Month: December 2021

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US Olympic queen and her Russian wife reveal baby news after secret 2-year marriage

A two-time Olympic women’s basketball champion has revealed that she married her Russian wife and fellow female player two years ago in secret – and they are expecting a baby.

In an emotional announcement, WNBA legend Candace Parker said that her wife, four-time Russian champion Anna Petrakova, is pregnant with their child.

Showing snaps of the pair at their wedding on the second anniversary of the happy occasion, Parker told her Instagram following of more than 914,000 that she had “married my best friend in front of our close relatives and friends” in the ceremony.

The 2008 and 2012 Team USA gold medalist also shared a response from Petrakova, whose profile photo shows the Russian flag on her face, saying: “I can’t wait for the rest of my life with you.”

“I cried like a child,” Parker said of their big day. “To know you or me means to know our love.

“This journey has not been easy. I am proud of us, of what we have created and of who we have become, both individually and together.

“Thank you for constantly testing me and pointing out mistakes. I am grateful to you.

“I appreciate you and what we have. We have always dreamed of adding to our family.

“You have no idea how beautiful you are. Glowing, realizing that I have to love, kiss and talk to your belly. I can’t wait to start this next chapter in our life together.”

Parker voiced her gratitude to Petrakova over her care for her 12-year-old daughter, Lailaa.

A five-time Russian National League champion with UMMC Ekaterinburg between 2010 and 2015, Parker had Lailaa with Sheldon Williams, the former NBA star who she was married to between 2008 and 2016.

Williams and Parker are said to remain on amicable terms and share joint custody of their daughter.

“Thank you for always loving Lailaa as your own, for being my calmness, my support, my voice of reason, my laughter, my hugs, my dance in the rain, my happiness, my home,” Parker gushed to Petrakova.

“It’s surreal that we now have a baby on the way. Lailaa is pumped to be a big sister.”

Parker and her daughter revealed last year that they are part of the ownership group of Angel City FC, a new National Women’s Soccer League expansion team whose co-founders include film star Natalie Portman.

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Salah fans furious at latest FIFA snub

Despite his free-scoring form for Liverpool in 2021, Mohamed Salah has been sensationally excluded from the FIFA FIFPRO World XI squad – and his legions of fans across the globe aren’t happy about it.

The Liverpool ace has enjoyed yet another bumper year, scoring 21 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season along with 31 in 51 in the entirety of last season.

But it would seem his goalscoring heroics weren’t enough to impress FIFA after the annual 23-man shortlist of the world’s best squad of players was released.

Salah’s Liverpool teammates, Alisson Becker and Trent Alexander-Arnold – who the only Englishman on the list – made the cut after the shortlist was dropped to 23 rather than the usual 55 for the first time in 17 years.

Next month’s ‘The Best FIFA Football Awards’ will nominate a World XI from the shortlisted players.

The Egyptian King’s omission comes just weeks after he finished a disappointing seventh in the 2021 Ballon d’Or – another omission which sent ripples of anger through African football and beyond.

Chelsea have the most nominees from the Premier League with four: Edouard Mendy, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Romelu Lukaku, while Manchester United’s Portugal duo of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are also included.

Premier League champions Manchester City are represented by Ruben Dias and Kevin De Bruyne and, despite having a tumultuous period by their high standards, Barcelona have four players on the list: Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Jordi Alba and Dani Alves.

Other absentees of note include Thiago Alcantara, Alphonso Davies, Virgil van Dijk, Joshua Kimmich and Sergio Ramos, all of whom were included in 2020 but dropped out of contention in 2021. 

It is Salah’s snub which has the football world talking, given that he is considered by many to have been the standout Premier League player of the past year, even if the criteria deadline was this past August.

“The only reason why Salah was not selected is simply because he’s Egyptian and Egypt is in Africa, technically he’s African,” reacted one furious fan.

“That’s the only reason. Take that away he had a better year than Lukaku and even Neymar. African footballers deserve more respect than they get.“

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Salah was asked about this year's Ballon d'Or after starring as Liverpool beat Everton. © Twitter
WATCH: Mo Salah has perfect response to Ballon d’Or snub

“Because Salah is having a good 2021/2022 season, it is making people forget the selection was based on how these guys played last season.

“The Liverpool team wasn’t that brilliant. Yes, he’s been the best this season – but last season he was not,” argued another in support of his omission. 

“Salah scored 28 goals and created nine assists in 20/21, but yeah,” a third shot back in riposte.

“It’s maddening how Salah is not given his due respect,” said another. “He is our Messi at Liverpool – a world-class player . But head on and let your actions speak for themselves.”

Salah’s sensational form this season has made him the current odds-on favorite to be named Premier League Player of the Season when the final ball is kicked in May, ahead of the likes of Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and Reece James.

