Inside Story - FIA: Putting Money before Morality?
The motorsport's world governing body, the FIA, has unanimously voted to return the Bahrain Grand Prix to the 2011 Formula One race calendar. The race, which is due to be held on October 30, was originally called off in February because of pro-democracy protests. The FIA, says its decision "reflects the spirit of reconciliation in Bahrain". But it has angered human rights bodies and campaigners. Amnesty international says that despite the lifting of emergency laws that have been in place since March, serious human rights violations continue to be committed in the kingdom with security measures still in place to stop large gatherings. So, will the event bring unity to the kingdom, as the organisers claim? Or are they simply putting money before morality?


FIA: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile »

Seve Ballesteros Dies: Spanish Golfer's Condition Deteriorated Following Treatment for Brain Tumour
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros has died after a severe deterioration in his condition following treatment for a brain tumour in 2008, the Spanish television channel TVE has reported.

Ballesteros, 54, a five-times major winner, had been recuperating at his home in northern Spain after four operations on the tumour and a course of chemotherapy.

Regarded by many as golf's greatest shot-maker, Ballesteros won 87 titles worldwide, 50 of them on the European Tour.

A winner of three British Opens and two Masters titles, he also helped revive Europe's fortunes in the biennial Ryder Cup team competition.
On Friday the world of golf held its breath after Ballesteros's family reported a “severe deterioration” in his neurological condition.

At the Spanish Open in Barcelona fellow Spaniards José-María Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jiménez played together in sombre mood. Twenty-four hours earlier, Olazabal, who last visited the wheelchair-bound Ballesteros a fortnight ago, learnt from Ballesteros’s daughter, Carmen, that his mentor’s condition had taken a grave turn. The European Tour press officer in Barcelona reported that Olazabal and Jiménez were in tears after completing yesterday’s round. » | Saturday, May 07, 2011

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Seve Ballesteros suffers ‘severe deterioration in neurological state’: The world of golf holds its breath for Seve Ballesteros. A brief statement on his website published by his family yesterday sent a shudder through the sport. It told of a “severe deterioration” in his neurological condition. » | Kevin Garside | Friday, May 06, 2011

Spanish State Television Drops Bullfighting as Too Violent for Children
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Spain's state-run broadcaster has banned the televising of bullfights to protect children.

Bullfighting is too violent for children, says the broadcaster. Photo: The Sunday Telegraph
Radiotelevision Espanola [sic] (RTVE) has pledged not to show bullfighting on its channels given that the evening corridas usually occur during peak viewing times for children.

In its latest style book, presented to the parliamentary commission that oversees its mandate, the organisation puts bullfighting under the chapter "violence with animals", a controversial listing given the tradition in Spain. >>> Fiona Govan, Madrid | Sunday, January 09, 2011

Last week, the socialist government of Spain headed up by Zapatero decided to clamp down on smokers, by passing the most draconian legislation against smokers in the whole of the EU (even though Zapatero is himself a smoker). This week, the socialist régime wants to clamp down on bullfighting. Soon there will be nothing left of Spain as we used to know and love it. Political correctness will have destroyed it. Political correctness and socialism. Socialism has a nasty habit of destroying the freedoms of all who have the misfortune to live under it.

I do not endorse bullfighting. I have never been to a bullfight in my life; and nor do I have any intention of attending such a cruel spectator sport. But isn't bullfighting a quintessential spectator sport in Spain? Isn't it part and parcel of Spain's heritage, like fox hunting is part and parcel of Britain's?

Children, by the way, have to be raised in the real world. They have to be raised in the world as it is, and not in the world as it would be were things to be ideal. Only when children are raised in the real world can they ever hope to be able to deal with life as an adult as it really is. Trying to protect them from all and sundry is a great mistake. It is tantamount to trying to bring them up in a vacuum.

