Sport news in brief
John Motson apologises for racist comment
Long-serving football commentator John Motson has personally contacted Millwall’s Tom Elliott after he was warned by employer’s Talksport for describing the striker as “big, black and brave” during a live radio broadcast.
Motson, who last year retired from commentary for the BBC only to return with Talksport after a bigmoney offer, was involved in the racist controversy on Saturday during Millwall’s 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup fifth round.
During the match, Motson was heard describing 28-year-old English striker as “big, black and brave”, which remained on the Talksport website after the original live broadcast had finished.
Caster Semenya’s lawyers claim IAAF testosterone limit is ‘hurtful’
Caster Semenya‘s lawyers have hit back at the IAAF on day two of their hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, claiming the international governing body’s proposed testosterone limit for women is “flawed” and “hurtful”.
The two-time Olympic 800 metres champion is challenging the IAAF’s revised eligibility rules for female athletes at the Lausanne-based tribunal in a landmark case for intersex and transgender women in all sports.
On Monday, the IAAF issued a press release that named five of the expert witnesses it is calling this week to support its case, a move that Semenya’s legal team described as a “clear breach” of the CAS rules on confidentiality and an attempt “to influence public opinion”.
Sergio Parisse and Garry Ringrose ruled out of Italy vs Ireland
Garry Ringrose will miss Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations trip to Italy, having failed to beat his hamstring complaint.
Ireland must do without the much-vaunted Leinster centre for Sunday’s Stadio Olimpico trip, though that loss is eased by Chris Farrell being passed fit after a knee-injury scare.
Farrell impressed in Ireland’s 22-13 victory in Scotland on Saturday 9 February, but limped out of Munster’s Pro14 clash against Southern Kings on Friday night.
RFU appoint British Olympics boss Bill Sweeney as CEO
Bill Sweeney, the long-serving boss of the British Olympic Association, has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Rugby Football Union.
The 60-year-old, who replaces Steve Brown after he announced his surprise resignation at the end of 2018, will join the RFU after more than five years at the helm of British Athletics, and is tasked with addressing the financial turmoil that has hampered the governing body over the last 12 months.
“I leave behind a very strong British Olympic Association, both financially and in readiness for Tokyo 2020,” Sweeney said. “This is the only opportunity that I would have left the BOA for. From the grassroots game to our England teams, rugby’s values and opportunities are very special. I am passionate about the game and it is an honour to be joining the RFU team.”