Seven-time NBA champion ROBERT HORRY is in India to promote NBA 3X presented by Sprite "to help the sport grow" throughout the country (IANS, 9/12). ... Belarusian shot putter NADZEYA OSTAPCHUK, who had her Gold Medal taken away during the London Games, "was unaware her coach had been doping her food." Belarusian Anti-Doping Agency Head ALEKSANDR VANHADLO said, "It was a complex investigation, which we completed on Sept. 7. It was established that the forbidden substance was given to the athlete without her knowledge. The athlete's coach ALEKSANDR EFIMOV added dope to Ostapchuk's food." And Efimov admitted this during the investigation" (RT.com, 9/12). ... London Mayor BORIS JOHNSON will chair his London Legacy Development Corp. following the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Johnson said that the Games legacy, "including the future of the Olympic Park and the continued regeneration of East London, is a top priority" (EUROSPORT, 9/12). ... England's Blenheim course designer DAVID EVANS received the Bill Thomson Memorial Award (HORSEANDHOUND.co.uk, 9/12). ... Former tennis World No. 1 JUAN CARLOS FERRERO announced he will retire from the sport after the Valencia Open 500 (EFE, 9/12).
FOOTBALL PLAYERS: ManU defender RIO FERDINAND has been banned from driving after being caught speeding on the same road three times in less than six weeks. Lawyer NICK FREEMAN, who represented him at Trafford Magistrates Court, said Ferdinand was "a victim of the modern speed detection system" (MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS, 9/12). ... Arsenal wants to take DIDIER DROGBA away from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua. The club has made inquiries with Shenhua "to see if there is a way of bringing the striker, 34, back to London" (THE SUN, 9/12). ... Former Arsenal midfielder IAN SELLEY has been named head coach of Arsenal Soccer Schools in Dubai. He will begin work on Sept. 24 (GULF NEWS, 9/12). ... Japanese midfielder DAISUKE MATSUI has joined Bulgarian club Slavia Sofia (REUTERS, 9/11).