Socialists do this kind of thing. They always seem to want to control everything in the environment. It's where they always go wrong. – © Mark

St. Anton, Österreich. Bild: Google Images (Österreich)
Österreich: Russische 'Invasion' auf heimischen Skipisten
KRONEN ZEITUNG: Da kann man seine Ohren noch so spitzen, ein deutsches Wort hört man in den heimischen Skigebieten derzeit nicht. Auch kaum ein englisches oder italienisches. Gastein, Sölden und Co. sind jetzt fest in russischer Hand – beinahe im Minutentakt landen die Flieger aus dem Osten. Vielerorts wird um die Gunst der betuchten Gäste gebuhlt. Allerdings: Nicht jeder ist darüber erfreut. Allein am Sonntag landeten knapp 50 Maschinen aus Moskau, Kiew oder anderen Metropolen im Osten in Salzburg. >>> Doris Vettermann, Kronen Zeitung | Montag, 03. Januar 2011

Saudi Arabia Girls' Schools Investigated Over 'Illegal' Sports Day
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Private Saudi girls' high schools are being investigated by the education ministry for holding an "illegal" sports tournament.

The Dec 8 event involving 200 females from six Jeddah private high schools broke ministry rules against girls' sports in schools, a ministry official said.

"We don't have any regulations that say that it's OK for girls' schools to hold sports classes or training," said Ahmed Al-Zahrani, director of girls' education in Jeddah.

"This tournament was held by these schools, something that has now led us to know about their illegal activities," he said. >>> | Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Singapore Water Polo Team In Hot Water Over Trunks Design
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Singapore's men's water polo team is in hot water over the design of their custom-made swimming trunks that have been deemed "inappropriate" by the city-state's government.

The red and white trunks feature elements of Singapore's national flag, five stars and a crescent moon jutting up from the groin, leaving a somewhat unfortunate impression. >>> Ian MacKinnon in Hua Hin, Thailand | Friday, November 26, 2010

Drunk Skiers On The Piste 'To Be Breathalysed’
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Polish skiers who take to the pistes while drunk could be breathalysed and end up with a criminal record under proposed health and safety legislation. >>> Matthew Day, Warsaw | Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Troy Polamalu's Hair Insured for $1 Million
THE TELEGRAPH: Troy Polamalu, star NFL football star has had his hair insured by head & shoulders for a staggering $1 million.

The Pittsburgh Steelers playing is well known for his luscious long locks and has even appeared in adverts for shampoo. >>> | Thursday, September 02, 2010

Elin Lays Down the Law with Tiger Woods in '$890 Million Divorce Settlement': Report
No more playing happy families ... Tiger Woods is reportedly set to payout a record sum of money to wife Elin Nordegren as part of divorce settlement. Photograph: The Sydney Morning Herald
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: Tiger Woods will not be allowed to let future girlfriends near his children in a $890 million reported divorce settlement with Elin Nordegren.

The record payout, reported by The Sun in London, stipulates that the golfer will only introduce the couple's two children Sam and Charlie to a new woman if he marries her.

In exchange, Nordegren has agreed to never speak publicly about Woods's alleged affairs with up to as many as 20 women, including socialite Rachel Uchitel, porn star Joslyn James and reality television star Jaimee Grubbs.

An unnamed "pal" told the tabloid: "Elin is desperate to protect the children from the womanising side of their father.
"Tiger's main fear is her telling her story after he's rebuilt his reputation, sending him back to the gutter."

Swedish Nordegren, a former model, will receive double the amount of money she orginally asked for after her lawyers proved Woods, 34, was worth much more than the $US1 billion ($1.19 billion) she had estimated. >>> smh.com.au | Thursday, July 01, 2010

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Race Row Ignited in Australia after Former Coach Calls Aboriginal Footballers 'Cannibals'
THE TELEGRAPH: A race row has erupted in Australian sport after a senior Australian Football League figure referred to Aboriginal players as "cannibals" who could not be seen in the dark.

Mal Brown. Photo: The Telegraph
In a speech at a charity lunch in Melbourne, Mal Brown, a former coach and player, said that when he was making his team selection at a night-time game years ago he couldn't pick Aboriginal players out because of poor lighting at the ground.

"We had a distinct disadvantage, the West Australians, because the Victorians picked both sides," Mr Brown said. "They cheated, they picked the best players. And because there were no (stadium) lights, I couldn't pick any of the cannibals.

