Rapinoe kneel irks U.S. Soccer officials
Robby Gordon’s father dies in apparent murder-suicide
Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem before a U.S. women’s national team match against Thailand on Thursday night.
Rapinoe first knelt during the anthem Sept. 4 before a game with her National Women’s Soccer League team, the Seattle Reign. She said she wanted to express solidarity with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is not standing during the anthem to bring attention to racial inequality.
After Thursday night’s game, which the United States won 9-0, U.S. Soccer issued a statement to ESPN that said representing the country is a “privilege and honor” for any player or coach associated with the national teams.
“Therefore, our national anthem has particular significance for U.S. Soccer. In front of national and often global audiences, the playing of our national anthem is an opportunity for our Men’s and Women’s National Team players and coaches to reflect upon the liberties and freedom we all appreciate in this country.
“As part of the privilege to represent your country, we have an expectation that our players and coaches will stand and honor our flag while the national anthem is played.”
Motor sports
The father of former NASCAR driver Robby Gordon strangled his wife then shot himself in their Southern California home, police said.
The deaths of Robert Gordon, 68, and Sharon Gordon, 57, were an apparent murder-suicide, Orange police Lt. Fred Lopez said a day after the bodies were found. No further details on the motive or circumstances were released. The couple were the father and stepmother of ex-NASCAR star Robby Gordon, who fought back tears and expressed disbelief Thursday outside the home on a Southern California hillside where he grew up and developed his love of racing.
College football
Greg Ward Jr. returned from a one-game absence and ran for two fourthquarter touchdowns to help No. 6 Houston — steadied by its fabulous defense — pull away to a 40-16 victory over Cincinnati.
The Cougars (3-0, 1-0 American Athletic) trailed 16-12 early in the fourth quarter before Ward and the defense took over. Ward had the scoring runs to regain the lead, and the Cougars returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns to close it out over the Bearcats (2-1, 0-1).
Utah prosecutors n filed rape charges against a USC football player who is also under investigation for an alleged sexual assault in California involving the same victim. Osa Masina is accused of sexually assaulting the woman after she passed out following a party the night of July 25 in a Salt Lake City suburb, according to documents filed by Utah authorities.
NBA
Stephen Curry said he is disappointed to see sporting events pulled from his home state of North Carolina over a law that some say can lead to discrimination against LGBT people.
And the two-time NBA MVP hopes lawmakers make changes to the socalled “bathroom bill” before more major events follow the NBA’s All-Star game and the NCAA men’s basketball tournament out the door.
Philadelphia 76ers n center Joel Embiid has recovered from foot injuries and should be ready to play when the team opens training camp in two weeks.
Embiid, the No. 3 pick in the 2014 draft, has yet to make his NBA debut because of two surgeries on his right foot.
Golf
South Koreans In Gee Chun and Sung Hyun Park shot 8-under 63 to share the first-round lead in the Evian Championship in France, the last of the LPGA Tour’s five majors.
Paralympics
The U.S. women’s sitting volleyball team defeated Brazil 3-0 to set up a showdown with China on Saturday in the Paralympics gold medal match in Rio. The Chicago Tribune contributed to this report.