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Articles by Tim Sullivan
Ofensiva migratoria de Trump en Ciudades Gemelas convierte caos y tensión en la nueva normalidad
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, EE.UU. (AP) — El trabajo comienza al amanecer para los agentes federales que participan en la campaña migratoria dentro y en los alrededores de las Ciudades Gemelas, con cientos de personas con equipos tácticos saliendo en tropel de un anodino edificio de oficinas cerca del aeropuerto principal.
Andy Murray Saw The End. Instead, He And Dan Evans Wrote A Different Olympics Script - The Independent
There is no perfect way to call time, no method of looking into the future to see the end of the script that has been written for you. Except, in a way, there is: “The final match of ’s career came in a painful defeat in the men’s doubles, alongside on a half-full court at Roland Garros,” wrote a certain reporter, sitting in the stands at Suzanne-Lenglen. “Despite a late rally to force a deciding tiebreak, Murray and Evans were an
A Kentucky Derby Mystery Worth its Weight in Black Gold
The trail is as cold as Fairbanks in February. A century since Black Gold won the Kentucky Derby, the fate of his owner's trophy remains shrouded in mystery, the truth buried beneath conflicting accounts, faulty conclusions, curious gaps, and secrets taken to the grave. The family of winning owner Rosa Hoots believes the gold trophy is currently residing at the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is just a short walk from the winner's circle where it was presented 100 years ago.
Time For Peace Between Bob Baffert And Churchill Downs
Bob Baffert has done his time. And then some. He has finally capitulated to Churchill Downs, abandoning his ill-advised attempt to overturn Medina Spirit’s 2021 disqualification from the Kentucky Derby, and going so far as to grovel.
Some of America's Safest Trainers Share Their Secrets
Ray Handal is looking for longevity. He trains his horses with a level of caution not always conducive to keeping clients, but one that has earned him a rare distinction. Now in his 10th year as a trainer, after more than 1,500 starts and more than $13 million in earnings, Handal has yet to have a horse die in his care. Not from racing. Not in training. Not from illness. Not by accident. Not from natural causes.
In Light Of An Extended Ban At Churchill Downs, Bob Baffert Still Hasn't Apologized For Violations
Bob Baffert has done his time, but he has not done his penance. The Hall of Fame trainer has served the two-year suspension initially imposed by Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI), without any new drug violations that could have complicated his comeback. What he has not done is accept and apologize for the violation that resulted in Medina Spirit’s disqualification from the 2021 Kentucky Derby or beg for mercy from CDI CEO Bill Carstanjen.
Reconsidering Synthetics After Churchill Safety Issues
Dirt racing is safer than at any time on record, but still three times more dangerous than synthetics. The Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database shows dirt racing resulted in 1.44 equine fatalities per 1,000 starts last year, the lowest rate in the EID's 14-year history. Yet because synthetic tracks simultaneously recorded a 0.41 fatality rate, the safety gap between the two surfaces is wider than ever. Overall, progress is plain.
Despite Having Scratched His Best Horse From The Kentucky Derby, Mike Repole Has The Dollars To Keep Dreaming
Mike Repole is undeterred. He is determined to enjoy the Kentucky Derby, “despite the race,” despite his failure to be a factor in seven previous tries and despite the lingering anguish associated with the best horse he’s ever had. “If you can scratch the Derby favorite the day before the Kentucky Derby, how much tougher can this game get?” the billionaire horseman asked.
Tapit Trice Overcomes Owner's Kentucky Derby Anxiety
Amanda Pope's Kentucky Derby Fever peaks at about 98.6 degrees. Hers is a case so slight that a couple of aspirin would constitute overkill. She will go to Churchill Downs next month because Tapit Trice is dragging her there. The gray colt won Keeneland's Blue Grass Stakes by a neck Saturday over Verifying, rising to fourth place in Derby qualifying points and overcoming his owner's instinctive reluctance to expose her horses to the "havoc" of America's most prestigious cavalry charge.