Twitter might just combust with rage should Salah’s goalscoring exploits continue without him being named English football’s standout player at the end of the season.

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Women’s basketball team takes knee, star claims racial discrimination in row about hair

A women’s basketball star has claimed that an apparent order for players to tie up braided hair was “clear racial discrimination” after her team took a knee in protest.

Tiffany Mitchell, an American star for Australian side the Melbourne Boomers, joined her teammates in taking a pre-match knee over a disputed email said to have been sent from bosses ruling that players should tie up braids.

Kneeling is usually associated with solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement, and Mitchell said the gesture had been made to “combat” Basketball Australia (BA), adding that she had been discriminated against.

“Throughout my first month here in Australia I had little-to-no problems,” she said, predicting that her words would prove “uncomfortable for some to read and inspiring for others”.

“Until this past week, when I was met with a situation that was clear racial discrimination.

“I was approached about my hair and [told] that, for the start of the regular season, I wouldnt be able to play if I didnt tie my hair up or wear it in a bun.

“An email was also sent out informing coaches and refs to make sure the ‘rule’ was in place for ‘the players’ with braids.

“Now, in I don’t know how many years, this league chooses to enforce this ‘FIBA’ [International Basketball Federation] rule about the length of someone’s hair.

“Braids specifically: of course, people with ‘free braids’, as they call it. Apparently it’s clear that only the black people in this league have these type of braids.

“I’ve played all around the world, in every top league at the highest level and my braids have never been an issue.”

In a statement, BA said it had reviewed and removed the rule, revealing that it was deemed “discriminatory” and inconsistent with a Diversity and Inclusion framework drawn up by a commission.

“Basketball Australia makes an unreserved apology for any anguish and pain that was caused by this rule,” it added, also sending a letter saying sorry to Boomers player Ezi Magbegor.

Jacob Holmes, the CEO of the Australian Basketball Players’ Association (ABPA), pledged support for Mitchell and other players “in the pursuit of a respectful, inclusive and safe environment at work, in the community and online.”

“We commend Tiffany and the players for addressing this issue,” he said. “Unacceptably, we have witnessed online abuse directed at players in relation to this incident.

“Racist abuse is abhorrent. People who perpetuate this abuse, whether online or offline, can expect to face consequences.

“As organisations, and as individuals, we have the responsibility to identify and call out racism in every space.

“You can stand with the players and us to call out abuse. When you identify systemic racism and discrimination, work to change it.

“The ABPA takes an active role in correcting the issues our players are facing with cultural insensitivities and discrimination in our basketball community.

“Collectively, we can set the example and continue to educate and support each other.”

Pictures from the game in which Mitchell observed the mistaken application of the bygone rule showed her looking upset.

“You can clearly see in the [picture] the pain I was still carrying, because how are you enforcing a rule that isn’t even a rule anymore?” she said.

“The target I felt I had on my back was undescribable but I still played [despite] all the disappoint I felt [with] Basketball Australia.

“Did [taking a knee] change how I still felt inside about the entire situation? No. But it gave me a sense of comfort knowing that the ladies that I suit up with every night had my teammate and my backs.

“Goes to show we have a long way to go for equality all over the world. Unfortunate that it had to [take] these conversations to happen, but I’m happy that Basketball Australia is held accountable and has become aware of the ignorance that was displayed in this situation.

“The support has been beyond amazing. You never know what someone is going through. It’s time to hold people accountable; situations like this are just not accepatable anymore.”

Australian NBA player Patrick Mills was among those offering Mitchell support. “No-one should ever be singled out because of their colour, origin or ethnicity,” he tweeted.

“It is unacceptable. I’m sorry you had to experience this. Sending lots of love and good vibes your way.”

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Woman burned to death in car crash involving ex-NFL star

The 23-year-old woman who died in an alleged crash involving a former NFL player who is accused of driving under the influence burned to death in her car, a Nevada coroner has said.

Tina Tintor and her dog died in the fiery smash which authorities are blaming on former Las Vegas Raiders star Henry Ruggs II, who they claim was driving drunk and far in excess of the local speed limit.

Police state that Ruggs’ Corvette was travelling at a speed of 156mph in a 45mph zone before he collided with Tintor’s Toyota Rav4, rupturing her gas tank and causing her car to be enveloped in flames, killing the victim and her golden retriever, Max. 

Tintor “died from thermal injuries due to a motor vehicle collision on Nov. 2”, according to the coroner, who added that “other significant conditions contributing to her death were inhalation of products of combustion, fractures of the nasal bones, right sided ribs … left forearm and (chest).

“The manner of her death was accidental.”

A spokesperson for Clark County, where the crash took place, said that there were no “delays in response or in the attack on the fire”, also saying that a fire captain on the scene maintained that “the passenger compartment was not survivable for anyone inside”.