"I couldn't pick (Aboriginals) Nicky Winmar or Michael Mitchell or Chrissy Lewis. All the good black fellows, we couldn't pick them because they couldn't see them in the light." >>> Bonnie Malkin in Sydney | Thursday, June 17, 2010

Tiger Woods 'To Divorce Soon'
THE TELEGRAPH: Tiger Woods is losing the battle to save his marriage and his wife may file for divorce soon, according to friends.

Tiger Woods at ‘The Masters’. Photograph: The Telegraph
The beleaguered golfer's wife Elin Nordegren was said to be furious over a television advertisement he filmed for Nike which featured the voice of his late father.

She was also said to have thought her husband would take more time off before returning to the course.

Woods took an indefinite break from golf after details of his infidelities started to become public at the end of last year.

He returned in the Masters at Augusta, Georgia last week, where he finished fourth, but his wife did not attend the tournament.

At the weekend she was seen boarding a private jet alone after leaving their estate near Orlando, Florida.

The television advertisement said to have angered her was broadcast on the eve of the tournament and featured Woods looking directly into the camera without speaking.

A 2004 recording of his late father Earl saying "Did you learn anything?", was played over the footage.

"Elin was violently angry over this commercial and thought it was a cheesy thing to do," a source told People magazine. "She wouldn't have gone near the Masters under any condition but that just made her madder. She is over Tiger. I wouldn't be surprised if she files for divorce sometime soon." >>> Nick Allen in Los Angeles | Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Tiger Woods: Money Went to His Head!
TIMES ONLINE: A downcast and sometimes angry Tiger Woods broke his three-month silence yesterday with a rambling apology to friends, fans — and his absent wife.

Sighing heavily and sniffing back tears, the world’s leading golfer and first billion-dollar sportsman read a repetitive 14-minute statement to a small, invited audience during a week-long break from his sex addiction therapy.

“I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them,” he confessed. “I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules.”

Woods’s beloved mother Kultida sat in the front row at the PGA headquarters on the TPC Sawgrass course on the Florida coast, and he choked back tears as he hugged her afterwards.

His estranged wife, the Swedish supermodel Elin Nordegren, the mother of his two children, was nowhere to be seen. “I understand the press wants to ask me for the details and the times I was unfaithful. I understand people want to know if Elin and I will remain together . . . These are issues between a husband and a wife,” he said. Tiger Woods: I felt I deserved to enjoy all the temptations. I was wrong >>> James Bone, Ponte Verda Beach, Florida | Saturday, February 20, 2010

Two Guys Kissing Set to Steal the Super Bowl Show
THE INDEPENDENT: Next Sunday's football final will highlight an extra showdown: between liberals and the religious right

It's already a quintessentially American event, combining razzmatazz, cheerleaders, and multimillionaire sportsmen in a few excessive hours of made-for-TV entertainment. But this year, the Super Bowl will be jollified by a side-plot that perhaps reflects the true state of the nation: an angry dispute between liberals and the religious right.

Women's groups and gay activists are squaring up against opponents from the "family values" lobby over the contents of two very different television adverts that are due to air when the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts in next Sunday's finale of the American football season. One of the commercials carries a hard-hitting anti-abortion message, and was made by a conservative Christian organisation. The other couldn't be more different: it publicises a gay dating website called Mancrunch, and features two men holding hands on a sofa, and then passionately kissing. >>> Guy Adams in Los Angeles | Sunday, January 31, 2010

Gay Rugby Star Hosts 'Coming Out' Party to Thank Friends
THE INDEPENDENT: Sport and stage stars turn out to show solidarity with Wales's 'role model' player

For one of the rugby world's more eloquent stars, the speech was surprisingly brief – but then Gareth Thomas has done a lot of talking in recent weeks. Just before Christmas he did the unthinkable and became the first professional player in Britain to admit he is gay. Last night was his chance to celebrate the announcement.

"Everybody here tonight is celebrating that the world is changing," he said. "We are here to send the message that it's OK to be a sportsman and it is also OK to be gay."

