SPORTS BRIEFS
Sinclair case
Canada forward Christine Sinclair will have her FIFA disciplinary case heard on Friday about critical comments she made about the referee after losing to the United States at the London Olympics. FIFA says its disciplinary committee will examine charges of “unsporting behaviour.”
Canada up 12
Spain still heads the FIFA world rankings as South American teams surged in the top 10 after playing 2014 World Cup qualifiers last month, while Canada moved up 12 places. The World Cup winner leads a European 1-2-3 from Germany and Portugal, which climbs one place.
Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second hat trick in four days allowed Real Madrid to take charge of the Champions League’s toughest group Wednesday, with Arsenal, FC Porto and Malaga joining the Spanish giants in earning second straight wins.
Landis silenced
The International Cycling Union said a Swiss court ruling has prohibited Floyd Landis from repeating claims that UCI leaders corruptly protected Lance Armstrong from a doping case. Landis is ordered to pay UCI president Pat McQuaid and predecessor Hein Verbruggen $10,667 each, plus legal costs.
Bolt camera
A Swedish photographer hopes to raise money for charity by auctioning off a camera that Usain Bolt used to take pictures after winning the 200-metre final at the London Olympics. Bolt grabbed the camera from Jimmy Wixtrom, of Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, and snapped shots of the crowd and teammate Yohan Blake. He carved his name on the camera.
Fining flopping
The NBA will penalize flopping this season. Players will get a warning the first time, then be fined $5,000 for a second violation. The fines increase to $10,000 for a third offence, $15,000 for a fourth and $30,000 the fifth time. Six or more violations could lead to a suspension.
Grizzlies VP dies
Memphis Grizzlies vice-president of basketball operations and team programs Dana Davis has died, the team said Wednesday. Davis, 56, was found dead in his apartment. Foul play is not suspected.
Wallace returns
The New York Knicks signed forward Rasheed Wallace, a four-time All-Star who is ending a two-year retirement. The 38-year-old Wallace last played for the Boston Celtics in the 2009-10 season. Terms of his contract signed Wednesday were not announced.
Holmes out
Things just got a lot tougher for the struggling New York Jets. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes will miss the rest of this season with an injured left foot, leaving the Jets without their top offensive playmaker. Holmes will require surgery and was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Hasselbeck to start
Coach Mike Munchak says veteran Matt Hasselbeck will be the starting quarterback Sunday when the Titans visit Minnesota. Munchak says Jake Locker will not dress while his injured left shoulder continues to heal.
China Open
Two-time champion Novak Djokovic reached the China Open quarter-finals after dismissing Carlos Berlocq of Argentina 6-1, 6-3 Wednesday. Agnieszka Radwanska beat Spanish qualifier Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Murray in quarters
Defending champion Andy Murray advanced to the quarter-finals of the Japan Open by beating Lukas Lacko of Slovakia 6-1, 6-2 Wednesday. Seventh-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland also advanced to the quarter-finals.