Whisper it softly in the plush and civilised corridors of Lausanne, but until now culture has made an eminently forgettable contribution to the Olympic movement. Despite the best efforts of the founders of the modern Games, who were determined to ally the ennobling effects of sport with those of the arts, culture has been little more than a refined gate-crasher at the increasingly frenzied celebrations of the human body’s capabilities. In the early half of the last century, medals were awarded for the arts. There were competitions for poetry, architecture and sculpture. But, unlike their sporting counterparts, the names of the gold medallists are lost in the mists of good intentions. … Read entire article »

NEW ORLEANS — On Friday, players from Alabama and Louisiana State answered questions on the field at the Superdome, where S-A-I-N-T-S spread across the end zones and the B.C.S. national championship game logo decorated midfield. Such is life here, at the center of the American sports universe. Enlarge This Image Jennifer Zdon for The New York Times The Superdome field is prepared for Saturday’s Saints-Lions playoff game. Enlarge This Image Jennifer Zdon for The New York Times New Orleans anticipated 250,000 visitors and an economic impact of $500 million over the two weeks of events. … Read entire article »

Two more men jumped out of the bushes, including the starting kicker on Virginia Techs football team, and forced their way into Hudsons apartment. I never felt like they were going to shoot me or beat me up, Hudson told Sporting News on the eve of Saturdays ACC opener at Wake Forest. “I told them they had the wrong apartment.” The three men left without incident when the man they were looking for was not in Hudsons apartment. All three men were later arrested for the home invasion, including Matthew Dunton, Matthew Brady and kicker Cody Journell–who was suspended from the football team and missed the Hokies overtime loss to Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. … Read entire article »

Before you dive into the NFL wild-card playoffs this weekend, get everything you need to know about the games from Sporting News Vinnie Iyer and Bill Bender in this weeks Huddle Up! podcast: Also this week, with help from SN college football writer Steve Greenberg, Vinnie and Bill put an NFL spin on the BCS National Championship Game between LSU and Alabama on Monday night at New Orleans: … Read entire article »

Brad Pitt Seen Sporting a Cane, but Why? Thu., Jan. 5, 2012 3:30 PM PST by Bruna Nessif … Read entire article »

TWIN FALLS o A few customers browsed the selection of winter apparel, while outside the sun beat down from a blue sky. It might have melted snow if any were on the ground. But it’s that very lack that has some sporting goods store owners and managers anxious. “We would have been doing better if there was snow outside,” said Ryan Kober, owner of Elevation Sports. He said the store received a good response early in the season when people were excited about winter. “But that faded out a little at a time. It was like people were saying, ‘OK we don’t have snow yet. OK, we still don’t have snow.’ As the season progressed it became a little discouraging.” But, he said, despite the lack of snowfall, overall store sales for 2011 were steady — not phenomenal, but not dropping, either. Other area … Read entire article »

State sports heroes are in for a windfall with the Government ready with New Year gifts for them. The government has decided to not only implement its decision to release cash incentives worth about Rs. 4 crore to those who brought laurels to the country and the State at different levels but also present these cash incentives without any tax deductions. We have got the necessary clarification from the top officials of Income Tax Department. Unlike last time, we were clearly told there will be no tax on incentives, clarified a senior official of Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh. Ace shooter Gagan Narang will be richer by Rs.50. 82 lakh for his medals in the last two years at the World Cup, Asian Games and Asian championships. Champion shuttler Saina … Read entire article »

She says: Its just so surreal how many things have changed since July and how many things havent changed. But things are starting to look up and things are starting to change in a good way, they can only get better. She mentions on the video she made it in October but provides few details about where she is. Ill still be here until the end of February, maybe March which is my birthday. This has just been a blessing in so many ways. She reveals this could be the first of many video diaries, saying: I’m extremely excited. I’m excited that I’ll be able to Skype and obviously keep a video log, take some pictures and that I have something that I can finally call mine. Now I, in some ways, have someone to talk to … Read entire article »

VERO BEACH – Bright and early on Feb. 4, sportsmen and women from all over Indian River County and the surrounding areas will converge on Indian River Trap amp; Skeet Club in Vero Beach. The occasion will be the 10th Annual Sun Up Sporting Clays Charity Shoot and, judging from the event last year, there will be record attendance to support this very worthwhile charity, the Sun Up Center of Indian River County. The program for the day will consist of a 100-target sporting clays tournament, which is open to all shooters – whether registered NSCA competitors or nonregistered shot gunners – who want to participate simply to enjoy a good time for a great cause. Awards will be given to the overall champion and runner-up , as well as to … Read entire article »

On Fridays, Sporting News national NHL writer Jesse Spector and senior editor Sean Gentille trade emails about the league. Todays topics: Brian Burkes remarks about fighting and Saturdays Stanley Cup Finals rematch. Jesse: Its more than 24 hours later, and Im still trying to figure out what Brian Burke was talking about yesterday he called a press conference to talk about an exceptionally minor roster move: sending Colton Orr to the minor leagues. … Read entire article »