The venue was Movida, a glitzy London club with a bright pink bar and equally garish cocktails – not a very likely hangout for burly rugby players. But this was no post-match celebration, rather an opportunity to tell the world that the sport was longer a place in which gay players had to hide their sexuality. Last night, the former Welsh captain's friends and supporters joined Britain's gay glitterati for Thomas's official "coming out" party – a remarkable display of solidarity that many hope will signal the beginning of the end of homophobia in sport. >>> Jerome Taylor | Friday, January 29, 2010

Gay Activists Praise Rugby Star Gareth Thomas's Decision to Come Out
THE OBSERVER: Speculation is growing that other gay sports stars may follow suit

Gareth Thomas. Photograph: The Observer
The shock decision by rugby union player Gareth Thomas to announce that he is gay has triggered speculation that other sports stars might come out. Thomas is Wales's most-capped player and a former British and Irish Lions captain. The fact that he has confirmed his sexuality while still playing the game has been praised by gay rights campaigners.

The shock decision by rugby union player Gareth Thomas to announce that he is gay has triggered speculation that other sports stars might come out. Thomas is Wales's most-capped player and a former British and Irish Lions captain. The fact that he has confirmed his sexuality while still playing the game has been praised by gay rights campaigners.

Yesterday the 6ft 3in, 16-stone rugby star said he hoped he could make a difference to others struggling with their sexuality. "I just want to thank everyone for the amazing response I have received, on behalf of me, my family and friends," Thomas said. "I hope that by saying this I can make a big difference to others in my situation."

But he said he did not want to be known as a "gay rugby player" and hoped people would treat his sexuality as "irrelevant" to his career. "What I choose to do when I close the door at home has nothing to do with what I have achieved in rugby," he said. "I'd love for it, in 10 years' time, not to even be an issue in sport, and for people to say: 'So what?'"

Thomas, who came on as a substitute for his team Cardiff Blues as they lost 23-7 to Toulouse in the Heineken Cup quarter-final yesterday, said the secret of his sexuality was like a "ticking bomb" which he had tried to suppress. "I just couldn't ignore it any more," he told the Daily Mail.

"It is very positive Gareth has come out while he is still an active player," said gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. "Many of the sports people who have declared their homosexuality have tended to do so after their careers are over.

"Rugby is a very macho sport and has traditionally had a very robust he-man, heterosexual image so it is really great that he has had the guts to be honest with himself and his fans. Hopefully this will ease the way for other gay and bisexual players to also come out." >>> Jamie Doward | Saturday, December 19, 2009

Not Before Time! Big Companies May Be Coming to Their Senses!
THE TELEGRAPH: Nike, Adidas and other companies may cut their spending on sports sponsorships after the coverage of Tiger Woods's marital infidelity, it has been claimed.

Tiger Woods was earning about $100 million (£62 million) a year from his sponsors before the scandal. Photo: The Telegraph
In the past week, Accenture ended its endorsement deal with Woods, while Gillette said it would not use Woods in its marketing. Others are reevaluating their deals with the golfer.

Omar Saad, a Credit Suisse analyst, said that Nike and other companies are being forced to rethink the effectiveness of the vast sums of money they spend on individual and team sponsorships. Tiger Woods: sports sponsors may slash spending on big stars >>> | Thursday, December 17, 2009

Woods Wins 'Sex Photo' Court Order
YAHOO! NEWS: Tiger Woods, fighting to fend off intense media scrutiny over allegations he cheated on his wife, has won a British court order banning publication in Britain of any photos or video showing him nude or having sex.

British law firm Schillings, which specialises in protecting the reputations of celebrities, obtained the injunction on Woods's behalf on Thursday at the High Court in London, partner Simon Smith told Reuters. >>> Reuters | Friday, December 11, 2009

TELEGRAPH PHOTO GALLERY: The women linked to Tiger Woods >>>

Tiger Woods to Give Up Golf 'Indefinitely'
THE TELEGRAPH: Tiger Woods has announced that he is giving up golf "indefinitely" in an attempt to patch things up with his wife.

The world's number one player admitted, for the first time, cheating on wife Elin Nordegren and said he was giving up the game so that he could be a "better husband and person".

He said: "After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children.

