Sports presenter STEVE RIDER has called his former BBC colleague GARY LINEKER "sour and misguided" over his criticism of the R&A as "pompous ... superior beings." Attacking the R&A's management, Lineker accused officials of "being aloof." Rider: "I hold Gary Lineker in the highest regard as a football presenter. But
his reflections on his experiences as a golf presenter need a huge
reality check" (London GUARDIAN, 7/22). ... An int'l golf event led by GARY PLAYER has raised more than £140,000 ($218,500) for a homeless shelter in Willesden. The $225,000 proceeds raised from the Berenberg Gary Player Invitational "will be donated to Depaul UK who manage a long-stay hostel in Willesden Lane." The
annual event, which is the brainchild of Player, includes a
golf tournament, "fundraising auction and a dinner gala attended by the
biggest names in the sport" (KILLBURN TIMES, 7/22). ... The Russian Football Union said on Wednesday that allegations by Russian Premier League side Ufa's Ghanaian midfielder EMMANUEL FRIMPONG that he was "racially abused by Spartak Moscow supporters have been rejected." The RFU found "no evidence of racism." The 23-year-old former Arsenal player "was sent off after he raised a finger to the crowd in response and has been suspended for two Premier League matches" (REUTERS, 7/22). ... Brazil striker HULK has been announced as one of the "star names taking part in the preliminary draw for the 2018 World Cup only days after he raised fears of racism at the tournament in Russia." He "will be one of the draw assistants" along with others including compatriot RONALDO, former Italy captain FABIO CANNAVARO and Cameroon's SAMUEL ETO'O. The draw takes place in St. Petersburg (PA, 7/22). ... Bolivian Football Federation President CARLOS CHAVEZ was jailed Tuesday in an embezzlement case. He was "reportedly charged with diverting funds from the proceeds of a charity match" and for being part of a "criminal organization." Judge ROBERTO BALDIVIESO reportedly ordered Chavez "to be sent to the infamous prison of Palmasola, in the eastern city of Santa Cruz" (INT'L BUSINESS TIMES, 7/22). ... British field hockey player CRISTA CULLEN has announced plans to come out of retirement ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympics. The 29-year-old, who retired after winning bronze at London 2012, "will join up with the squad at a training camp from October to November" (SPORTS MOLE, 7/22).
FERGUSON POCKETS $6.2M: Former ManU Manager ALEX FERGUSON made £4M ($6.2M) in his first year of retirement from football management, new figures have revealed. His personal company has "posted an impressive set of results from the 12 months after he left Old Trafford." The 73-year-old has "raked in millions from book deals, personal appearances and public speaking engagements" (PRESS TEAM SCOTLAND, 7/22).
BAE ORDERED HOME: PGA tour winner BAE SANG-MOON "has been ordered home to South Korea to complete his military service after losing a legal battle to defer his conscription on Wednesday." He was charged in February with violating South Korea's military service regulations. Bae was allowed to stay in the U.S. while his lawsuit against that decision was pending "but a court in his home city of Daegu on Wednesday backed the Military Manpower Administration" (REUTERS, 7/22).
