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SPORTS SECTION E

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018

TRIBUTES TO SOFTBALL EXECUTIVE GREG CHRISTIE

Condolences Here at home, a number of sporting dignitaries expressed their condolences on the passing of Christie, who will be remembered as one of the brightest minds as an administrator, who took careful consideration to every minor detail that others didn’t think was necessary. “It was during my sojourn as a softball athlete (in Grand Bahama), I came to know Greg in a more intimate way and quickly learnt he was the brightest of the lot and would pay attention to every iota of detail,” said Rommel Knowles, president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee and a 2013 ISF Hall of Fame inductee with Oria ‘Big O’ Wood. “For the few months, he was my coach. I learned what made Greg tick. He was a perfectionist. He expected a team of professionals to win softball games not withstanding for most of it was a time to let their hair down away from their offices, despite not being the most talented softball team.” It was during that time that Knowles said softball was at its peak and players as well as the fans SEE PAGE FOUR

SEE PAGE THREE

JONES SHINES FOR SUNS IN PLAYOFF PUSH

GREG Christie

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net LONG time Grand Bahamian softball executive Greg Christie, a class of 2003 World Softball Hall of Fame inductee, died on Monday morning at the Princess Margaret Hospital as a result of heart complications. The former media consultant, 70, was a former secretary general and president of the Bahamas Softball Federation and was inducted into the International Softball Federation’s World Softball Hall of Fame in 2003 with coach Sidney ‘Bobby Baylor’ Fernander and player Dudley ‘Douggy’ Smith. Christie, one of 18 Bahamians inducted into the Hall of Fame of the WBSC, formerly known as the International Softball Federation, was also inducted into the BSF and Bahamas Hall of Fame in 2002. Yesterday, upon hearing of his death, condolences poured in from around the world as the president and other officers from the World Baseball Softball Confederation – Ricardo Facarrai, Don Porter, Dale McMann, Kevin Quinn and Tommy Velesquez – as well as from associations in Jamaica, Turks & Cacios Islands, Barbados, Curacao, St Martin, British Virgin Islands, Aruba and Belize.

THE PRESS BOX

CONNECTICUT Sun centre Jonquel Jones (35) pulls down a rebound in front of Chicago Sky center Stefanie Dolson, left, and forward Gabby Williams (15) in the second half of WNBA basketball game action Sunday in Uncasville, Conn. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP) By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JONQUEL JONES recorded her first double-double of the season as the Connecticut Sun continue to wind down the regular season and continue their playoff push. Jones finished with 17 points and 15 rebounds in the Sun’s 82-75 win over the Chicago Sky August 12 night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. It was the second matchup between the two teams in three days, following Chicago’s 97-86 win on August 10 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. With their sixth win in seven games, the Sun (18-13) clinched back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2011 and

2012. They also pulled Connecticut even with Los Angeles for fourth place in the WNBA playoff standings.

Dominated After she posted just four points and four rebounds in the first half, Jones dominated the post with 13 points and 11 rebounds. At the end of the third quarter, Jones had a late scoring flurry with three field goals in just over one a minute. “A lot of times I was in a 3-point shooting position I just get back and try to stop whoever is coming down, but (today) I just felt like going to the rim,” Jones said to the New Haven Register, “Our energy was lacking when we played them (in Chicago) and

we felt it was something we could control and be better and we’d be able to come away with the win.” Jones’ efficiency on the boards led the Sun to finish with 21 offensive rebounds, and tie for the third-highest total in franchise history. They also had a season-high 51 rebounds, tied for third-most in team history. Connecticut trailed 38-35 at halftime and were down 42-40 three minutes into the second half. They went on a 22-4 run over the final 6:41 of the quarter and Jones produced nine points and four rebounds during the run. The Sun will be home again tonight, hosting the Dallas Wings at 7pm. Connecticut have three games remaining in the regular season, including the finale against the

Sparks on August 19, which could be a pivotal matchup for playoff seeding.