Tim Sullivan's Sports: Tapit Trice Overcomes Owner’s Kentucky Derby Anxiety
Amanda Pope’s Kentucky Derby Fever peaks at about 98.6 degrees. Hers is a case so slight that a couple of aspirin would constitute overkill. She will go to Churchill Downs next month because Tapit Trice is dragging her there. The gray colt won Keeneland’s Blue Grass Stakes by a neck Saturday over Verifying, rising to fourth place in Derby qualifying points and overcoming his owner’s instinctive reluctance to expose her horses to the “havoc” of America’s most prestigious cavalry charge.
Injunction 'Improbable' For Horse Trainer Bob Baffert As He Continues Plead In Louisville U.S. District Court
Bob Lewis’ tombstone was introduced into evidence on Friday. It described the California horseman as a “loving husband, adoring father and winner of the 123rd and 125th Kentucky Derby.” The idea was to demonstrate how much Louisville’s annual cavalry charge means within thoroughbred racing and to show how much Bob Baffert might be missing if his Churchill Downs’ suspension is not lifted this spring.
NCAA accuses Rick Pitino of authorizing bribery scheme involving Louisville recruit Brian Bowen Original
The book Rick Pitino sought to suppress has come back to bite him. Merl Code’s “Black Market,” which paints the former Louisville men’s basketball coach as complicit in the bribery scheme behind the 2017 recruitment of Brian Bowen, prompted the NCAA’s Complex Case Unit (CCU) to lodge additional allegations of infractions months after submitting its Amended Notice of Allegations on Sept.
Mass General Brigham Hosts Conference with Sports Medicine Original
Boston, MA, July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The first Annual Mass General Brigham Athletic Training Conference was held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, with keynote speaker longtime captain and all pro from the New England Patriots Matthew Slater. The event welcomed over 175 area athletic trainers, athletic directors, school nurses and coaches who play a role in the care of student athletes.
Mass General Brigham Announces First Medical Director for Original
Boston, MA, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Augustus (Gus) Mazzocca, an internationally renowned shoulder and elbow specialist specializing in complex shoulder and elbow diagnoses, has been named the first Medical Director for Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine. Dr. Mazzocca will also serve as the Director of the Bioskills, Biomechanics and Cell Biology Laboratories within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Thoroughbred owner tried to pay big money for a stake in a dead stallion. Here's why.
Months after the stallion Laoban drew his last breath, thoroughbred owner Jerry Jamgotchian made a series of seven-figure offers for a stake in the dead horse. Yes, Jamgotchian was prepared to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for an interest in a deceased stud.
Jockey Sonny Leon serves suspension after Kentucky Derby win. It's not the first time Original
Winning the Kentucky Derby could be career-changing for Sonny Leon, but not right away. Rich Strike's jockey is serving a suspension this week, his fifth since September. Two days after riding an 80-1 shot to victory in America's most prestigious horse race, the 32-year-old Venezuelan began a four-day suspension for careless riding that will prevent him from competing again until Friday.
Mass General Brigham Announces New Partnership with Boston
March 31, 2022 12:30 ET | Source: Mass General Brigham Mass General Brigham Somerville, Massachusetts, UNITED STATES Boston, MA, March 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mass General Brigham will serve as the exclusive healthcare provider for Boston College Athletics, through a partnership announced today by Mass General Brigham and Boston College.
Kenny Payne to be first Black permanent head coach at Louisville basketball Original
To hear Greg Fischer tell it, Kenny Payne was so much the people’s choice that he could have called for a referendum. “I’ve never seen so much feedback from citizens on a position I don’t control,” Louisville’s mayor said of its public university’s next basketball coach.
Trainer Bob Baffert sues Churchill Downs, seeks stay of stewards' suspension Original
Determined to overturn his two-year ban by Churchill Downs and a 90-day suspension imposed by Kentucky stewards, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert resumed his legal battle on two fronts Monday. Claiming Churchill Downs Inc.
Bob Baffert's clients may have choices to make if Churchill ban stays
With Kentucky Derby qualifying point values on the rise, Bob Baffert’s barn ineligible to accumulate them and the Hall of Fame trainer now subject to a 90-day suspension, some difficult decisions are at hand. Unless Baffert can overturnthe suspension Kentucky stewards handed down Monday and the 2-year ban Churchill Downs imposed on him and his horses, Baffert’s clients could be forced to choose between filing suit, switching trainers or missing America’s most prestigious race.
