Pregame blasts rock German team’s bus
Three explosions went off near the team bus of Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s top soccer clubs, as it set off for a Champions League quarterfinal match last night. One of Dortmund’s players was injured.
Police said they were working on the assumption that the blasts were directed at the Dortmund team and caused by “serious explosive devices,” which might have been hidden in a hedge near a car park.
The explosions happened as the team was departing its hotel for a first-leg match against Monaco. The game was called off shortly before kickoff and rescheduled for today.
A letter claiming responsibility was found near the site of the blasts, prosecutor Sandra Luecke said at a late evening news conference. She said investigators are examining the authenticity of what was written in the letter but wouldn’t reveal more about its contents, citing the ongoing investigation.
The case is being investigated as attempted homicide, Luecke said.
A window on the bus was damaged and Spanish defender Marc Bartra was injured. Club spokesman Sascha Fligge said Bartra was operated on for a broken bone in his right wrist and to remove “foreign objects” from his arm.
Neymar suspended two games
Barcelona forward Neymar has been handed a two-game suspension for sarcastically applauding an assistant referee and will miss Barcelona’s game against Real Madrid in the Spanish league.
The two-match ban comes in addition to a one-game suspension he was automatically required to serve after being sent off in a 2-0 loss at Malaga on Sunday. . . .
Paulo Dybala outshone his more famous compatriot Lionel Messi by scoring two goals to help Juventus beat Barcelona 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal in Turin, Italy. . . .
LA Galaxy goalkeeper Dan Kennedy retired after a 10-year MLS career.
NFL arm wrestlers in fine mess
Current NFL players who participated in the Pro Football Arm Wrestling Championship at a Las Vegas casino could be fined by the league.
More than 30 pro football players were scheduled to compete at the weekend event held at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, according to a news release. . . .
The Jacksonville Jaguars released veteran linebacker Dan Skuta.
Zags’ Collins off to NBA draft
Gonzaga freshman center Zach Collins declared for the NBA draft, becoming the first one-and-done player in program history.
The 7-foot center said he was exploring his options without hiring an agent at this time, but intends to hire an agent at a later date. . . .
OG Anunoby and three of his Indiana teammates have declared for this year’s NBA draft. Anunoby plans to hire an agent and will not return for his junior year. Junior guards James Blackmon Jr. and Robert Johnson and sophomore center Thomas Bryant will not hire agents. . . .
Louisville reserve center Matz Stockman will transfer after three seasons under coach Rick Pitino to play for Pitino’s son, Richard, at Minnesota. . . .
New Mexico looked to its own backyard for a new men’s basketball coach by hiring New Mexico State head coach Paul Weir to lead the Lobos. . . .
Michigan State has hired Danton Cole as its new hockey coach.