Shooting Since a July 13 game where Jones scored just five points in 14 minutes, Jones has averaged over 16 points and 6.5 rebounds per game on 63 percent shooting from the field and 48 percent shooting from three-point range. Since the 2016 season, the WNBA implemented changes to playoff seeding and qualification procedures as well as the postseason format. Under the new postseason structure, the eight teams with the highest winning percentages regardless of conference qualify for the playoffs and are seeded based on their record.

National volleyball team bounces back with victory over Haiti By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER losing a marathon five setter to hosts Suriname the night before, the Bahamas men’s national volleyball team regrouped and took care of Haiti in four sets on Monday to keep their hopes alive for a shot at the gold medal at the CAZOVA (Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association) Championships at the Ismay Van Wilgen Sporthal in Parimaribo, Suriname. Coming off that hard fought 42-40, 23-25, 21-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-11 loss in the feature game that lasted almost three hours on Sunday, Team Bahamas bounced back to beat Haiti in four sets, 25-20, 22-25, 25-21, 25-23 and push their record to 2-1 heading into their final game in the round robin today against Trinidad & Tobago. “We performed pretty well. We didn’t play as well as we could have, but we were still able to win the match,” said head

RECOVERY AFTER DEFEAT AGAINST SURINAME

PICTURED is the Bahamas against Suriname on Sunday. The men’s national team recovered from that defeat to beat Haiti yesterday.

coach Lloyd Davis, who is being assisted by Kurkwood Greene Sr. “We just had a slow start and (were) making adjustments to the conditions. “Other than that, it went fairly well because we still were able to win.”

The team was led by the 1-2 punch of Byron Ferguson and Prince Wilson. Other members of the team are Renaldo Knowles, Kyle Wilson, Je’Vaughn Saunders, Jamaal Ferguson, Donavan Wilmott, Eugene

Stuart, Tonny Simon and Shonari Hepburn. “These guys are giving it their all,” Davis said. “Yesterday (Sunday), we had two matches and tomorrow (today) we will have two. We play Trinidad at 9am in the morning to go to the gold medal

round. If we beat Trinidad, we automatically go to the gold medal round that evening. If we lose, we play for bronze.” Despite losing to Suriname, Davis said it turned things around because Suriname came back on Monday and suffered their first loss of the tournament to Trinidad. Those three teams all have one loss, but Suriname was scheduled to play Barbados in the featured game last night, while the Bahamas will play Trinidad today. The outcome of those games will determine who plays for gold and silver and who plays for bronze and fourth place. Haiti, having lost all of their games, have been eliminated from the playoff picture. In their game against Suriname, three players from the host country - Gino Nardeen (28), Keven Sporkslede (26) and Zefano Breinburg (24) - each scored in excess of 20 points, while captain Princtanique SEE PAGE THREE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, August 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

JONIQUE Webb greets co-worker Wilfred Bain as he crosses the finish line.

RUNNERS COME OUT IN SUPPORT OF JONIQUE WEBB

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ON SATURDAY, persons from all walks of life showed up to lend their support to former Jordan Prince Williams High School multiple athlete Jonique Webb in her battle against lupus. A ‘Fighting Lupus, Finding Hope - Jonique’s Beast Mode’ run/walk race was held around Goodman’s Bay and more than 200 competitors participated. It was a gesture that Webb, a Securities Commission’s employee, said she greatly appreciated. “It was pretty good,” she said, adorned in a purple and pink outfit as she distributed purple t-shirts to the registered competitors. “I was very overwhelmed with joy by the total number of persons who came out and supported the event. It was a good event.” Webb, a 29-year-old 2006 graduate of Jordan Prince Williams where she participated in basketball, softball, volleyball and track and field, was diagnosed with the trace of lupus in her system in 2012. A year later, after further

consultation, it was confirmed that she had lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. This can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the skin, joints, brain, lungs, heart, blood cells and kidneys.

