10132017 sports

SPORTS SECTION E

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017

‘Tum Tum’ team captain for 3rd straight year

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

t the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball media day, Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr’s senior season was one of the topics of discussion as the head coach bestowed him with a rare honour.

Head coach Tom Izzo named Nairn Jr a team captain for the third consecutive year.

“Tum Tum Nairn, third year as a team captain. Probably go down as one of the greatest programme guys of all time,” Izzo said. “He doesn’t let playing time on the court, his role, his leadership, doesn’t worry about scoring, doesn’t worry about all the things.

I’ve had a lot of good and cool leaders over my time here, but none maybe that has done more for not only our community, our school, our players, our coaching staff; this is a special kid.”

Izzo said former Spartan and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green encouraged him to name Nairn Jr as a team captain ever since his first season in East Lansing.

“That very first year, Draymond was back for the whole summer and told me that I should name

A

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MICHIGAN State’s Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr, left, and Miles Bridges pose Wednesday during the NCAA college team’s media day in East Lansing, Michigan.

(AP Photo/Al Goldis)

LADY SPARTANS, BUCKEYE OILERS BFFL CHAMPIONS THE Bahamas Flag Football League hosted its 8th annual BFFL Invitational at the Winton Rugby Pitch over the weekend with some unsuspecting winners taking home the championship trophies.

After two gruelling days of competition, the Island Game Lady Spartans would win the ladies’ division with a score of 7-0 over the Paradise Games Wildcats Reloaded. Laval Sands would win the championship’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

In the men’s division, it would be a battle between the Freeport teams. In the end, the Buckeye Oilers would defeat the Chances Mighty Alliance 7-0 to be crowned champions.

Sharadd Taylor was awarded the men’s MVP title.

Preseason, Page 5

Week 6, Page 5

PLEA FOR AUDITORIUM IN NORTH ANDROS TO BE REPAIRED

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net MORE than a decade ago, the community of North Andros built an auditorium that was used as a gymnasium with the assistance of Balfour Beatty.

However, the facility suffered some destruction due to the various hurricanes and is just sitting on the highway in Nicholls Town adjacent to the Huntley Christie High School.

During the visit to the island to inspect the Carl Oliver Track, which will be reconstructed with a new Mondo surface, local sports leader Brian Cleare pleaded for assistance in the restoration of the facility, which is much larger than the AF Adderley Gymnasium, the biggest gymnasium in New Providence.

The auditorium was constructed during the time that Darold Rolle served as the Member of Parliament.

The gymnasium, or auditorium, was used for high school graduations, concerts and they even played basketball games using portable apparatus with the rims.

“At the moment, my office for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is in here,” said Cleare, who serves as the sports officer for the island. “I intentionally put my office in here so as to supervise it.

“But because of the hurricanes in the past, it got damaged and it was never repaired. Some proposals were put forth to get some work done on it, but it never came through. We

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CYBOTS GET 106-103 WIN OVER POLICE, TAKE 1-0 LEAD IN PLAYOFFS

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: Island Game Lady Spartans (top) and Buckeye Oilers with their championship trophies.

Bahamian players to speed up offence for Warhawks

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE University of LouisianaMonroe Warhawks intend to run a faster-paced offence this season and two Bahamian players plan to figure prominently into the new small-ball scheme.

NFL

The Warhawks began practice this week with junior forward Travis Munnings returning to his leadership role and incoming transfer Calvin Anderson contributing to the new lineups.

The Warhawks finished last in the Sun Belt Conference a season ago, but Munnings’ development was a bright spot in a difficult season. He raised his scoring average by five points and became the go-to-player for ULM. As a freshman, the 6’6” forward averaged 7.2 points and 5.4 rebounds and increased those numbers to 13.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

Munnings also showed more confidence in his three-point shot, after 15 made threes in his freshman season increased to 51 as a sophomore.

His rebounding ability also allows him to play power forward in a smaller lineup.

Anderson joined the Warhawks as a JuCo transfer from Navarro Junior College during the early signing period. As a freshman, the

6’4” guard averaged eight points per game and shot 35 per cent from three-point range.

Warhawks head coach Keith Richard said the faster pace and subsequent smaller lineups have been an early focus in practice.

“We are excited about our new guys, there has been an adjustment period as with all new players. The game is bigger, faster, stronger than junior college and high school when new players come in so there’s been an adjustment period, but I’ll tell you what they brought, already within our programme we’re a faster team,” he said. “We have a lot of guards out there and a lot of four-guard lineups. We’re moving up and down that floor and that’s what we wanted to do in recruiting, so it’s starting to show within these practices. We’ve been able to get up and down the floor a lot which we wanted to do, we’re also working on our half-court defence so a lot going on right now in preparation for the season.”

ULM finished the regular season at 9-24 but advanced to the quarter-finals of the Sun Belt

Conference Championships. “With this group, what we wanted to do is to make sure we execute, that we are trying to play a faster-paced game this year and score more points but to do that you have to practice that style with you fourguard lineups, lots of fast breaks, lots of scoring, we want to make sure these guys are conditioned to do this,” Richard said.

A school-record 16 home games highlight the ULM men’s basketball schedule this season.

The schedule features 11 games against opponents that appeared in the 2017 postseason, including three NCAA Tournament.

In total, ULM will play 15 games against opponents that won 20 or more games last season.

