Argentine soccer player shoots, kills referee
After referee Cesar Flores showed a soccer player a red card for hitting another player during an amateur league match, the player walked off the field, retrieved a gun from his backpack and shot Flores, who later died at Cordoba Hospital. The player shot Flores in the head, neck and chest, according to police, and a bullet hit another player, Walter Zarate, in the chest. Zarate is recovering in the hospital. Authorities did not release the name of the player at the time of the shooting.
Nike drops Manny Pacquiao for anti-gay comments
ESPN writer Darren Rovell tweeted a photo of Nike’s statement that the company terminated its endorsement contract with Manny Pacquiao, world champion pro boxer, following his remarks comparing gay people to animals. Nike said Pacquiao’s comments were “abhorrent” and that it no longer has a relationship with Pacquiao, who issued an apology on social media. Pacquiao quoted the Bible a day later in an Instagram post that was later deleted, citing a verse that called for gay people to be put to death.
Sports Authority to close all stores in Texas
According to state employees, Sports Authority, the second-largest sports retail giant behind Dick’s Sporting Goods, is closing all 25 of its stores in Texas. Reports say the company is preparing to file bankruptcy, as it missed its million dollar interest payment on its $643 million debt in January. Sports Authority will close nearly a third of its 450 stores nationwide.
Ronda Rousey opens up about loss to Holly Holm
In an interview with talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres, mixed martial artist and UFC champion Ronda Rousey said she contemplated suicide after her November 2015 loss to Holly Holm. Rousey, who was previously the undefeated champion, said, “In that exact second, I’m like, ‘I’m nothing. What do I do anymore?'” while she sat in the post-fight medical room. Rousey also said she got through her struggles because of her boyfriend, UFC fighter Travis Browne, and by choosing to stay undefeated.
