Former Indian field hockey team captain R.P. SINGH "was suspended on Monday" from the post of deputy director "for alleged misuse of government property during his posting as regional sports officer" (TNN, 9/3). ... Retired NBA player DENNIS RODMAN arrived in Pyongyang Tuesday for his second visit to the Democratic Republic of Korea at the invitation of the country's sports authority. A vice sports minister "was at the airport to greet Rodman," who came as a member of Prince Marketing Group. He was accompanied by Canadian NGO official MICHAEL SPAVOR, Columbia University Professor JOSEPH TERVILLINGER and Prince Manager CHRISTOPHER VOLO (XINHUA, 9/3). ... U.S. long jumper DWIGHT PHILLIPS has announced his retirement. Phillips, a four-time world champion, competed for the last time a week ago in Zurich at the IAAF Diamond League (EL PERIODICO, 9/3). ... Australian Rules player CLINTON JONES "has apologised for setting fire to a dwarf entertainer's clothes during his club's 'Mad Monday' celebrations this week." "Mad Monday" is a traditional day of celebration for Australian athletes in various codes at the end of the season, "often involving heavy consumption of alcohol and frequently damaging the image of teams and leagues" (REUTERS, 9/3).
F1 NAMES: F1 drivers JENSON BUTTON and SERGIO PEREZ "were amongst the stars at the Rush film premiere at Leicester Square on Monday night." The film, directed by RON HOWARD and starring CHRIS HEMSWORTH, DANIEL BRÜHL and OLIVIA WILDE, showcases the rivalry between F1 drivers JAMES HUNT and NIKI LAUDA in Formula One during the '70's. Lauda "was also in attendance for the event," as was F1 CEO BERNIE ECCLESTONE (DAILY MAIL, 9/2). ... Lauda will receive the 2013 Bernie Ecclestone Award this weekend at Monza, the scene of his dramatic comeback following his near-fatal crash in '76. Brembo Chair ALBERTON BOMBASSEI and Ecclestone "will present the award to Lauda," now non-exec chairman of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team, for his contribution to the sport in terms of his "legendary races and his sporting and entrepreneurial capabilities" (PIT PASS, 9/3).