The Warhawks open the 2017-18 campaign with back-to-back road games at TCU on November 10 and SMU on November 12.

“We’re really excited, we get 30 practices before our first game so our players are excited,” Richard said. “Balls are going all over the coliseum, it’s a good sound to have right now.”

EUGENE Bain had a monster game as he helped to power the Bamboo Shack Cybots to a 106103 victory over the Police Crimestoppers as they took a 1-0 lead in the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association’s best-of-five championship series.

Bain, in 28 minutes and 18 seconds, shot 12-for-21 from the field and 10-for15 from the free throw line for a game high 35 points.

He also pulled down 12 rebounds with three steals on Wednesday night at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

Four other players finished in double figures with Ernest Saunders scoring 21 points with six steals and five assists. Georgio Walkes had 18 points, Cordero Pinder had 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and as many blocked shots and Jason Collie added 11 points.

Mark Hanna, in 35:57, led the Crimestoppers with 30 points, 19 rebounds and five assists. Vernon Stubbs had 22 points and eight rebounds, Bernard Bonimy 18 points, three steals, two assists and two rebounds, Dion McPhee 15 points, five steals, four assists and four rebounds and Ishmeal added 10 points and nine rebounds.

Game two is scheduled for 8pm tonight. Game three is set for Saturday at the same time.

PAGE 2, Friday, October 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

‘TUM TUM’ FROM PAGE 1

him captain. I said, “We don’t have freshmen captains.” He said, “You got one now.” We didn’t, but he acted like it then. There haven’t been many three-year captains,” he said. “He’s worthy of that accolade, and I just think he’s a guy that makes you appreciate life. He started a motto at the beginning of the summer. One day somebody was complaining about being there for some reason. He said, “You don’t understand, we don’t have to do this, we get to do this.” That has kind of been a motto of our team everyday. It’s so true. The neat part is I believe it, but he lives it. He’s taken it one step further. He lives it. That makes it good for me. He teaches me probably more than I’ve taught him. Hopefully, he’s going to will this team to have one of the great years in Michigan State history. That’s what we’re looking to do.”

Nairn was awarded the Stephen G Scofes Inspirational Player Award this past offseason for the third straight year when the Spartans hosted its annual Men’s Basketball Awards Banquet for the 2016-17 season.

“Tum is going to help me get to the level I want to get to. I talked to a couple of NBA guys that were in yesterday. Seth Greenberg was in from ESPN doing something yesterday. I walked up to all of them at the end. Their words were, “He’s incredible.” I said, “Who is that?” They were talking about Tum. I tell him this, I guess I could tell you this, he might be my ninth, 10th most talented guy.

Depends on how you rate talent,” Izzo said.

That leadership will be tested this season as Nairn is in a position battle with sophomore Cassius Winston.

Nairn averaged 3.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a junior last season while Winston posted 6.7 points, 5.2 assists and shot 38 per cent from three as a freshman.

“The neatest thing I’ve seen in those two guys is they embrace each other like it’s special. There’s no jealousy between Cassius and Tum, and no jealousy between Tum and Cassius. I think everybody’s aware that on paper there’s no doubt, they’re going to play together some,” Izzo said.

MICHIGAN State’s Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn, centre, greets the fans as he is introduced during the team’s NCAA college basketball Madness event October 14, 2016, in East Lansing, Michigan (AP Photos/Al Goldis) “I think they’ll help each other.

I think they compete against each other every day. It helps make Tum a little better shooter because Cassius teaches him that.

It makes Cassius a little better defender because Tum teaches him that. I’m blessed with having two guys that get along and understand that we need them both. I think they’ll do that all year.

Winston said the competition for playing time has not had a negative effect on the relationship between the two.

We’re brothers. It’s as simple as you can put it, we’re brothers. He’s an amazing person and that’s why it’s so easy to follow him. Whatever Tum asks from us, we’re going to do. No questions asked. That’s the kind of respect we have for him,” Winston said.

“That’s our leader. When things are going rough, not even on the court, but off the court, that’s who we go to. He’s the first person we call.”

Nairn has embraced his role as a leader, particularly to the younger players on the roster.

“It’s been fun for me, having two freshmen coming in. Also seeing our four freshmen from last year grow. I can never complain about being in the position I am, and my role on the team. It’s been fun getting to know them even more than I did last year, just hanging out with them and learning more about them. I think this is a really special group,” he said. “It’s not that we have to, it’s that we get to. It’s not you’ve got to go to practice or you’ve got to go weights. You get to go to practice and you get to go to weights.

A lot of people don’t have that same opportunity and would die to be in your position. I think if you start looking at it as you know, I get to do this, you have more appreciation for it and that’s why I’m here. Everybody’s not alike, and everybody has different strengths and certain strengths.

MICHIGAN State’s Lourawls Nairn, right, and Cassius Winston talk on a radio interview during NCAA college basketball media day on October 20, 2016.

My strength is appreciating every single day that I get to see. I just want the guys to know that they can do that same thing.”

After leading and facilitating for other players for the last three years, Nairn said he now has a new perspective as a senior in his final campaign.

“My whole deal since I’ve been here because it was instilled in me as a freshman, that you send your seniors out the right way.