"I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try." >>> Nick Allen in Los Angeles | Saturday, December 12, 2009

TIMES ONLINE: This break from golf is good for Woods and good for the game >>> John Hopkins, Golf Correspondent | Saturday, December 12, 2009

TIMES ONLINE: Gilette limits Tiger Woods sponsorship deal after affairs scandal: Gillette has announced that it would limit its sponsorship deal with Tiger Woods, following revelations over his private life.

The grooming brand is the first major sponsor to act on the scandal engulfing the golfing star.

Gillette said it would now phase out Woods from their television and print advertising as well as public appearances. >>> Robin Henry | Saturday, December 12, 2009

TIMES ONLINE: Tiger Woods' statement in full >>> | Saturday, December 12, 2009

MAIL ONLINE: Tiger Woods' 'group sex' with prostitutes: Golfer spent tens of thousands on escort girls, claims Hollywood madam: Tiger Woods was accused last night of spending tens of thousands of pounds on high-priced escort girls when he was away from home playing in golf tournaments. >>> David Gardner | Saturday, December 12, 2009

MAIL ONLINE: Tiger Woods' wife is to 'end marriage after Christmas': How giving up golf may have been too little, too late for humiliated Elin >>> | Sunday, December 13, 2009

THE TELEGRAPH: Accenture ends Tiger Woods sponsorship deal: Accenture has ended its sponsorship of Tiger Woods, saying the golfer is “no longer the right representative” after the “circumstances of the last two weeks.” >>> | Sunday, December 13, 2009

THE TELEGRAPH: Tag Heuer appears to backtrack on Tiger Woods support: Tag Heuer, the Swiss watchmaker, has appeared to backtrack on an apparent pledge to stick by troubled golfer Tiger Woods, raising the prospect that it could be next in line to cut ties with the sportsman. >>> | Tuesday, December 15, 2009

MAIL ONLINE: Elin Woods pictured without wedding ring on as she emerges for the first time since Tiger admitted cheating on her >>> Georgina Littlejohn | Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Hugo Chávez Seizes Golf Clubs in Drive to Defeat ‘Bourgeoisie’
Photo: Times Online
TIMES ONLINE: For decades, wealthy Venezuelans have luxuriated in the vistas of the Caribbean from the terrace of the Caraballeda Golf Club, relaxing with a whisky before teeing off amid tropical palms, above a marina filled with gleaming yachts. It is a way of life that is under threat, however, with President Chávez deriding the game as lazy, bourgeois and the antithesis of his Bolivarian Revolution.

Thick with Louis Vuitton handbags and luxury vehicles, Caraballeda, north of Caracas, is a symbol of everything Mr Chávez detests. He launched his attack on the sport on his weekly TV show, Hello Mr President, branding players selfish elitists who annexed acres of prime land while the poor suffered in slums.

“Golf is a bourgeois sport,” he spat, citing the use of golf carts as evidence of the laziness of the “little Yankees”.

Officials have moved to seize two of Venezuela’s prime courses, at Caraballeda and Maracay. However, the move has divided local supporters of the President, with many warning of a detrimental impact on surrounding communities. >>> | Saturday, October 17, 2009

Iran Football Players 'Banned' after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Protest
THE TELEGRAPH: The Iranian football players who wore green wristbands to protest against the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have reportedly been banned from the team for life.

Photo: The Telegraph
A pro-government newspaper reported they had been "retired" from the national team after several members wore green tape on their wrists in a World Cup qualifier against South Korea in Seoul.

Other newspapers said the players were retiring voluntarily, reportedly because of their age, but at least one suggested they were forced out. >>> | Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Cricket Team Told It Can't Call Itself 'the Crusaders'...in Case It Offends Muslims and Jews*
MAIL Online: A cricket team has been forced to change its name after angry complaints from Muslims and Jews.

The Middlesex Crusaders, who have played under the name for almost 10 years, will play next season as The Panthers.

Bosses at the county club acted after protests about the name from Jewish and Muslim communities, who said they felt it was a reference to the religious wars waged by Christians in Europe against other faiths.

But Middlesex members condemned the decision to change the team’s name and described the move as “batty”.

“The world really has gone mad,” one said. “It’s a real kick in the teeth and is bound to upset a lot of fans.” >>> By Daily Mail Reporter | Monday, February 2, 2009

*Or just Muslims?

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