What caught our eye this week? Here is the best of the best.
1. Best stench: Coming right now from tennis
It was not enough that the sport was recently rocked by an investigation that corruption and match-fixing was being overlooked by authorities but that the problem was graver than anyone feared. This week, an investigation by The Guardian revealed that two umpires have been secretly banned and as many as four others face corruption charges. It hardly matters that the investigation has centred on ITF Futures tournaments in Eastern Europe, the lowest-professional level. What is clear is that tennis has a problem, which authorities need to recognise and act upon.
2 Best quote: Super Bowl loser Newton
“You show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.” That pearl from Cam Newton, defending a news conference he gave that lasted all of three minutes after Super Bowl 50. The quarterback was vanquished, as his Carolina Panthers lost 24-10 to the Denver Broncos. Newton sulked in barely audible tones before walking out, to much subsequent derision. And why not? This was the biggest game of his career. Had he turned up smiling, it is easy to imagine him being criticised for not caring enough.
3 Best movement: Anfield fans
In Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland, a result that was the least of Liverpool’s concerns, upwards of an estimated 10,000 fans staged a walkout in the 77th minute. That was over the announcement of an increase in some ticket prices for next season. Liverpool might not be alone soon. Given how much money clubs get from TV rights, though, it probably does not matter too much to club owners should there be a dip in gate revenues.
4 Best goal: Fernando Torres
At the Vicente Calderon, home of Atletico Madrid, in the 90th minute of a 3-1 win over Eibar, Torres poked in his first goal in 20 games. It was his 100th for the club. It was at Atletico, 15 years ago, that Torres scored his first goal, and where he made his name as one of Europe’s finest strikers.
5 Best farewell: Brendon McCullum
He will say a final goodbye when he plays his last Test soon, but he bid farewell to ODIs by leading New Zealand to a 2-1 win over Australia. He was given a guard of honour as he walked out, and then proceeded to hammer those who had honoured him one last time. He did not end with a landmark, falling three short of fifty, but that was fitting: he hardly cared for them. Instead the manner of his 47, off 27 balls, was always what was a more fitting legacy.
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