It’s emotional for me, being on

the end of the spectrum now,” he said. “It’s Tum’s senior year but I’ve always been playing for my teammates, playing for the guys that have been putting in the work for the programme, even playing for the guys that I never even played with. Just the whole alumni base - Draymond (Green), Travis Walton, Mateen (Cleaves), Magic (Johnson) - just playing for all those guys as well, and I think that’s what makes Michigan State so special.”

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Friday, October 13, 2017, PAGE 3

Bahamas basketball needs ‘a more experienced’ international coach Carl Oliver Track in Nicholls Town to get ‘much needed Mondo surface’ LAST week, I had the opportunity to travel with a Bahamas Olympic Committee delegation to North Andros to view the state of the Carl Oliver Track in Nicholls Town.

The track will be getting a much needed Mondo surface, which when completed will provide an economic boost to the island that is just about 10-15 minutes away from New Providence by plane.

Based on what I’m hearing, when completed the facility will be open to hosting a number of international teams who will be looking for warmer climates in which they can take their training camps.

Michael Tovan, the representative for Mondo, has assured the student population of Huntley Christie High School, where the facility is located, that they will continue to keep the Bahamas in line as the sporting destination in the region.

While it was good news and from the reception of the students when the delegation arrived for the special assembly, it raises questions about what’s happening with the facility that is being built in Moore’s Island, Abaco.

Out of the home of coach Anthony Williams, Abaco was able to help groom the latest international track

star in Steven Gardiner, who won a silver medal in the men’s 400 metres at the IAAF World Championships in England in August.

Work has begun but is yet to be completed on the facility, which is expected to provide another avenue for the athletes to train outside of New Providence.

Hopefully, it will coincide with the reconstruction of the Carl Oliver Track, although it’s not a full private project.

But can you imagine what could be achieved with all of their facilities up and running?

So we’re also taking note of the new national baseball stadium. Work has been stalled and it’s looking like a white elephant sitting in the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre. I’m sure every baseball player in the country, whether at the junior or the elite level, is waiting with enthusiasm on the completion of the stadium.

The facility, like the Carl Oliver Track when completed, could open the door for so many tremendous opportunities for the Bahamas to be further exposed as a sporting destination in the region.

Coaching for National Team From all indications, the Bahamas Basketball Federation will have an uphill

THE Bahamas Olympic Committee delegation with a sample of the Mondo surface for the Carl Oliver Track in Andros. battle as they begin the trek towards qualifying for the World Cup and subsequently the 2020 Olympic Games.

The federation, during a press conference on Wednesday, indicated that they intend to have all of the top players around the world make a commitment to come home and represent the country.

According to Mario Bowleg, the first vice president, it’s important for the players to understand that with the new homeand-away format of games initiated this year by FIBA, this is the best chance for the Bahamas to advance.

Bowleg, by the way, will serve as the head coach.

Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson, Wayde Watson and Norris Bain will be assisting Bowleg.

This is undoubtedly a good

collection of local coaches assembled, but with the core of players expected home, will this be enough?

This is a massive undertaking with the team scheduled to travel to Canada for the first round of the qualification on November 24 at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax.

The Bahamas won’t get to host Canada until Saturday, February 25 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

But their first home game in Group D will be played on Monday, November 27 against the Dominican Republic.

With so many players out there, it’s going to be a mammoth task for the coaching staff to be able to put the best team on the floor. While these four coaches have a personal affiliation with just about all

of the players, because they either coached them and were on the other side of the court when they played, I think it would have been good to utilise the services of a more experienced international coach.

But considering that there is a more hefty price that the federation has to face in securing the necessary funding, not only to accommodate the players in practice and at the games, but also in hosting their segment of games, that may not be a priority.

I think, as the tournament progresses and to get to the next level, it might just have to become a reality.

All of the teams in the tournament are taking advantage of the external coaching.

I’m not knocking the quartet because I’ve seen

Coors Light Rockies climb to 2nd place in the Old Timers Softball Association WHAT a remarkable turnaround it has been for the Coors Light Rockies in the New Providence Old Timers Softball Association.

After having a 6-8 win-loss record and almost in the cellar in the standings last year, the Rockies came together to put on a winning streak and climbed into second place in the Bersell Bradshaw Division.

Heading into the final week of play in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds, the Rockies will play a continuation game at noon on Saturday against KC Construction before they take on the BTC Vibes at 2pm.

The Rockies are relying on their best ever one-two punch pitching combo in Ivan ‘Ace’ Hanna and Gay ‘Big Lefty’ Knowles, while their offensive attack has been on a tear.

“They have been feeding off each other and we are getting better each week with veteran players like Bertie Murray Jr, Tommy Stubbs, Dion Seymour and Gary Wright. The team started off slow but hang in there with Kevin Taylor, Dwayne ‘Double D’ Dean, Marcellus Hall, Andrew ‘Fire Starter’ Basden,

ANDROS FROM PAGE 1

still have people in the community who come here on Tuesdays and Thursdays to do acrobatics.”

Cleare, giving the visiting dignitaries a tour of the facility, pointed out that the physical structure of the gymnasium is still sound and can be saved. “It kind of saddens me to see this auditorium in the state that it is in,” he pointed out.

“This auditorium was built before its time. We have other sports enthusiasts in other parts of the Bahamas crying out for facilities.

“It’s just sad that the mechanism is not in place for the upkeep of this auditorium. So I hope that the Ministry of Works or the Ministry of Sports will see fit to pump some money into the auditorium so that we can get back to hosting some national events.”