Kentucky Derby stewards vote to disqualify 2021 winner Medina Spirit, suspend trainer Bob Baffert for 90 days Original
After months of delay, litigation and laboratory tests, the 2021 Kentucky Derby finally reached at least a temporary resolution Monday when stewards disqualified Medina Spirit for a positive drug test. The outcome had seemed inevitable to racing officials because Kentucky racing regulations allow no detectable betamethasone in a horse’s system on race day.
Necropsy finds no definitive cause of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit's death Original
Medina Spirit’s death remains an unsolved mystery. But though the Kentucky Derby winner’s post-mortem was not definitive, neither was it obviously incriminating. Still subject to disqualification from the Derby for a post-race drug test that detected the corticosteroid betamethasone, Medina Spirit’s necropsy revealed the presence of no drugs or toxicants other than those reported to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB): the anti-ulcer medication Omeprazole and the diuretic Lasix.
Alleged 'ringleader' Robert McCune sentenced to 5 years in NFL health care fraud case
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Sentenced to five years imprisonment for his role in defrauding the National Football League’s Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan, former Louisville football captain and NFL linebacker Robert McCune took a seat on a wooden bench outside the courtroom Wednesday afternoon and acknowledged, “It could have been worse.” Federal prosecutors had sought a sentence at the high end of a guideline range of 70 to 87 months, to be served consecutive to a 24-month sentence for...
Shoe Column: Nicknames Revisited
By Tim “Shoe” Sullivan So I’m in Frank’s Hardware looking for a thingy that goes on the end of a faucet. A Frank’s employee came over to help. Those guys can find anything. He found the faucet piece and asked: “Say, are you that guy who writes about nicknames in the Gazette?” I nodded. He smiled and said: “Well, I don’t know if it’ll help you any, but I’m Steve Groshek, and they call me “Savior”. And that guy over there in plumbing is Josh Coker. We call him “Cokie”. I thanked “Savior” for that tidbit.
Takeaways from the Sixers’ Thrilling OT Win over Memphis
Last night’s storyline was initially that the Sixers would be without their leader Joel Embiid (Rest) as Ja Morant and a young scrappy Memphis Grizzlies team come into town. That would soon change after tip-off. Morant was sensational as advertised, finishing the night with 37 pts, 5 rebs, and 5 ast. The great night by the NBA’s potential Most Improved Player (MIP) was not enough as the Sixers held on to win in overtime 122 – 119, led by Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris.
Sixers Stay or Go: Trade Deadline Addition
With the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, February 10th, it’s time to take a look at the Sixers team as a whole and see who could, or should be moved. Ben Simmons There’s no need to even discuss this; Ben Simmons needs to go if the Sixers are going to have any shot at winning the NBA title this season. Everyone has been through and witnessed all of the drama that has accompanied Simmons, his representation, as well as the team’s stance on him as a player and a valuable asset for trades.
TyTy Washington makes record-setting case as Kentucky's point guard
LEXINGTON – TyTy Washington is the wingman who dazzles your date. He is the sidekick too skilled for a subordinate role, a marvel arguably miscast by Kentucky coach John Calipari. Switched to point guard Saturday because of Sahvir Wheeler’s injured neck, Washington made a convincing case for the move to be made permanent.
Mass General Brigham Announces New Partnership with New
December 20, 2021 11:41 ET | Source: Mass General Brigham Mass General Brigham Somerville, Massachusetts, UNITED STATES Boston, MA, Dec. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mass General Brigham joined with leaders from Kraft Sports + Entertainment to announce Mass General Brigham will now serve as the official sports medicine sponsor of the New England Patriots, New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium.
Former assistant football coach accused of threatening, stalking former Louisville administrator
Former University of Louisville assistant football coach Cort Dennison's prolonged leave of absence was prompted by allegations of violent threats, physical abuse and stalking by a former university administrator and will end with the Cardinals' co-defensive coordinator no longer employed by the university.
