Bill Goldberg cites interest in Brock Lesnar rematch, cops cheeky Twitter burn

AFTER a 12-year absence from the WWE, Bill Goldberg has announced his return.
The wrestling legend was challenged to a rematch with Brock Lesnar by Paul Heyman during an episode of Monday Night Raw earlier this week, and by the looks of his Twitter, he’s happy to oblige.
You’d be forgiven if you thought the 49-year-old was past his heyday — but Goldberg’s not-so-quietly confident he can ruffle some feathers in what could be one of the biggest bouts the WWE has ever seen.
In true trash-talking fashion Goldberg tweeted his interest in taking on the challenge directly after the show.
“Booking my flight to answer that big mouth (Paul Heyman)’s challenge next week in person on Monday Night Raw,” he said, while also adding the hashtags “Who’s next?” and “see ya there”.
He might have to recover from this swift jab to the guts from Heyman, though.
The WWE commentator tweeted saying the retired wrestler should consider rethinking his interest in fighting one of the biggest, baddest men in

Maria Sharapova may not play again, says Russian official

Former world number one Maria Sharapova may never play again following her failed drugs test, the president of the Russian Tennis Federation says.

The Russian, 29, tested positive for meldonium at January's Australian Open.

When asked if Sharapova would play any more tournaments, Shamil Tarpishchev told R-Sport news agency it was "very doubtful" and added the five-time Grand Slam winner was in a "bad situation".

Serena Williams eats dog food but reaches Italian Open quarters

Serena Williams made herself ill after eating dog food hours before reaching the last eight of the Italian Open.

The world number one tried "a spoonful" of food meant for her dog, Chip, before beating fellow American Christina McHale in straight sets in Rome.

"I thought 'what the heck, I'm gonna try a piece, it looks good'," she said.

"Fast forward two hours, I just ran to the toilet like I thought I was going to pass out. It did taste weird. It tasted kind of like house cleaner."
In a video posted on Snapchat, Williams explained she sampled a dish of salmon and rice offered on a 'doggy menu' at her hotel.

Over-age Canadian high school basketball player arrested

A South Sudanese immigrant and prominent high school basketball player in Canada has been arrested after the revelation that his age may be closer to 29 and not 17, officials say.
Jonathan Nicola was issued a student visa to attend an Ontario school, where he was given an athletic scholarship.
The truth about his age came out after immigration details were passed on by the US to Canada, reports said.
Mr Nicola has admitted he was not 17, but said he was not a "liar person".
He arrived in Canada last November, with a permit to attend Catholic Central Secondary School in Windsor, the Canadian Press news agency said, quoting board documents.
The school has not commented on the case.

US basketball star Kobe Bryant shines in final game

One of basketball's biggest stars, Kobe Bryant, has retired from the sport after a career spanning two decades with a stunning final performance.
He scored 60 points to help the LA Lakers make a dramatic comeback against the Utah Jazz in Los Angeles.

Nick Blackwell: I survived 'toughest fight of my life' after coma

 

 Nick Blackwell says he survived the "toughest fight of his life" in his first public message since waking from an induced coma after his defeat by Chris Eubank Jr last month.

Live coverage of Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley welterweight fight from MGM Grand, Las Vegas

MANNY Pacquiao fans will be calling on the boxing legend to keep fighting after the Filipino icon produced the most decisive victory of his trilogy against Tim Bradley on Sunday.
The 37-year-old — who said after the fight he will retire as the increasing demands of his political career take over — ended any discussion about who was the superior fighter.
In truth, there was little debate after Pacquiao took revenge for a poorly-scored defeat against the American in their first fight with a unanimous decision win in fight two.

Knife found at OJ Simpson home not a murder weapon

Test have shown that a knife reportedly found near the former home of OJ Simpson is not a murder weapon.
Despite a large amount of evidence, the retired American football star was acquitted in the stabbing deaths of his ex-wife and her friend in 1995.
Police never found the murder weapon in that high-profile case, which captivated the US for more than a year.