According to Cleare, the auditorium has a concession stand,

WINNING WAYS: The Coors Light Rockies are on a roll in the New Providence Old Timers Softball Association.

Glen ‘Lil Flo’ Saunders, Danny ‘Lil Man’ Taylor, Kevin Moxey and Chris Charlton all making their contributions.

Coors Light have announced that they salute and share in the awareness of breast cancer month and will continue to support the many persons throughout the entire Bahamas who are fighting shower and locker rooms for two teams each, but said if they can get the holes patched up, they should be able to protect the floor.

“We have to do the repairs piece by piece because of budgetary constraints. But if we can do the roof, we can then tend to the floor and the outside of the structure,” he said. “If we do it piece by piece, we can get it back in full operation.

“Everybody in the community says it’s a crying shame to let the auditorium continue to get run down, especially because so many people have assisted in raising funds to help build it.”

Lawrence Tinker, one of the senior reverends in the community, headed the fund-raising efforts to build the auditorium. At the time, it was being considered to name it in honour of Tinker.

“We have to prioritise because of budgetary constraints,” Cleare said. “But we know that coach John Ingraham left the track and

or have fought and survived the deadly disease.

Saturday Noon - KC Construction vs Coors Light 2pm - Coors Light vs BTC Vibes 4pm - KC Construction vs The Sharks

Sunday 1 pm - DKS Crusaders vs Dozer Pros 3pm - Aliv Truckers vs Yelrom’s Home Boys Note: The NPOTSA has announced that due to the St Agnes Anglican Church fair, there will be no games played over the weekend of October 20-22.

AN INSIDE VIEW of the auditorium in North Andros. field team in good hands and once the new surface is placed on the track, we can see more of our athletes heading off to school.

“We have about four of them that are currently off to school in the United States on scholarships.

But one of the things that we are now experiencing is that the schools in New Providence and Grand Bahama are coming here and offering them scholarships.”

Once the new track surface is complete and they can get the

auditorium repaired, Cleare said they intend to reintroduce the All Andros Games where the whole island comes from the south and central parts to compete against the north in three days of competition.

Newly elected MP for North Andros and the Berry Islands Carlton Bowleg said he’s going to do whatever he can in his power to ensure that the repairs are done. “This is something that the local people in this community

them all in action and they have performed remarkably well, but we’re talking about adding a full blend of professional players.

Condolences News is slowly coming in, but let me offer my condolences to the family of the late Ossie ‘the Wizard’ Sweeting, who passed away on Friday.

Sweeting was another prominent pitcher in the country who performed exceptionally well in the New Providence Softball Association as well as the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association.

He was considered a “quiet storm,’ who will be remembered for his performance on the field and his demeanour off the field.

May his soul rest in peace.

ACTION HEATS UP IN THE FINANCIAL BOWLING LEAGUE THE top scorer in the Financial Bowling League competition last night was Clayton Gardiner of Leno Corporate Services with a 216 high game and a 595 high three game set.

The runner-up was Tyrone Knowles also of Leno Corporate Services with a 588 second high set. Marcharia McDonald of Strike Force downed the pins for the high game of 224.

The MVP for the ladies’ was Betsy Taylor of Best Deal Kirki Bar with a 212 high game and a 513 high three game set. She was followed by Uchenna Delva of BTC Night Hawkswith a 193 second high game and a respectable 474 second high set. Team scores for the evening were: Leno Corporate Services 3, Deloitte & Touche 0; Rubis Oil Stars 3, BTC Night Hawks 0; ZNS Hill Thrillers 3, Moonlight Strikers 0; Strike Force 2, Best Deal Kirki Bar 1. raised the funds for to build this facility,” he said. “This is going to be a challenge, but we will work together to get it done.

“It’s in a little bad shape because of the hurricanes, but I could assure you that this is something that we will be looking forward to having so that we can help our people, either with hurricane shelter or providing a venue for us to host sporting events.

“So this is going to have a great impact in the community of North Andros, as far as sporting events is concerned,” he said.

“It is ideally located right next to the track, so it will provide us with an unique facility that is similar to what is in New Providence.”

Tim Munnings, the director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, said he will make the recommendation to Minister Michael Pintard, but he said they will be concentrating on the reconstruction of the track first and foremost.

PAGE 4, Friday, October 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

European soccer weekend: What to watch in the main leagues

By The Associated Press WHAT to watch in the leading soccer leagues in Europe this weekend: ENGLAND Manchester United’s title credentials get a stern test at bitter rival Liverpool when English soccer’s most storied clubs meet on Saturday.

Liverpool is under pressure to show it can compete, needing to make a big statement after carelessly dropping points in recent weeks.

United’s trips to Anfield are always one of the highlights of the Premier League, and always hotly contested.

Liverpool was reinvigorated under coach Juergen Klopp and in the ascendancy last season, but Jose Mourinho has turned fortunes around and United is level with Manchester City at the top. However, United’s six wins — in seven games — have not come against strong sides.

Liverpool is under pressure and is already seven points behind the co-leaders.

It’s a must-win game for Klopp on Saturday lunchtime, because his

attack-minded yet inconsistent side can ill afford to fall further behind.

City hosts Stoke later on Saturday and will be well poised to profit if United drops points.

— By Jerome Pugmire SPAIN After lifting Argentina into the World Cup, Lionel Messi goes back to the business of helping Barcelona maintain its dominant start in the Spanish league.

