Long jump champion GREG RUTHERFORD will speak to UK Athletics chiefs after "his criticism of the governing body." Rutherford has said athletes suffer because of a "class system" in UK Athletics, claiming the body can be "more of a hindrance than a help." He said, "Absolutely I will look to sit down with them and some other people as well" (BBC, 8/26). ... The Int'l Cricket Council announced that former Indian player VENKATAPATHY RAJU would be part of the coaching team for the ICC Americas Cricket Combine to be held in Indianapolis from Sept. 18-27 (ICC). ... The IOC announced former South Korean figure skater YUNA KIM as the latest ambassador to support the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games (IOC). ... Organizers confirmed that Dutch motorcyclist DENNIS HOFFER was killed during a qualifying session for the Manx Grand Prix held on the Isle of Man TT course. Hoffer, 42, died "following a crash near the 13th Milestone" at about 6:30pm local time on Wednesday. He was making his debut at the Isle of Man event "but had raced regularly" in Europe since '09 (BBC, 8/27). ... Tennis player DONNA VEKIC has "hit out at the decision" to give NICK KYRGIOS a suspended ban from tennis after his "controversial on-court sledge" toward STANISLAS WAWRINKA. The ATP fined Kyrgios around £22,000 ($33,900) and gave him a suspended ban of 28 days. Vekic, 19, said, "He didn't get suspended. It's ridiculous. No more comment on this" (London TELEGRAPH, 8/27). ... EPL club Norwich City striker LEWIS GRABBAN is seeking advice from the Professional Footballers' Association after being suspended by his club. The 27-year-old "has been told to stay away from the club’s training ground until next Tuesday" after leaving the team hotel before the League Cup victory at Rotherham earlier this week "despite being named on the bench" (London GUARDIAN, 8/27).
