Japan minister unsure about Tokyo Olympic Games

Japanese cabinet minister Taro Kono has said “anything can happen” in regard to the postponed Tokyo Olympics, raising more doubts about the games scheduled to begin in just over six months.

Kono’s statements contradict the official government position and that of the local organizing committee. They have both said repeatedly the games will take place and will be “safe and secure.”

Kono opened the door to a possible cancellation. He also gave more credence to recent poll results that show about 80% in Japan think the Olympics shouldn’t happen, or will not happen.

“I should say anything is possible,” Kono said at the Reuters Next conference.

College basketball

STANFORD SMOTHERS UTAH, STAYS UNBEATEN >> The No. 1 Cardinal women’s team held Utah without a field goal for two extended periods in an 82-54 victory. Utah did not score a field goal over the final 6 1/2 minutes of the first quarter and went without a basket over the first 6 1/2 minutes of the third quarter.

Stanford’s Kiana Williams helped make the defensive stinginess -- the Cardinal forced 17 turnovers and scored 20 points off those turnovers -- pay off on the other end. She scored 18 points and teammate Hannah Jump had 15 — all on 3-pointers. Williams was 6 for 10 from 3-point range and Jump 5 for 10. “She is a tremendous team leader,” Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer said. “She really got us going.”

Stanford (11-0, 8-0 Pac12) was 14 for 36 overall from long range. The Cardinal improved to 26-1 against the Utes (3-8, 2-8). CAL STILL WINLESS AFTER LOSS IN COLORADO >> The Bears (0-11, 0-7 in Pac-12) were within two points in the second quarter before falling 75-59 to Colorado (5-6, 3-5), which got 19 points from Frida Formann and 18 from Mya Hollingshed. Leila McIntosh led the Bears with 14 points and 10 assists, while freshman Ugonne Onyiah chipped in with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Baseball

YANKEES TO SIGN LEMAHIEU, KLUBER >> The Yankees are finalizing a six-year, $90 million deal to re-sign free-agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu, according to ESPN, which also reported New York will sign righthander Corey Kluber to a one-year, $11 million deal. METS, LINDOR AVOID ARBITRATION >> The Mets agreed to one-year contracts with seven players to avoid salary arbitration, including shortstop shortstop Francisco Lindor, outfielder Michael Conforto and first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith. Lindor, who will earn $22.3 million, was acquired from Cleveland last week along with starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco. SUZUKI SIGNS WITH ANGELS >> The Angels have found a veteran to shore up their catching cohort. They agreed to bring on 14-year veteran Kurt Suzuki, 37, on a one-year, $1.5-million deal, according to the Athletic. The former A’s catcher will likely share time with Max Stassi, another former Oakland catcher.

College football

CLEMSON’S ETIENNE ENTERS NFL DRAFT >> Clemson All-American running back Travis Etienne, who rushed for 4,952 yards and scored 78 touchdowns during his time with the Tigers, announced he will enter the 2021 NFL Draft

Golf

WORLD GOLF CHAMPION

SHIP MOVING FROM MEXICO TO FLORIDA >> The World Golf Championship is moving from Mexico City to the Gulf Coast of Florida this year, a change driven by the COVID-19 pandemic that has put restrictions on travel and kept away spectators.