Barcelona will be looking for an eighth straight win when it makes its first visit to Atletico Madrid’s new Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday.

But Barcelona will have to deal with the fatigue of top players who made grueling trips to World Cup qualifiers, including Luis Suarez and Messi, whose hat trick in Ecuador secured Argentina’s place in Russia next year.

Barcelona has a five-point lead over Sevilla and is six points in front of unbeaten Atletico and Valencia.

Sevilla plays at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, while Valencia is at Real Betis on Sunday. Defending champion Real Madrid, seven points off the lead, plays at Getafe on Saturday.

ARGENTINA’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his third goal against Ecuador during their 2018 World Cup qualifying match in Quito, Ecuador, on October 10.

(AP Photo/Fernando Vergara) — By Tales Azzoni in Madrid ITALY It’s a big weekend in Serie A with all of the league’s biggest clubs going head to head.

Six-time defending champion Juventus opens the action against fourth-place Lazio followed by leader Napoli’s visit to Roma on Saturday.

High-scoring Napoli has notched at least three goals in all seven of its Serie A matches, but could face a stiffer test against in-form Roma goalkeeper Alisson.

Sunday’s action is highlighted by the Milan derby.

AC Milan is in desperate need of a win after dropping to seventh place following consecutive 2-0 losses to Sampdoria and Roma.

While the Rossoneri are still learning to play together after a summer that brought in an entire squad of new players, thirdplace Inter has appeared much more solid under new manager Luciano Spalletti and sits seven points ahead of Milan.

— By Andrew Dampf in Rome FRANCE Defending champion Monaco is under early

pressure in the title race and faces a tough match at Lyon on Friday.

Monaco, which has slipped three points behind leader Paris Saint-Germain, will be without star striker Radamel Falcao.

Falcao has made a blistering start with 12 goals but is rested by coach Leonardo Jardim after playing for Colombia on Tuesday night in World Cup qualifying.

PSG coach Unai Emery must decide whether to rest his South American stars.

Neymar played for Brazil and Edinson Cavani scored for Uruguay.

Emery could start with Kylian Mbappe up front when PSG plays away to struggling Dijon on Saturday. Mbappe will be much fresher, having gone on as only a late substitute in France’s home win against Belarus on Tuesday.

Meawhile, third-place Marseille looks for a fourth straight win when it travels to Strasbourg.

— By Jerome Pugmire in Paris GERMANY Jupp Heynckes’ fourth stint in charge of Bayern Munich begins with a visit from struggling Freiburg on Saturday.

The 72-year-old Heynckes, who was coaxed out of retirement after Carlo Ancelotti was fired, has the challenge of getting the side to play fluidly as a team after lackluster performances. Bayern is already five points behind Bundesliga leader Borussia Dortmund after seven rounds.

There should not be a problem for Bayern.

Freiburg has never won in 17 games in Munich, while the last 13 all ended in defeat.

Dortmund hosts Leipzig with most of the attention focused off the pitch following the disturbances that overshadowed the sides’ previous meeting in Dortmund.

In February, Leipzig fans were attacked with stones and bottles, police officers were injured, and visiting players and officials were confronted with derogatory chants and banners in the stadium.

Police opened 214 cases, leading to criminal proceedings in 168. Dortmund, unbeaten in 41 league games at home, is aiming to maintain its best-ever start to the Bundesliga.

By Ciaran Fahey in Berlin

WORLD CUP BRIBERY CASE OPENED AGAINST PSG PRESIDENT, VALCKE

By GRAHAM DUNBAR Associated Press GENEVA (AP) — The Qatari president of one of Europe’s most glamorous soccer clubs, Paris Saint-Germain, is under investigation by Swiss prosecutors for suspected bribery of a top FIFA

executive to get World Cup broadcasting rights.

Criminal proceedings against Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG president and CEO of Qatar-owned BeIN Media Group, former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke, and an unnamed “businessman in the sports rights sector” was announced by

the office of Switzerland’s attorney general yesterday.

The case involves the award of broadcast rights for the next four World Cups from 2018 through 2030.

The proceeding against Al-Khelaifi is one of the first direct links to Qatar in sweeping investigations

by federal law enforcement authorities in Switzerland, the United States, and France of FIFA, international soccer, and the 2018-2022 World Cup bidding contests.

The Paris offices of BeIN Sports were searched by two magistrates from the French financial prosecutor’s office, the federal agency said. They were assisted by investigators from an anti-corruption unit.

Properties were also searched in Greece, Italy, and Spain while Valcke was questioned in Switzerland, the Swiss federal prosecution office said. It cited cooperation from a European Union criminal investigation agency.

“Multiple premises were searched, assets were seized and interviews were conducted as a result of this joint operation,” the EU body known as Eurojust said in a statement.

Valcke did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.

BeIN said in a statement that its “employees on site cooperated with the authorities until the end of the search.”

It said the group “refutes all accusations” made by the Swiss investigators and that “the company will fully cooperate with the authorities and is confident as to the future developments of this investigation.”

No suspect was detained yesterday, said Swiss prosecutors whose work investigating FIFA and suspected money laundering linked to World Cup hosting bids began in November 2014. Then, FIFA gave the Swiss federal office a report and evidence from its thenethics prosecutor — former US Attorney Michael Garcia — into the dual World Cup bidding contest won by Russia and Qatar.

