Barclays, which opens the lucrative PGA Tour playoffs this week, to join the European Ryder Cup team. Knox has won twice this season and had a pair of runner-up finishes but landed outside the group of nine automatic qualifiers because his win at the WGC-HSBC Champions in China did not earn him Ryder Cup points as he was not a European Tour member at the time.

Russia loses appeal against Paralympics ban

Russia has lost its appeal against a ban from next month's Rio Paralympics because of a state-sponsored doping program, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Tuesday. The decision to exclude Russia's team, initially made on Aug. 7 by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), means at least 260 competitors from the country are now set to miss the Sept. 7-18 event.

Ryder Cup captain Clarke salutes Europe's 'fantastic' mix

Europe's Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke has hailed his "fantastic blend of youth and experience" following the confirmation of his nine automatic qualifiers for next month's event at Hazeltine, Minnesota. On Sunday, England's Matt Fitzpatrick became the ninth and final qualifier to seal his spot in the team that is seeking a record fourth successive triumph over the United States.

Speedo USA ends Ryan Lochte sponsorship

Swimwear maker Speedo USA said on Monday it had decided to end its sponsorship of Ryan Lochte, two days after the U.S. Olympic gold medalist swimmer admitted to exaggerating his story about being robbed at gunpoint in Rio. However, Lochte in an interview to Brazil's largest broadcaster, Globo TV, on Saturday insisted he did not lie.

Golf - Rose, after golden Olympic run, returns to regular job

Justin Rose, still feeling the glow of winning Olympic golf gold at the Rio Games, says he hopes the experience will carry him on a strong run after claiming a prize he considers "at the top." Rose prevailed in Rio in a tight, final-round duel with British Open champion Henrik Stenson and the Briton said the reaction to his victory has been overwhelming.

Players agree to interviews over PED report

Green Bay linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers along with Pittsburgh's James Harrison have agreed to meet with NFLinvestigators regarding allegations of doping, the league said on its website on Monday. The NFL had set an Aug. 25 deadline for four players, including free agent Mike Neal, to come forward for questioning or face possible suspension.

Brazil police say IOC's Hickey discussed illegal ticket sales

Brazilian police said on Tuesday they had uncovered emails between detained International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Patrick Hickey and the British owner of a ticketing company they said masterminded a scheme selling Olympic tickets illegally. Police told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro that they were also investigating bank documents for evidence of money laundering linked to the illegal ticketing ring.

Sandusky is innocent, deserves new trial, lawyer says

Convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky is innocent and should get a new trial, his defense lawyer told reporters following a three-day hearing in a Pennsylvania state court. "There were so many flaws in his trial," attorney Alexander Lindsay said.

08/24/2016 0:56