Former Spanish second division side Osasuna managing board president JAVIER ZABALETA declared in court as a suspect "in an investigation into possible diversion of club funds and match-fixing." Before the entering the court, Zabaleta "made brief statements to the media in which he defended his innocence" (EFE, 4/21). ... Elche, Spain Mayor MERCEDES ALONSO "has extended a hand to La Liga side Elche's administrative council" to speak with the Spanish Football League (LFP) about how to resolve the club's economic problems. She "made clear that she is not looking to interfere," but indicated that she will speak with the LFP if authorized (EFE, 4/21). ... JOE MCGHEE, the Scottish marathon runner "who won gold at the 1954 Commonwealth Games in Vancouver" when English runner JIM PETER "collapsed with the finishing line in sight," has died at the age of 86. Peters' "misfortune" meant that McGhee's gold medal was "largely overlooked at the time, but later in life he was given belated credit for his achievement" (SCOTSMAN, 4/21).
TAPPED OUT: The "voice of racing," JOHN TAPP, has announced he will "finish his full-time media career, which has spanned 50 years," in June. The 73-year-old "wants to enjoy life away from the microphone, concentrating on his small team of harness horses and spending time with grandchildren and wife Ann." After finishing his race-calling career in '98, Tapp has "continued to work at Sky Racing but told In The Gig viewers of his decision" on Tuesday. Tapp's career "moved across the broadcasting spectrums starting in radio." He moved to TV at Channel Nine and "finished at Sky Channel" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 4/21).
