Federer is done for season
Star will miss Olympics, U.S. Open while rehabbing knee
Roger Federer is sitting out the rest of this season, including the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and U.S. Open, to protect his surgically repaired left knee.
Federer wrote on his Facebook page Tuesday that he needs “more extensive rehabilitation following my knee surgery earlier this year.”
“The doctors advised that if I want to play on the ATP World Tour injury free for another few years, as I intend to do, I must give both my knee and body the proper time to fully recover,” Federer said.
His agent, Tony Godsick, wrote in an email that Federer’s plan is to “be ready for the start of next year.”
Federer is the first member of tennis’ so-called “Big 4”— a group that includes Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray — to pull out of the Rio Games.
Olympics
At least 105 athletes from the 387-strong Russian Olympic team announced last week have been barred from the Rio Games in connection with the country’s doping scandal. International federations in canoeing, sailing and modern pentathlon ruled out eight, including an Olympic gold medalist. Rowing added 19 more athletes to three that had previously been announced. Swimming has also barred some athletes. Some appeals are likely.
Two days after describing n the housing at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics as “dangerous,” Australian athletes and staff started moving into the massive athletes’ village compound. Australians declined to enter their rooms on Sunday after flushed toilets and open taps caused water to gush down walls and ceilings in the building. They also complained of electrical shorts and gas leaks.
Brazilian soccer star n Neymar says the problems at the athletes’ village could harm the preparations of some Olympic competitors. “If this is all true, we have to lament it. We had so much time to get everything ready, but some things didn’t work out,” he said.
United Nations secretary-general n Ban Ki-moon has called for the Olympic Truce to be upheld during the Rio Games. Ban is calling on all Olympic athletes and officials to “work closely for global harmony and peace.”
College football
Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany does not envision the Rose Bowl moving from its New Year’s Day spot in order to accommodate the College Football Playoff semifinals. Delany says there might be “some movement from the bowls” but doesn’t see those changes impacting the Rose Bowl.
Penn State athletic n director Sandy Barbour said opposing programs are lying to recruits by telling them the Nittany Lions could be put on probation by the NCAA in the wake of recent allegations in the Jerry Sandusky scandal. “It’s not factual,” she said.
Basketball
Thrust into an awkward situation in January, Tyronn Lue finished on top in June. The affable coach was rewarded for the greatest run by a Cleveland team in more than a half-century. Lue was given a multiyear contract extension with the Cavaliers, who promoted him halfway through a season that ended with a historic comeback and defeat of the Golden State Warriors for NBA championship.
Amare Stoudemire n has retired from the NBA after signing his final contract with the New York Knicks. Stoudemire was a six-time All-Star, but battled knee injuries after his sensational first season in New York, when he became the first Knicks player to be voted an AllStar starter since Patrick Ewing.
UCLA’s men’s basketball n team suffered another defection when the school announced that power forward Jonah Bolden had opted to play professionally and would surrender his final two years of eligibility. The 6-foot-10 Bolden becomes the second Bruin to leave the program this summer after guard Kobe Paras withdrew from school last month because of academic issues.
Soccer
The Seattle Sounders and coach Sigi Schmid are parting ways after eight years. Longtime assistant Brian Schmetzer is immediately taking over as interim head coach.
Hockey
The Detroit Red Wings have avoided arbitration and signed defenseman Danny DeKeyser to a $30 million, six-year contract.