Al-Khelaifi is alleged to have offered “undue advantages” to Valcke — FIFA’s CEO-like secretary general from 2007 until his firing in January 2016 — for the award of media rights in “certain countries” for the 2026 and 2030 World Cup. Al-Khelaifi and Valcke previously worked on a deal for the 2018 and 2022 rights weeks after Qatar won the 2022 hosting vote.

In January 2011, FIFA announced that Al Jazeera Sports — which later became BeIN — secured the rights for 23 territories across the Middle East and North Africa, including Saudi Arabia.

FIFA has never announced if BeIN also

PRESIDENT of Paris Saint-Germain soccer club, Nasser AlKhelaifi, gestures during the UEFA Champions League draw at the Grimaldi Forum, in Monaco on August 25, 2016. Swiss federal prosecutors announced yesterday a criminal case for suspected bribery linked to World Cup broadcast rights against Al-Khelaifi.

(AP Photo/Claude Paris) secured any 2026 and 2030 World Cup rights.

Swiss prosecutors also allege Valcke received “undue advantages” from a businessman who was not identified to award certain media rights for four World Cups from 2018 through 2030.

The criminal proceeding was opened on March 20, but announced only on Thursday, the Swiss federal office said.

Al-Khelaifi’s profile has risen in recent weeks as PSG pursued and sealed a world record transfer of Brazil star Neymar from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($260 million) as it targeted a first Champions League title.

After PSG’s offseason spree signed off by AlKhelaifi, European soccer body UEFA opened its own case into possible violation of soccer-specific rules designed to curb excessive spending by clubs on transfer fees and wages.

Since FIFA’s muchdiscredited executive committee picked Russia and Qatar in December 2010, the gas-rich emirate has bought up PSG with sovereign wealth and installed Al-Khelaifi as president. BeIN has also acquired a broad portfolio of rights including from UEFA for the Champions League and national team matches.

Al-Khelaifi’s rising status in European soccer has seen him earn a seat on UEFA’s strategy panel as a delegate of top clubs.

UEFA also declined to comment yesterday.

The latest case stemming from the wider investigation of FIFA’s business also saw criminal proceedings opened against Valcke in March 2016.

Valcke was the righthand man to then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter for more than eight years until a swathe of senior executives at soccer’s world body was removed from office in fallout from a US Department of Justice indictment revealed in May 2015.

Valcke, a French former TV presenter, was in Switzerland on Wednesday to testify at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in his appeal hearing against a 10-year ban by FIFA for financial wrongdoing and abuse of expenses.

FIFA said yesterday it “fully supports the investigation” by Swiss and other authorities.

“FIFA has constituted itself as a damaged party in this investigation,” the Zurich-based organization said.

FIFA is seeking a share of more than $200 million held by the US Department of Justice which secured forfeits from soccer and marketing officials in its ongoing investigation.

The DoJ has indicted or secured guilty pleas from more than 40 people.

In the three-year Swiss investigation of international soccer, prosecutors said yesterday they have details of 180 suspicious transactions through banks in the country and opened “around 25” criminal proceedings.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, October 13, 2017, PAGE 5

OKLAHOMA ST SUBPOENAED FOR DETAILED COMMS WITH PLAYERS

By CLIFF BRUNT Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Federal prosecutors seeking more information about the involvement of Oklahoma State basketball in a wider corruption scandal have asked the school to detail its communications with three key players in the investigation, as well as players and their parents.

A grand jury subpoena provided to the Associated Press yesterday asks Oklahoma State to produce all communications between any member of the school’s coaching or athletic staff and former sports agent Christian Dawkins, financial adviser Martin Blazer and investment adviser Munish Sood.

Dawkins and Sood are accused of funnelling money to coaches and parents to convince

players to align with them if they turned pro. Blazer had participated in similar activities and began cooperating with authorities in 2014. He pleaded guilty last month to fraud and other crimes. According to the complaints, Blazer worked with federal officials to set up meetings with numerous coaches and others in basketball to get evidence of bribery.

The school provided the subpoena to The Associated Press after a public records request. The Oklahoman first reported the subpoena’s existence on Wednesday.

The subpoena, filed by federal prosecutors in New York, requests the personnel file of fired assistant coach Lamont Evans, plus NCAA certification forms for all players on the current team. It also asks for all documents regarding actual or potential NCAA rules

THIS combination of file photos show assistant basketball coaches, from left, Tony Bland, Chuck Person, Emanuel Richardson and Lamont Evans. A federal probe illuminates a shady side of college basketball recruiting filled with bribes and kickbacks. Paying players has become standard operating procedure for some programmes and the arrest of 10 people, including these four on September 26, 2017, accused of influencing top recruits could change that.

(AP File Photos) violations and records of all communications between the athletic department and current players and parents of current players.

The prosecutors are seeking information from cellphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, phones,

emails, social media accounts and other types of communication.

Evans is accused of accepting $2,000 a month in bribes to funnel athletes to certain agents, and that triggered fallout. Oklahoma State spokesman

Gary Shutt said last week that the school had hired a compliance group to assist with an internal review, and that the school is cooperating with US authorities.

Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton said last week the situation surprised

him. “No, I never had any suspicions,” he said. “I was as shocked as anyone when this happened. I learned of it just like probably many of you did, by opening Twitter.”