Messi's boots make Egyptians cry foul

The world's most famous footballer donates a pair of his boots to a charity auction, what's not to like? Plenty it seems, depending on the cultural context, as Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been discovering after his generous gesture managed to upset some Egyptians.

Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock reveals how booing at WrestleMania 13 changed his career and life

WWE legend The Rock will be a part of WrestleMania 32 on Sunday in Dallas, and though it’s a mystery what The Rock will actually be doing during the show, he’s promised to electrify what is expected to be a crowd of more than 100,000.

Rafael Nadal wants tennis to keep evolving

RAFAEL Nadal issued a warning to tennis leaders Saturday (AEDT) that the sport faces future troubles if equipment evolution makes speed and power dominant over skill and tactics.
On the eve of his opening match at the ATP and WTA Miami Open, the 14-time grand slam singles champion said rule changes are needed to allow for taller and stronger players using modern racquet technology to make quick work of points and matches.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is using Eva Carneiro's legal case to get revenge on Jose Mourinho

ROMAN ABRAMOVICH is taking revenge on Jose Mourinho by refusing to reach a financial settlement with former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro.

Abramovich is fighting Carneiro’s claim for constructive dismissal and has made it clear to Chelsea’s legal team that he is happy for the club to go through with the tribunal in June.

Rafael Nadal: 14-time Grand slam champion to sue over doping claims

Rafael Nadal plans to sue an ex-French government minister who said his seven-month absence in 2012 was "probably due to a positive doping test".

The Spaniard is upset with comments made by Roselyne Bachelot, who was formerly Minister for Health and Sport.

Are Sharapova and sponsors heading for break point?

As Nike suspends its relationship with tennis superstar Maria Sharapova not only is one of the most lucrative sports partnerships under threat, but so too could be her phenomenal brand appeal to sponsors.
After the US sportswear company took action, Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer was quick to end its association with the five times Grand Slam winner, and German luxury car marque Porsche said it was postponing any planned activities with her.

Nike suspends deal with Maria Sharapova following failed drugs test admission

NIKE has suspended its sponsorship deal with Maria Sharapova after the tennis star revealed she had failed a drugs test.

Other sponsors may now also examine their lucrative contracts with the Russian after she tested positive for newly-banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open.

Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic in row over Davis Cup 'faking'

Australian number one Bernard Tomic has accused team-mate Nick Kyrgios of faking illness to avoid the Davis Cup defeat by the USA in Melbourne.

Kyrgios, who missed a match against Czech Republic last year with a back injury, was absent with a virus.

Joseph Parker to fight Carlos Takam in IBF world title eliminator

A KIWI journalist at a Thursday press conference announcing Joseph Parker’s upcoming fight against Carlos Takam was crude but accurate.
“S***’s just about to get real,” the journo said. “Are you ready for this?”
The New Zealand heavyweight prospect laughed. “Bring it on, man,” he said. “I was born for this.”
We’re about to find out. To this point of his career the exciting powerpuncher from South Auckland has been developing his skills and showing off his fast hands against outmatched or veteran opponents.

Manny Pacquiao renews criticism of homosexuality

Filipino boxer and politician Manny Pacquiao has repeated his opposition to homosexuality, after earlier apologising for saying that gay people were "worse than animals".
"What I am saying is right. I mean I am just stating the truth, what the Bible says," he said at training in his hometown of General Santos.

Manny Pacquiao: Nike terminates deal with boxing great

Nike has terminated its relationship with Manny Pacquiao after the six-weight world champion described homosexuals as "worse than animals".

The 37-year-old, who is running for a senate seat in his native Phillipines, later apologised for his comments.

Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao apologises for gay slur

Philippine boxer and politician Manny Pacquiao has apologised in the face of severe criticism for saying homosexuals were "worse than animals".
Writing on his Facebook page, Mr Pacquiao said he remained against gay marriage but was "not condemning LGBT".