Expenses A committee, headed by Shandia Saunders and comprising of family members and friends, organised the fundraiser to assist Webb with her medical expenses as she has to prepares for a kidney transplant at the Cleveland Clinic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “With things like this, it’s not good to go through it alone,” Webb stressed. “It’s good to have the support and persons that stand with you generally, so having the support and back up of people that showed up on Saturday was very important.” Saunders said the event went really well, but of course they encountered some problems that

LEFT: WILTON RAMSEY, first place finisher in the run, shares a moment with Jonique Webb. RIGHT: JONIQUE WEBB is flanked by some of her classmates from Jordan Prince William. hampered the smooth sailing. generate more funding. Glinton, Wilfred Bain. “The only things I would have She thanked all those persons FEMALE RUNNERS done differently was to have had who assisted on the committee and 20-29 – Kendra Culmer, Monthe volunteers there a little earlier, her family and friends and even so that we would not have had the those who she doesn’t know, who ouska Alcee. 30-39 – Aniska Bonaby, Nikia backlog in getting persons regis- introduced themselves and encourtered on time for the start of the aged her in her recuperation Deveaux, Shanell Carroll. 40-49 – Denise Abrahamser, Shorace,” Saunders said. “I am very process. nalle Munroe. proud of the success of the event While Wilton Ramsey was the and we hope that it will become an first person to finish the course MALE WALKERS annual event and we will be able 14-and-under – Jason Poitier. to correct the things that didn’t go that led from Goodman’s Bay and travelled west on Baha Mar Boule15-19 – Jermaine Poitier. right next time.” vard and passed the Melia Hotel 20-29 – Cecil Minnis, Angelo It was estimated by the committee that they would need at least and returned on the same route Butler, Randy Duncombe. 30-39 – Deronm Lightbourne, 200 persons to achieve their target. back to Goodman’s Bay, a number They did that in the pre-registra- of members from Golden Gates Davario Butler, Eugene Patton. 40-49 – Zhivargo Rolle, Stewart tion, but there were others who Native Baptist Church, and others Rolle, Rev. Alonzo Hinsey Jr. showed up and registered on race she worked with in the Baptist com50-59 – Clarence Nottage, Godday. However, Saunders said they munity, participated. frey Willie, Barry Winder. didn’t get the t-shirts in time for Among those in attendance were 60-and-over – The Venerable those persons who pre-registered, former Bahamas National Baptist James Palacious, Leslie Miller, Rev. so that hindered the registration Missionary and Educational Con- Dr. Anthony Carroll. process on race day. vention president Rev. Dr. Anthony But Webb said it was a minor Carroll; former National Youth FEMALE WALKERS issue and she was glad that those President Rev. Dino Cartwright; 14-and-under – Pramell Smith, persons who showed up, worked The Venerable James Palacious and Anaiya Hinsey, Abby Farrington. along with the delay. 15-19 – Charisma Minnis, Celine Leslie Miller, former Member of “I know the committee is still Farrington, Tatyana Musgrove. Parliament for Tall Pines. doing the tallying to determine 20-29 – Robyn Sands, Jasmine Awards were presented to the the total, excluding the expenses Williams, Sundae Ferguson. winners in the various age group incurred, but from a glance of it, I 30-39 – Mela George, Tina think we would have exceeded our categories that included the Walkes, Jerryse Rolle. following: initial target,” Webb said. 40-49 – Karen Thompson, RacAs her expenses will be ongoquel Rolle, Shanika Duncombe. MALE RUNNERS ing, Webb said there are plans to 50-59 – Sharon Simmons, Berna20-29 – Wilton Ramsey, Kenneth dette Gibson, Beryl Armbrister. make the run/walk an annual one and later in the year they hope to Musgrove, Deangelo Thompson. 60-and-over – Gloria Thompson, put on a souse out that will help to 30-39 – Tarren Knowles, Torrell Daisy Winder, Alice Mortimer.