When the initial allegations against Evans were announced, Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder said he expects better from people involved with the program.

“The allegations are serious and they violate everything we stand for as an athletic department and university,” Holder said.

“We will cooperate with federal officials and coordinate with the NCAA as we move forward with looking into this matter to the fullest extent. Let me underscore, we expect every person affiliated with our athletic programme to conduct themselves with integrity and to comply with the rules and the law.”

Carson Wentz throws 3 TD passes, Eagles earn 28-23 win over Panthers

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carson Wentz threw for 222 yards and three touchdowns to help the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Carolina Panthers 28-23 last night to improve to an NFC-best 5-1.

The Eagles turned two interceptions deep in Carolina territory into 15 points, with touchdown passes to Zach Ertz, and LaGarrette Blount’s 2-point conversion to take an 18-10 lead in the third quarter. Wentz added a 24-yard scoring pass to Nelson Agholor in the fourth quarter.

Wertz completed 16 of 29 passes.

Cam Newton threw three interceptions for Carolina (4-2).

The first two interceptions came inside Carolina’s 20, but weren’t Newton’s fault. He was hit by Fletcher Cox as he released one pass, and running back Jonathan Stewart bobbled another

pass resulting in a pick.

Newton’s third interception — by Jalen Mills with 3:06 left — ended a chance for the go-ahead score.

Carolina had one last shot to win, but turned it over on downs at midfield.

Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly was placed into the concussion protocol after his body crumpled following a collision with Eagles pulling guard Brandon Brooks.

Kuechly missed nine games over the past two seasons with two concussions. All of the Eagles’ touchdowns came after Kuechly left the game late in the second quarter.

Newton gave the Panthers a 10-3 lead on his 51st career touchdown rushing in the second quarter.

He kept the ball on a read option and juked cornerback Rasul Douglas on the 16-yard run.

Douglas get revenge on Carolina’s next possession, intercepting Newton’s pass after Cox crashed into

Newton as he was throwing, causing the ball to float high into the air.

NO RUNNING GAME: If it hadn’t been for Newton, the Panthers would not have had any running game to speak of against the Eagles. Newton ran for 71 yards and the touchdown, but running backs Jonathan Stewart, Christian McCaffrey and Fozzy Whittaker were limited to 1 yard on 13 carries.

PEPPERS’ MILESTONE: Julius Peppers needed one sack to become the fifth player to reach 150 since they became an official statistic in 1982. The 37-year-old Peppers didn’t waste any time reaching it, sacking Wentz on the first drive of the game and forcing a fumble.

LINEUP CHANGE: Panthers cornerback Daryl Worley was benched in the first half for Kevin Seymour.

PHILADELPHIA Eagles’ Carson Wentz (11) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the second half last night.

(AP Photo/Bob Leverone) INJURIES: Eagles: Linebacker Jordan Hicks left the game early with an ankle injury.

Defensive end Brandon Graham briefly left with a shoulder injury.

Panthers: Aside from Kuechly’s injury, Whittaker was carted to the locker room in the first quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return.

Rooke Smith Jr sprains ankle in Mavericks’ win over Hawks

By KYLE HIGHTOWER Associated Press THE Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks will face each other in both teams’ regularseason opener next week. But last night’s preseason matchup wasn’t true a preview of that game.

Gian Clavell had 19 points, including five 3-pointers, and the visiting Mavericks beat the Hawks 108-94. Maxi Kleber added 16 points.

The Mavericks still have one final preseason game remaining tonight at Charlotte, so coach Rick Carlisle opted to rest Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of his projected starting unit. It was the Hawks’ final exhibition outing, so Mike Budenholzer approached his rotation as he likely will during the regular season. Kent Bazemore had a solid night, finishing with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. But it was Dallas’ youngsters that put on a show.

The Mavericks led 31-19 after the first quarter.

Atlanta’s starting group — Taurean Prince, Ersan Ilyasova, Dewayne Dedmon, Bazemore and Dennis Schroder — all played extended minutes.

It wasn’t a spotless night for the Mavericks. Rookie Dennis Smith Jr. limped off the court in the first half with a sprained left ankle after getting tangled up with Schroder.

The ninth overall pick had nine points in 12 minutes before his injury. It was a continuation of his solid preseason production that started with an impressive Summer League. He was averaging

MAVERICKS guard Yogi Ferrell (11) looks to pass between Atlanta Hawks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) and guard Malcolm Delaney (5) in the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, in Atlanta.

(AP Photo/Todd Kirkland) 11.5 points, three assists and three rebounds through four preseason appearances. This season is expected to largely a rebuilding year for both teams.

Losing Smith for any extended period it would be a blow to a Mavericks team that is already without Seth Curry for an indefinite amount of time

following his left tibia injury.

Curry’s likely replacement, Yogi Ferrell, had a promising night with 11 points and five assists.

UP NEXT: Eagles: Host the Washington Redskins on “Monday Night Football” October 23 Panthers: At the Chicago Bears October 22.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, October 13, 2017, PAGE 7

GARCIA SECURES WTA FINALS SPOT AFTER INJURED KONTA WITHDRAWS

Federer, Nadal cruise into quarter-finals in Shanghai

By SANDRA HARWITT Associated Press SHANGHAI (AP) — Rafael Nadal won his 14th consecutive match to reach the Shanghai Masters quarter-finals, beating Fabio Fognini of Italy 6-3, 6-1 yesterday.

