Report: Tokyo Games to allow few fans
The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics are shaping up as a TV-only event with few spectators — if any — being allowed when they open in just more than two weeks.
Japan’s Asahi newspaper, citing multiple unidentified government sources, said Tuesday the opening ceremony at the 68,000seat National Stadium is likely to be limited to only VIP guests. The Olympics open in 17 days.
The newspaper said other large venues are likely to have no spectators. Smaller venues are expected to allow some spectators.
Tokyo organizers and the International Olympic Committee are expected to announce the policy after a meeting likely on Thursday.
Two weeks ago, they announced that venues could be filled up to 50% capacity with a ceiling of 10,000. But surging virus numbers in Tokyo are forcing a rollback.
The IOC earns almost 75% of its income from TV rights, and will still generate $3 billion to $4 billion in income from a television-only event.
Fans from abroad were banned months ago.
• The daughter of rock icon Bruce Springsteen and singer-songwriter Patti Scialfa was selected as one of four riders on the U.S. jumping team that will compete at the Tokyo Olympics.
U.S. Equestrian announced that Jessica Springsteen would be making her Olympic debut. The 29-year-old has said being selected would fulfill a lifelong dream.
Springsteen will team with Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut and McLain Ward when the equestrian competition begins Aug. 3. The team will be led by chef d’equipe Robert Ridland and Lizzy Chesson.
“I feel very confident that the seasoned group of riders that we will be sending to Tokyo is in top current form and peaking at just the right time,” Ridland said in a statement.
Farrington is 40, Ward 45 and Kraut 55, and the trio has competed at a combined seven Olympics.
Springsteen, ranked third behind Kraut and Ward, will be riding 12-year-old stallion Don Juan van de Donkhoeve.
Defenseman Wolanin returning to Kings
Defenseman Christian Wolanin agreed to a oneyear, $750,000 contract extension to return to the Kings. Wolanin was eligible for unrestricted free agency.
Wolanin, 26, appeared in three games with the Kings after they acquired him from the Ottawa Senators on March 29 in a trade for Michael Amadio. He recorded three assists in 15 games with Ottawa before the deal.
• The Seattle Kraken hired Paul McFarland and Jay Leach as the first two assistants for head coach Dave Hakstol.
Navy graduate can pursue football career
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the U.S. military will allow Naval Academy graduate Cameron Kinley to pursue a career in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Acting Navy Secretary Tom Harker had denied Kinley’s request to delay his commissioning. But Austin reversed that decision, saying that “we know Cameron will take every opportunity on and off the field to ably represent the Navy and the military to the American people and to assist us in our recruiting efforts.”
President Joe Biden said he was “pleased” by Austin’s decision, adding, “I am confident that Cameron will represent the Navy well in the NFL, just as he did as a standout athlete and class president at the Naval Academy.”
In a letter posted on Twitter, Kinley wrote: “I am extremely appreciative of Secretary Austin’s decision and I am excited to represent our fine military in the National Football League. This past month has been very challenging and I am thankful for everyone who has supported me in any way.”
Kinley, a cornerback, signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent. He will now be able to attend the Buccaneers’ training camp later this month.
Austin said Cameron will be enlisted in the Inactive Ready Reserve during his NFL career, after which “we look forward to welcoming him back inside the ranks as a naval officer.”
Gym owner to use rules to help Miami
The owner of a Floridabased chain of mixed martial arts gyms unveiled big plans to try to help Miami Hurricanes football players take advantage of new rules that allow them to make money.
Dan Lambert, the owner of American Top Team and a longtime Miami football fan, has offered each scholarship player (90 total) on the Miami football team a monthly payment of $500 this year to advertise his gyms on social media. American Top Team is the home training facility for more than two dozen professional fighters, including Jorge Masvidal and Amanda Nunes.
Lambert’s offer to the Hurricanes — which could add up to as much as $540,000 this year — is the largest reported sum for a college sports endorsement deal since new state laws and NCAA rules opened the doors for players to make money last week.
“I want to help the kids. I want to reward them for what they do, and I want a better product on the field, too,” Lambert told ESPN. “I want to improve the reputation of the school and the team I love so much. I think it’s a cool opportunity to get involved and make a difference.”
• Miami Hurricanes guard Isaiah Wong decided to return next season rather than pursue a pro career.
• Ochai Agbaji withdrew from the NBA draft and announced he would return to Kansas for his senior season, joining sophomore teammate Jalen Wilson in getting feedback from pro scouts before ultimately returning to the Jayhawks.
• Hunter Dickinson withdrew from the NBA draft to stay at Michigan for his sophomore season.
• Minnesota forward Eric Curry decided to return for a sixth season in the program.