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BAHAMIANS HELP DIAMONDBACKS REACH PLAYOFFS By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net WITH a pair of Bahamian players on its roster, the AZL Diamondbacks clinched its first-ever playoff berth in the Arizona Rookie League. Kristian Robinson and Dominique Collie helped the Diamondbacks to secure the playoff spot when they swept Sunday’s doubleheader with 6-4 and 8-7 wins over the AZL Rangers at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona. They rallied from a threerun deficit in the seventh inning and improved to 27-15 overall, second in the AZL East. Robinson went 2-4 with one run scored and a teamhigh three RBI while Collie went 0-4. Robinson’s double in the seventh inning plated Kevin Watson and he would eventually score on a David Garza double. The Diamondbacks took an 8-5 lead at the end of the inning and surrendered just two runs in the bottom half to hold on for the win. In game one, Robinson was again 2-4 with one run and three RBI and Collie was 0-2.

Prospects Robinson entered the Arizona Diamondbacks as one of its most highly touted prospects of last year’s international signing period and has lived up to those lofty expectations so far in the Arizona Rookie League. He hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games and is currently in the midst of a six-game hit streak. Robinson is listed as the No.12 prospect in the Diamondbacks organisation. The D-backs are preaching patience and caution when talking about Robinson, noting that coming from the Bahamas isn’t the same as coming from a place like the Dominican Republic in terms of experience. They see Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts as a potential model, one who played in the Dominican Summer League for his first summer of pro ball, while Robinson was able to make his debut in the United States, playing in the rookie-level Arizona League in 2018. Through 38 games, he is hitting .271 with a .758 OPS, .339 OBP, 31 RBI, four home runs, 11 doubles, seven stolen bases and scored 33 runs. Some of his highlights this season so far include 3-4 with three runs and one stolen base against the Athletics and 2-6 with one home run, four RBI, three runs scored and one stolen base against the Giants. Collie is batting .143 with six hits, nine runs scored and four RBI. His top performance of the season was 2-3 and with two runs and one RBI against the AZL Reds. Last season, he spent 37 games in the Dominican Republic and hit .245 with a .717 OPS, .394 OBP, six RBI and scored 18 runs with two stolen bases.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018, PAGE 3

THE ‘ACL’ REARS ITS UGLY HEAD IN THE NFL THE

PRESS BOX AZELAYA

BY INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENIC

THIS NFL preseason, the feared, torn ‘ACL’ is being diagnosed at an alarming rate. Veterans and rookies alike can’t seem to escape the dreaded injury. The latest casualty, Washington Redskins rookie RB Derrius Guice, suffered a torn ACL during Thursday’s preseason game, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, according to a source informed on the injury. The team later announced the injury would wipe out the second-round pick’s rookie season. OFF TO A GOOD START: Guice exited Thursday night’s tilt versus the Patriots after gaining 19 yards on six rushing attempts. The tailback injured his knee on a 34-yard scamper that was negated by a holding penalty. Guice expressed optimism after the game, telling JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington “all is well.” BACK AT SQUARE ONE: Alas, everything is far from being well in

Washington. Guice’s injury is a big blow to the Redskins rushing attack. The talented rookie was expected to be an early-down pounder and complement to third down back Chris Thompson. After just one pre season game, the Redskins, are back at square one. FANTASY FOOTBALL FALLOUT: With Guice out for the year, Samajie Perine and Rob Kelly will battle for early-down duties, with the afore mentioned Thompson and Kapri Bibbs handling the third down and pass catching responsibilities. Look for the ‘Skins to be active on the waiver wire in search of free agent running backs. NOT THE ONLY ONE: Since August 1st at least seven players have already torn their ACL this offseason: * Bengals G Rod Taylor * Chargers TE Hunter Henry * Eagles LB Paul Worrilow * Lions FB Nick Bawden

