Sport News In Brief
James demands respect after claiming fourth ring with Lakers
LeBron James has demanded respect after claiming his fourth ring with the Los Angeles Lakers in a 4-2 Finals victory over the Miami Heat.
The 106-93 victory over the Heat in game four saw James also clinch his fourth Finals MVP award. James scored 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists while spearheading a defensive masterclass that doused the Heat's offense.
The Lakers, who won their first title since 2010 and their 17th in franchise history, also got a key contribution from Rajon Rondo as the veteran point guard delivered an early offensive burst that helped them to a 28-point halftime lead and the Heat never threatened again.
"It means a lot to represent this franchise," said James, who joined the team in the summer of 2018 after
they had missed the playoffs five seasons in a row.
"I told (Lakers president) Jeanie (Buss) when I came here that I was going to put this franchise back in the position where it belongs. "We just want our respect. Rob (Pelinka) wants his respect, coach (Frank) Vogel wants his respect, our organization wants its respect, Lakers nation wants its respect," he said. "And I want my damn respect too."
Freeman insists he's 'never' doped a rider
Dr Richard Freeman was questioned about his interest in testosterone as the hearing into his fitness to practise medicine continued in Manchester.
The former British Cycling and Team Sky doctor has admitted to a number of charges but denies ordering testosterone "knowing or believing" it was to be given to a rider for the purposes of improving performance.
Dr Freeman was again questioned by General Medical Council QC Simon Jackson, who it was revealed has been supplied with riders' medical data by British Cycling.
Jackson quizzed Dr Freeman on statements he made in his book, The Line: Where Medicine and Sport Collide, as well as a BBC interview.
Asked about the ethical line between providing medical support to riders and doping, Dr Freeman said: "I've never crossed it. I was completely in agreement with the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) code."
Dr Freeman's case centres around his claim, which former British cycling technical director Shane Sutton denies, that he ordered Testogel patches to treat Sutton's erectile disfunction.
Dr Freeman described the search for markers of over-training and under-recovery in athletes as "the holy grail" but, when it was put to him that his interest in testosterone levels was for the purposes of artificially raising them, he responded sharply.
"I find that allegation or summary offensive," he said. "I have never doped a rider. I would never consider it. I would never consider supplementing with testosterone at any time."
Pulev confirms Joshua date
Kubrat Pulev has confirmed he will fight Anthony Joshua for his world heavyweight titles in London on 12 December.
Briton Joshua was initially supposed to figh the Bulgarian on 20 June, but the event was postponed because of coronavirus.
"It's official: Pulev vs. Joshua on 12 December in London," Pulev announced on his official website. "There is no way back, no postponement, no rescheduling! Let the better one win!"
Scholes takes charge at Salford City after Alexander sacked
Paul Scholes has been installed as interim head coach of Salford City after the sacking of Graham Alexander.
Scholes, who co-owns the club with his former Manchester United teammates Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt, will not be a permanent appointment with a new head coach to be hired by the end of the month.
Scholes will lead training at the League 2 club following the 2-2 draw with Tranmere, leaving them in fifth and still unbeaten after five games. The 45-year-old will be on the bench at Port Vale this Saturday.