Fognini occupied Nadal for 63 minutes, nine minutes longer Nadal’s second-round match.

Roger Federer, seeded second to Nadal, also was not detained for long as he defeated Ukrainian qualifier Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-4, 6-2. “Of course it’s good news, and especially in this part of the season,” Nadal said. “It’s better like this than having long matches. You save a little bit more the body.

“It doesn’t matter how long you are on court, (the) most important thing is be enough competitive to (handle) all the situations.”

Nadal hadn’t won an ATP hard-court title in more than three years until the US Open last month, and now he’s gunning for his third in five weeks.

Nadal saved both break points he faced in the round-of-16 match, in the fourth game of the second set.

In the quarter-finals, Nadal will play sixthseeded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria, who got past Sam Querrey of the US 6-3, 7-6 (3).

Federer will play Richard Gasquet in the quarter-finals.

Juan Martin del Potro advanced by overcoming third-seeded Alexander Zverev 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4.

Del Potro required four match points - two on Zverev’s serve in the ninth game, two on his own serve in the 10th game to win this first encounter against the German.

MOSCOW (AP) — The WTA says Johanna Konta has withdrawn from the Kremlin Cup next week, meaning Caroline Garcia has secured the eighth and last berth in the WTA Finals.

Konta still isn’t ready to play after a left foot injury forced her out of the Hong Kong Open this month.

Konta was ranked a careerhigh fourth in July after reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals. But the British player lost her first match at her last five tournaments, sending her to 10th.

Meanwhile, Garcia has won tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan.

Konta’s withdrawal from Moscow makes Garcia the first Frenchwoman since Amelie Mauresmo in 2006 to qualify for the end-of-season finals, which begin October 22 in Singapore.

The other qualified players are new No. 1 Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Karolina Pliskova, Elina Svitolina, Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki and Jelena Ostapenko.

JUAN Martin del Potro, of Argentina, celebrates after defeating Alexander Zverev of Germany yesterday.

ROGER FEDERER, of Switzerland, hits a backhand shot against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine at Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center yesterday.

(AP Photos/Andy Wong) Del Potro, who lost his serve for the only time in the match in the second game, won nine of his 15 service games at love.

Zverev, in the hunt for a sixth ATP title of the

season, lost his composure after netting a backhand to surrender his serve in the fifth game of the third set to the Argentine.

He repeatedly smashed his racket until it was a

mangled mess. “For me, it’s impossible to lose a match when I’ve only been broken one time,” Zverev said. “The game where he broke me I was up 40-15 and I was just unfocused there.”

Del Potro knew Zverev’s reaction to losing serve was likely a good omen. “I saw his frustration, for sure,” del Potro said. “He’s still very young and has to keep learning.

He has everything to be in the top of the game.”

Del Potro will play John Isner of the US or Viktor Troicki of Serbia in the last eight today.

Fourth-seeded Marin Cilic will face Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain.

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 74° F/23° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm in spots

Partly cloudy, a t‑storm in spots

Periods of sun, a t‑storm in spots

Partly sunny, a t‑storm in spots

Partly sunny with a shower in spots

Partly sunny, a shower in the p.m.

High: 89°

Low: 77°

High: 89° Low: 76°

High: 88° Low: 78°

High: 88° Low: 78°

High: 88° Low: 78°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

103° F

85° F

102°-85° F

104°-87° F

104°-89° F

104°-89° F

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 77° F/25° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

7‑14 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 86° F/30° C Low: 78° F/26° C

6‑12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

S

E

W

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 76° F/24° C

MIAMI

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

KEY WEST

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 79° F/26° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 77° F/25° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2017

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

S

E

W S

6‑12 knots

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

2:38 a.m.

3:13 p.m.

2.8 3.3

8:49 a.m.

9:46 p.m.

Saturday

3:48 a.m.

4:18 p.m.

2.8 3.3

9:59 a.m. 0.7 10:48 p.m. 0.6

Sunday

4:52 a.m.

5:18 p.m.

3.0 3.3

11:05 a.m. 0.6 11:43 p.m. 0.4

Monday

5:50 a.m.

6:12 p.m.

3.1 3.2

12:04 p.m. 0.5 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Tuesday

6:41 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

3.2 3.2

12:32 a.m. 0.3 12:57 p.m. 0.4

Wednesday 7:27 a.m.

7:45 p.m.

3.3 3.2

1:17 a.m.

1:44 p.m.

0.2 0.3

Thursday

3.4 3.1

1:58 a.m.

2:29 p.m.

0.1 0.3

8:10 a.m.

8:27 p.m.

0.6 0.7

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

7:07 a.m.

6:45 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

1:10 a.m.

2:48 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Oct. 19

Oct. 27

Nov. 4

Nov. 10

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

6‑12 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

N E

W

E

W

L

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

CAT ISLAND

E

W

6‑12 knots

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 90° F/32° C Low .................................................... 73° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 85° F/30° C Normal low ........................................ 73° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 87° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 78° F/26° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.56” Year to date ............................................... 32.36” Normal year to date ................................... 31.18”

uV inDex toDay

S

S

6‑12 knots

6‑12 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots NE at 6‑12 Knots ENE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ENE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 4‑8 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots

WAVES 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 82° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 82° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F

PAGE 8, Friday, October 13, 2017

THE TRIBUNE