Early Grades for the Sixers’ Offseason Signings
At the end of last season, it seemed like the Sixers would have some issues heading into free agency. Mike Scott, Dwight Howard, Danny Green, and Furkan Korkmaz were all free agents. With $100 Million tied up in Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and the soon-to-be disgruntled Ben Simmons, the outlook wasn’t the best for the team. Fast forward through the first thirteen games of the season, and it looks like the Sixers have made some of the better decisions in the league.
How About a Little Appreciation for Tobias Harris?
Most conversations regarding Tobias Harris start and finish with his salary. This season, Harris will make right around $36 Million in the third year of his huge five-year, $180 million contract he signed before the 2019-20 season. In hindsight, the contract may not be that bad as there are over forty players making at least $30 million per season.
Trainer Bob Baffert's case underscores horse racing's conflicting interests
Bob Baffert has nominated eight horses for next week’s American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita. Breeders' Cup chairman Barbara Banke owns a piece of five of them. In a sport which the biggest players are often in partnership, Baffert’s ongoing battle with regulators underscores the appearance of conflicting interests that continues to undermine the credibility of thoroughbred racing.
What held Justin Thomas back in his Olympic debut? His putter ... again.
Justin Thomas averages slightly better than four birdies per round on the PGA Tour. In his Olympic debut Thursday, he had none. The Louisville native scored 18 consecutive pars for a 71 in the first round of the Olympic men’s tournament at Kasumigaseki Country Club’s East Course, which left him eight strokes behind leader Sepp Straka of Austria and tied for 41st in the 60-player field. “I would love to have some kind of old useless club that I could break over my knee right now,” he said afterward.
Owner willing to pay thousands to tweak Bob Baffert by naming horse 'Bad Test Bob' Original
What began as an attempt to tweak Bob Baffert may eventually end up in federal court. Thoroughbred owner Jerry Jamgotchian wants to call one of his colts Bad Test Bob -- a jab at Baffert’s recent rash of drug positives. And though that name has been rejected by the Jockey Club, Jamgotchian refuses to let it go.
While awaiting Medina Spirit's sample test, decision on Kentucky Derby win at impasse
Medina Spirit’s split sample has not yet been tested. As late as Tuesday, it had not yet been moved from the backside test barn at Churchill Downs. Consequently, the 147th Kentucky Derby remains no closer to resolution than it did when the winner tested positive for betamethasone nearly two weeks ago. Medina Spirit still stands to be disqualified, but probably not anytime soon.
While awaiting Medina Spirit's sample test, decision on Kentucky Derby win at impasse
The Telegraph USPGA Championship 2021 tee times for the first round, including Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Bryson DeChambeau The second major of the year gets underway at Kiawah Island Resort's Ocean Course on Thursday, featuring a total of 156 professional players, including 99 of the world's top 100. The longest course in championship history has dominated the build-up, with the Pete Dye-designed layout on South Carolina's Atlantic coast capable of playing to a maximum of 7,876 yards.
Opinion: Dino Gaudio's Louisville exit exacerbated by 30-year friendship with men's basketball coach Chris Mack
LOUISVILLE — Dino Gaudio was steamed. He was ready to talk, willing to go public, eager to expose injustice. Then the matter became moot. On the eve of the Atlantic Coast Conference basketball tournament, the University of Louisville's assistant basketball coach complained that the protective bubble planned for the NCAA men's tournament would preclude him from getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
Kentucky Derby bettors sue Bob Baffert, seek his removal from horse racing
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Kentucky Derby bettors sue Bob Baffert, seek his removal from horse racing
A class-action suit filed Thursday in California accuses Bob Baffert of racketeering and seeks his removal from thoroughbred racing.
Kentucky Derby bettors sue Bob Baffert, seek his removal from horse racing
A class-action suit filed Thursday in California accuses Bob Baffert of racketeering and seeks his removal from thoroughbred racing.