WASHINGTON Redskins running back Derrius Guice. (AP) * Packers LB Jake Ryan * Panthers RB Fozzy Whitaker * Rams DE Morgan Fox FROM COWBOY BLUE, TO CLEVELAND BROWN? The Cleveland Browns have their sights on free-agent wide receiver Dez Bryant, who is set to visit the Browns at some point in the coming week. Brown’s Head Coach Hue Jackson offered these comments on the unfolding scenario : “We have a lot of good things going, but at the same time I don’t think you can ever have too many good football players as

long as they fit and as long as it’s the right fit for the organisation, for the locker room and for all involved.” Browns WR Jarvis Landry added to his coaches sentiments, telling the Associated Press: “We would welcome Dez, with open arms, if he decided to come to Cleveland.” Should the Browns deem Dez a fit and ultimately sign the three-time Pro Bowler, he would join Landry, to form a formidable duo while the Browns deal with the absences of Josh Gordon and Antonio Callaway. ALFRED MORRIS SET TO RUSH FOR THE 49ERS: The Niners made

NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM BOUNCES BACK WITH VICTORY OVER HAITI

BAHAMAS vs SURINAME

THE BAHAMAS men’s national volleyball team in action against Suriname on Sunday. The Bahamas suffered defeat but recovered to beat Haiti on Monday. (See story front page).

FROM PAGE ONE

Wilson led from the front for Bahamas with 24 points. Suriname had the advantage in kills (74-68) and blocked shots (12-7), but Bahamas led 4-2 in service winners. Davis said it was just a nail biter that could have gone either way. “After losing the first set, that carried over until the fifth set when they won 15-11,” he said. “It took it’s toll on us, but we were able to rebound and beat Haiti in four. “Unfortunately, we wore down Suriname and they got beat by Trinidad. Hopefully we can come back and take care of Trinidad and go to the gold medal round.” As they prepare for that early match today, Davis said Team Bahamas have one simply game plan. “All we have to do is pass the ball,” he insisted. “If we pass the ball and execute, we should win it.” Davis said the team is in high spirits and looking forward to the final day of competition today.

CHISHOLM CONTINUES HOT STREAK IN SINGLE A-ADVANCE BASEBALL

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

JAZZ Chisholm continues to garner international media attention for a hot streak at the plate since his progression to Single A-Advanced baseball. The Diamondbacks No. 2 prospect was recognised by several outlets for a standout performance Sunday night that continued a four-game multiple-hit streak and finished a triple shy of the cycle. He finished 3-4 including his 21st homerun of the season, one double, three RBI and three runs scored in his Visalia Rawhide’s 7-3 win over the Modesto Nuts. Chisholm doubled in the first inning to start the Rawhide rally which produced a 2-0 lead early. In the bottom of the sixth, his single was again the catalyst for another inning that produced two runs and a 4-0 lead. He blasted a three-run home run in the seventh to give his team a 7-0 lead. Both Baseball America Major League Baseball’s milb.com highlighted Chisholm as one of the top minor league prospects across various leagues around the country. The 20-year-old shortstop has gone 10-22 at the plate with home runs in back to back games over the streak. Through 20 games with the Rawhide, Chisholm is hitting .349 with a .393 OBP, a 1.032 OPS, slugging .639, 29 hits, six home runs, two triples, two doubles, 16 RBI,

a roster move to add depth at running back – and a player familiar with Niners Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. The Niners are signing Alfred Morris, pending a physical, Shanahan announced. Morris and Shanahan spent time together during the 2012 and 2013 seasons, in Washington. Shanahan served as the offensive coordinator. Morris enjoyed a productive two-year run with Shanahan, producing 1,613 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns during his rookie season in 2012, and then followed up with 1,275 yards rushing and seven touchdowns in 2013.

scored five runs with 14 runs scored and four stolen bases. On July 19th, Chisholm was assigned to the Rawhide in the California League from the Kane County Cougars in the Midwest League. In his final game with the Cougars he hit two home runs and set career highs with five hits and five RBIs to lead his team to a 13-4 win over Daytona. He finished 5-6 and also tied his career best with four runs. He had been 1-21 with eight strikeouts in the previous five games and was tied for second in the Midwest League with 15 home runs. His production was recognised by MLBPipeline.com and he was named to the “Prospect Team of the Week,” which honours the best performances throughout the minor leagues from the previous week. In a season of milestones, Chisholm also made his second All-Star game appearance of his young career. He was one of five members of the Kane County Cougars selected to the midseason classic. He appeared in 76 games for the Cougars and hit .244 with 43 RBI, 17 doubles, four triples and 17 doubles. Chisholm also posted an on-base percentage of .311, slugging percentage of .472 and OPS of .783 in 307 at bats. In his rookie season, Chisholm was also named to the annual Pioneer League vs. Northwest League All-Star Game as a member of the Missoula Osprey.

