Tokyo Games are at risk
Dick Pound, the longest-serving member of the IOC, estimates there’s a three-month window to decide the fate of the Tokyo Olympics, which are being threatened by the fast-spreading virus from China.
Pound, in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, did not sound alarmist. But he did speak frankly about the risks facing the Olympics, which open July 24.
Pound has been an International Olympic Committee member since 1978, 13 years longer than current President Thomas Bach.
“You could certainly go to two months out if you had to,” Pound said, which would mean putting off a decision until late May and hoping the virus is under control. “A lot of things have to start happening. You’ve got to start ramping up your security, your food, the Olympic Village, the hotels, The media folks will be in there building their studios.”
And if it got to the point of not going ahead, Pound speculated “you’re probably looking at a cancellation.”
AUTO RACING
Fernando Alonso will again attempt to complete motorsports’ Triple Crown with a return to the Indianapolis 500 in May with McLaren.
McLaren failed to qualify Alonso for the race last season in a spectacular comedy of errors and not having a car properly prepared to put the two-time Formula One champion in the field. McLaren has since aligned with Sam Schmidt’s team and said Tuesday it will field a third Indy 500 car for Alonso.
Alonso’s quest is to win Indianapolis and complete a prestigious Triple Crown that includes Formula One’s Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car endurance race. Graham Hill is the only driver to have completed the treble.
NBA
Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons will miss at least two more weeks with nerve issues in his lower back.
The all-star played just a few minutes in Saturday’s loss to Milwaukee before leaving with the back injury. He will undergo daily treatment for his nerve impingement and be evaluated in two weeks.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Ryan Day, who led Ohio State to a 13-1 record and a College Football Playoff appearance in his first year as head coach, was rewarded with a three-year contract extension and raise, the university said.
The 40-year-old Day is now under contract through the 2026 season.
Day, who made a base salary of $4.5 million plus bonuses in 2019, will be paid $6 million for the 2020-21 season, the university said. He’ll make $6.5 million for the 2021 season and $7.6 million for 2022. His salary for 2023-26 will be decided later.
Day wasn’t even in the top 20 of the country’s highest paid football coaches in 2019, but the raises are expected to move him up the list gradually. Clemson’s Dabo Sweeney was the highest-paid coach last season at more than $9.2 million.
Indiana tight end suspended: Indiana coach Tom Allen suspended record-breaking tight end Peyton Hendershot indefinitely.
The announcement comes less than three days after Hendershot was arrested. He allegedly entered the apartment of a former girlfriend without her permission. He also is accused of grabbing and shoving the woman, according to the police report.
Last season, the 20-year-old redshirt sophomore set school records for a tight end with 52 receptions, 622 yards and four touchdowns. He was a thirdteam all-Big Ten selection by the media and received honorable mention honors from the league’s coaches.
WNBA
Sue Bird is returning to the Seattle Storm for a 19th season after re-signing with the team.
Bird missed all last season after undergoing knee surgery. The last time she was on the court for Seattle, Bird was leading the franchise to its third WNBA title in 2018.
Bird, 39, is the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, field goals and steals. She was the No. 1 overall pick by Seattle in 2002 and has been a five-time all-WNBA first-team selection.