Subsequent testing revealed that Ruggs’ blood alcohol content was 0.16 percent shortly after the crash – a figure which is twice the Nevada legal limit.

Police also indicated that a loaded handgun was found inside Ruggs’ destroyed vehicle. 

It was reported that Ruggs refused a sobriety test at the scene but later complied when he was transported to hospital. 

Witnesses to the late night crash claim that they heard screams from inside Tintor’s car but were unable to attempt a rescue because of the overwhelming fire and smoke.

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Footage showed the aftermath of the horror fatal crash involving NFL star Henry Ruggs. © USA Today Sports / Twitter @8NewsNow / Aimee Rego
Footage shows inferno of fatal car crash with ‘fastest man in NFL’ Henry Ruggs ‘facing 20 YEARS in prison’ after DUI charges

Ruggs and his partner, Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington, were both hospitalized after the crash with unspecified injuries.

He was later charged with two felony counts of driving under the influence causing death or serious injury, as well as two felony counts of reckless driving and a misdemeanor weapon charge.

The 22-year-old was bailed for $150,000 but remains under house arrest. Local District Attorney Steve Wolfson indicated last month that Ruggs faces anywhere between two and 50 years in prison. 

Ruggs, who was one of the most high-profile young wide receivers in the NFL,  was released by the Raiders shortly after the accident.

He was in his second season with the team after being taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft following a tremendously successful collegiate career with Alabama, where he won a national championship in 2017. 

A preliminary hearing for the case is set for March 10. 

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English football club beats government Covid rules by reducing stadium capacity

English side Carlisle United have announced they are working around mandatory Covid rules set by the UK government for any crowd of 10,000 people or more – by reducing their stadium capacity to 9,999.

On Tuesday, Boris Johnson’s Conservative government announced further restrictions, called ‘Plan-B’, designed to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 after a significant uptick in cases since the strain was first discovered in southern Africa in November, with MPs passing legislation which mandate that Covid certification should be checked in some areas of England from Wednesday.

The strengthening of restrictions has proved unpopular among large swathes of the country, with Johnson even being forced to fight off a revolt from dozens of backbencher Tories who voted against the move. 

The restrictions are poised to hit football grounds across the country – but one team who have signaled that they won’t be required to comply is EFL side Carlisle United, who revealed that they have reduced their stadium capacity from 17,949 to 9,999 as long as the system is in place.

This essentially means that any fans who attend games at their Brunton Park ground won’t be required to show proof of vaccination to gain entry as part of a move that will limit capacity to 6,000 seats and 3,999 standing fans.

By contrast, all venues with a capacity of 10,000 or more are forced by the legislation to require football fans to either present a valid NHS Covid pass which displays a negative lateral flow test from the previous 48 hours or proof of full vaccination.

It has also been suggested that the terms for ‘full vaccination’ may soon be amended to include a ‘booster’, or third shot of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Carlisle chiefs also revealed that the wearing of facemasks will not be mandatory in the seats and on the terraces but will be required in sections of the stadium which are indoors, including toilets.

“The club can confirm there will be no mandatory Covid certification at Brunton Park at this time,” the club said in a statement.

“At this point, all areas… are planned to remain open. At these levels of expected attendance, there will be no mandatory Covid certification required at Brunton Park under ‘Plan-B’.

“There will be no requirement to show vaccination status or a recent negative test to enter the stadium and come to games. Supporters will not be required to wear a face covering when located in their seat, or on the terrace, in the stadium bowl.

“All supporters aged 11 and over will be legally required to wear a face covering when located in all indoor areas of the stadium, other than when eating or drinking, or where exempt.”

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Fans in England will reportedly face new Covid requirements © Toby Melville / Reuters
English football fans are about to be told to provide vaccine passports and tests – report

Carlisle’s decision to institute a workaround to Johnson’s ‘Plan-B’ comes after the Premier League reported a record total of 42 positive Covid tests for the past week.

Manchester United’s trip to Brentford and Tottenham’s visit to Brighton were both called off because of Covid outbreaks at the clubs.

It should also be noted that Carlisle haven’t had an attendance this season of more than 8,000. The new plans will ensure that supporters won’t be required to conform to the policies being adopted by the majority of their peers in the English football pyramid. 

Carlisle added: “As a club, we have maintained the basic principles of dealing with Covid-19 which were initially introduced in March 2019, and which have been updated and modified regularly since.

“The football department operates in Red Zones both on matchdays and throughout the week, with access to those zones restricted to essential visits only for non-football staff and contractors.

“Players are on a regular cycle of lateral flow tests and are under the close supervision of the club’s medical staff for advice, should they have any concerns.

“The vaccination status of individuals is monitored, with seating and rooming lists compiled accordingly for away trips.”