UB MINGOES FACE PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE TONIGHT

UB MINGOES GUARD Justin Smith (#10) guards Marshall’s Cam Brooks-Harris during Summer of Thunder action Saturday at The Kendal Issacs Gym. The UB Mingoes play Presbyterian College at 6pm today at The Kendal Issacs Gym. The University of Bahamas Mingoes Men’s Basketball team will face Presbyterian College tonight in the team’s second game of The Summer of Thunder Series. The Migoes play Presbyterian College 6pm Tuesday at The Kendal Issacs Gym after losing to Marshall University on Saturday 105-70. “We looked at what worked and what didn’t work and we are gonna try to come back and do something else,” said head coach Bacchus Rolle. Against Marshall University, Ramon Dames led the team with 21 points and 3

steals. Kemsey Sylvestre notched a doubledouble with 16 points and 11 rebounds. “That was our first game of the season and now we know what we have to work on,” Sylvestre said after the loss to Marshall. “We know we have to work on our turnovers but I like the hard play we had especially in the second half of the game.” The Mingoes will play the final game of the Summer of Thunder series against Northern Arizona University 3pm Sunday August 19, 2018 at the Kendal Issacs Gym.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, August 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

TRIBUTES TO SOFTBALL EXECUTIVE GREG CHRISTIE FROM PAGE ONE looked forward to the competitive national championships and the AllStar Classics held once a year. “As I reflect on our days together, I think I was being mentored for the role I now play in sports in our beloved country,” said Knowles, who also at time served as president of the BSF and the Eleuthera Softball Association. “I learnt showmanship from Neko (Grant), attention to details from Greg (Christie) and working hard from Churchill (Tener Knowles).” When he became the BSF president in 2000, Knowles said it brought an end to the era of Churchill, Tener-Knowles, Grant and Christie, but the transition was filled with good and bad emotions as the dreadful politics of sports separated them for a brief time.

Admiration “Greg and I never became as close as we once were, but from a distance, I had a profound admiration and respect for this quiet, but resourceful leader,” Knowles stated. “Greg was the one singular person that made me stay on the top of my game as it were, although rivals. I believe I am a product of their dynasty. Whilst the baton was not officially passed, it became mine none the less.” Burkett Dorsett, a former president of the BSF and now the president of ECASC, the English speaking association of the World Baseball Softball Confederation, said Christie was indeed a trailblazer for softball in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. “His death leaves an extremely big void in the future of the development of softball in our region,” said Dorsett, of Christie, who up to the time of his death was the secretary general of the ECASC. “He was indeed a dedicated, committed and devoted Bahamian sports icon, a great sports warrior in our country and a true patrioat. Greg’s 40-plus years in the administration of softball is a testimony to his willingness to assist all who can in contact with him and wanted his advice.” Dorsett, who, along with coach Godfrey ‘Gully’ Burnside, was the latest ISF Hall of Fame inductees in 2017, called Christie a “community builder,” who went out of his way to see that things in his environment were of a standard that would befitting one and all. “On behalf of the World Baseball Softball Confederation, our president Ricardo Facarrai and Tommy Velesquez, chairman of the softball division of the WBSC, we offer our condolences to the family of the late Greg Christie.” As a long-time friend and collegiate in Grand Bahama, businessman and former BSF president and fellow ISF Hall of Famer Churchill Tener-Knowles said they first became acquainted in 1970s on the softball field. “We did a lot of traveling together with the federation’s national teams and locally throughout out the islands and particularly getting things done in Grand Bahama,” Tener-Knowles pointed out. “We were even involved in baseball for a while. “But Greg was very active in softball. “He was also active in the international scene, so we had some good times traveling around the world and to the Family Islands. We also started the National All-Star Classic back in the 1980s, which was one of the highlights of softball.” Tener-Knowles, the second Bahamian to be inducted into the ISF’s Hall of Fame in 1991, said Christie will certainly be missed by the Grand Bahama community and softball in general because he made a valuable contribution. Also from Grand Bahama, Yvonne Lockhart, chairman of the Rising Stars, added: “We are saddened to learn of Greg’s passing. Greg was truly our hero. He was the bedrock from the inception of our organisation, always advising and available to assist when called upon.

