Osman Samiuddin offers a review of the five most notable things from the week that was in the world of sport. Click on the arrows to view the next photo or just swipe on your mobile device.
Best quote
"The thing is I love him so much I can't tell him: 'You're not going to be great again." Thus spake Michael Jordan to ESPN's Wright Thompson in a long, compelling read about the downfall of Tiger Woods since his father Earl passed away. Jordan's love for Woods is so great that he cannot come to tell him, presumably, face-to-face, or phone-to-phone but can through such a major publication? Way to be a buddy MJ.
Biggest fall
Shane Sutton is the man who mentored Sirs Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins to Olympic success. He then became technical director for British Cycling. This week though has been bad. He was first accused of sexism by the rider Jess Varnish: he allegedly told her “to move on and go and have a baby” after her contract was not renewed. Swiftly came the revelation that the Australian made derogatory remarks about Paralympic cyclists on multiple occasions. Two separate reviews have now been launched and Sutton stands suspended.
Thorniest reprimand
From the South African government to Cricket South Africa (CSA): The government has said CSA will not be allowed to host or bid for any international tournaments after it failed to meet transformation guidelines for the composition of its team. Cricket was not alone, with rugby, athletics and netball authorities also hit with the punishments. CSA has been better of late, selecting players of colour, but still fell a little short of the 60 per cent quota the government has insisted upon.
Biggest anti-climax
One of European football’s new and coming powers came up against one of its most established and gloried ones on Tuesday night. It should have been a showcase meeting yet Manchester City and Real Madrid produced no goals and just eight shots on target between them in a turgid first leg of the Champions League semi-final. City will be pleased with their progress so far, but against a side missing Cristiano Ronaldo, was this an opportunity missed?
Biggest scare
For a while, as news filtered in of the blow to the head sustained by Sri Lankan Kaushal Silva in a practice game in Pallekele, many would have feared the worst. He was fielding at short leg when struck and though he did not fall unconscious, he had to be airlifted to a hospital in Colombo. Since then, thankfully, he has been cleared of serious injury, suffering from a mild concussion. He was struck, it is said, on the extra bit of padding added to helmets in the wake of Phil Hughes’ death.