Opinion: Bob Baffert needs new strategy after betamethasone claims backfire
First, Bob Baffert said it didn’t happen. Now, he says it doesn’t matter. He is wrong on both counts. The Hall of Fame trainer’s efforts to explain away the positive drug test of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit hit a significant snag Tuesday when he was forced to start backpedaling about betamethasone. The medication Baffert insisted had never been administered to Medina Spirit turned out to have been part of the colt’s daily treatment through an ointment called Otomax.
Opinion: Bob Baffert needs new strategy after betamethasone claims backfire
First, Bob Baffert said it didn’t happen. Now, he says it doesn’t matter. He is wrong on both counts. The Hall of Fame trainer’s efforts to explain away the positive drug test of Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit hit a significant snag Tuesday when he was forced to start backpedaling about betamethasone. The medication Baffert insisted had never been administered to Medina Spirit turned out to have been part of the colt’s daily treatment through an ointment called Otomax.
Bob Baffert may be selling Medina Spirit short, but here's why you shouldn't Original
When Bob Baffert scrapes the bottom of his barrel, he sometimes finds gold. Such is the depth of Baffert’s barn that he was able to win the Kentucky Derby last year with a colt that may have been his third-best 3-year-old: Authentic. Such is the white-haired wizard’s history at Churchill Downs that the faint praise he has accorded Medina Spirit raises suspicions of sandbagging.
After 2019 Kentucky Derby disqualification, jockey Luis Saez is shedding his 'reckless' image Original
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Luis Saez has known the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat — almost simultaneously. Twenty-two minutes after finishing first in the 2019 Kentucky Derby aboard Maximum Security, the Panamanian jockey learned his horse had been disqualified for interference. He had reached the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing — only to be shoved from the summit.
Howard Schnellenberger, legendary college football coach, dies at age 87
LOUISVILLE — Howard Schnellenberger was a visionary. He saw possibilities where others could only see problems. His life was a testament to dreams and audacity, to beliefs so brazen as to invite skepticism and inspire laughter. Schnellenberger, who rebuilt programs at Miami and Louisville and led the Hurricanes to a national title in 1983, died Saturday at 87.
Muhammad Ali's brother writes about champ's marriages, celeb friends
LOUISVILLE – Rahaman Ali had a ringside seat for nearly all of his brother’s life. He remembers the brashest of boxers being “absolutely petrified” to ask girls out and, much later, entirely at ease negotiating with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein for the freedom of hostages. He saw Muhammad Ali stick and move, heard him shout and struggle to speak, watched him stand firm on principle and gradually evolve into an international icon.
Phoenix Rising FC relinquishes hosting rights for 2020 USL Championship Final after earning home-field in part due to forfeit Original
Less than 24 hours after the United Soccer League affirmed and then reiterated the Phoenix Rising's claim to home-field advantage should it advance to the league's championship game, the franchise relinquished that right in recognition that it was tainted. Having tied Louisville City FC in total points and victories thanks to a forfeit by San Diego Loyal, Phoenix Rising had earned hosting priority based on a third tiebreaker: goal differential.
Louisville athletics loses $26.8 million in guarantees from IMG licensing, but still stands to gain Original
Four months after its 2013 basketball banner was removed from the KFC Yum Center, after an extensive housecleaning, a failed appeal of NCAA sanctions and an FBI investigation that unearthed additional dirt, the University of Louisville was confronted with a new crisis. IMG wanted to renegotiate.
Opinion: College football should consider punting its season until the spring Original
Twenty-six of the football players at Kentucky’s three Football Bowl Subdivision schools are listed at 300 pounds or more. Every one of them is obese as defined by the body mass index tables of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every one of them, therefore, is at elevated risk of COVID-19. So before America’s universities resume a high-contact sport pervasively played by enormous people, it’s worth asking how high a price they are prepared to pay.
Opinion: It will take more than a pandemic to stop the running of the 2020 Kentucky Derby Original
There were doubts about the Kentucky Derby. There were those who wondered if America’s most famous horse race was sturdy enough to withstand a global pandemic; whether social distancing demands would force the cancellation of the 146th Run for the Roses or cause it to be contested in front of an empty grandstand. False alarm, it turns out. You’d have an easier time stopping a tidal wave with a tissue. Thursday’s announcement that the Sept.
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