Kobe shuns quit talk ahead of 20th season
LOS ANGELES • Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant said on Monday he has not made any decision over his looming retirement as he prepares to embark on his 20th National Basketball Association season.
His future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months as the 37-year-old enters the second year of a two-year contract signed in 2013.
Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson said last Friday he believed Bryant could elect to extend his career with another team after this season, doubting he would choose to retire.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Irish starlet Grealish opts for England
LONDON • Highly-rated Aston Villa footballer Jack Grealish has pledged his future to England after a tug of war with the Republic of Ireland.
The 20-year-old midfielder represented Ireland at youth levels but some good showings for Villa caught the eye of England manager Roy Hodgson.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Skipper returns to Italy's World Cup fold
LONDON • Italy's rugby captain Sergio Parisse gave his team-mates a boost by joining the World Cup squad yesterday but is still not certain of playing in Sunday's key Pool D game against Ireland.
The 32-year-old underwent an operation the week before the World Cup began to drain a haematoma on an injured right calf.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Windies suspend coach Simmons
COLOMBO • The West Indies have suspended Phil Simmons after the cricket coach criticised the selection policy for next month's Tour of Sri Lanka.
Former Test batsman Simmons, who took charge earlier this year, had queried the continued omissions of all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, saying he was not getting the "best 50-over ODI squad".
REUTERS
Fan arrested for death threat
MARSEILLE • A Marseille supporter was arrested yesterday, accused of publicly threatening to kill the club's former footballer Mathieu Valbuena.
The 27-year-old man is accused of having shouted out a death threat over a loudspeaker during the match where Valbuena appeared for his new club Lyon against Marseille last week.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