BROOKS Koepka holds the Wanamaker Trophy after he won the PGA Championship golf tournament at Bellerive Country Club, Sunday, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

KOEPKA HOLDS OFF WOODS TO WIN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer

Scott hung around by making big putts, just like he hoped, and was tied for the lead until Koepka’s birdies. Scott missed a 6-foot birdie putt on the par-5 17th that would have pulled him to within one shot — right after Koepka missed from the same range — and then made bogey on the 18th for a 67 to finish alone in third. The only knock on Koepka is that he doesn’t win enough elsewhere — the Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour, the Turkish Airlines Open on the European Tour, and two victories at the Dunlop Phoenix on the Japan Golf Tour. “He’s won three majors now, so he’s definitely winning the right ones,” Scott said. “If I was him, I wouldn’t change much at the moment. I’d just keep doing what he’s doing because he’s showing up at the right moments in the biggest events. There’s something inside his brain that makes him believe that that’s what he’s destined to do.”

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The roars were unlike anything Brooks Koepka had ever heard, and he knew exactly what they meant. They got louder for each birdie by Tiger Woods that moved him closer to the lead Sunday in the PGA Championship, and Koepka could hear a ripple effect of noise. First, real time. Seconds later, another burst from patrons watching on TV in chalets. Then, distant cheers from every corner of Bellerive when the score was posted. “We knew what was going on,” he said. “It’s pretty obvious when Tiger makes a birdie. Everybody on the golf course cheers for him.” Koepka knew exactly what to do. Amid relentless pandemonium, Koepka ran off three straight birdies to end the front nine and seize control. When he was tied with Adam Scott through 14 holes, with Woods one shot behind, he delivered back-to-back birdies.

Performance

Injury The last one was a laser of a 4-iron from 248 yards that settled 6 feet away, sending him to a dream finish of a year that began with the 28-year-old Floridian wondering if a wrist injury that kept him out for four months would ever allow him to compete again. “That will probably go down as probably one of the best shots I’ve ever hit under pressure,” he said. He closed with a 4-under 66 for a two-shot victory over Woods and took his place among the elite in golf. Koepka became the fifth player to win the U.S. Open and PGA Championship in the same year, joining Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. It will be impossible to overlook him now, not with the Wanamaker Trophy to go with his back-to-back U.S. Open titles. Koepka won two of the three majors he played this year, and three of his last six. Not since Woods won four in a row through the 2001 Masters has

BROOKS Koepka hits from the 12th tee during the final round. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) anyone won majors at such an alarming rate. And yet it still felt — and certainly sounded — as though he played second billing to Woods. The crowd was enormous, louder than anything in golf this side of Augusta National or a Ryder Cup, and Woods looked closer than ever to capping his comeback following four back surgeries with another major. Even with two bogeys, Woods shot 64 for his lowest final round in a major. He finished at 266, beating by three shots his best 72-hole score in a major. At this major, it wasn’t enough. “I played hard,” Woods said. “I made a bit of a run. It looks like I’m going to come up a little short.” Koepka was responsible for that.

After wasting one chance to put it away by missing consecutive birdie chances from 7 feet, Koepka kept attacking flags and ran in birdie putts of 10 feet on No. 15 and 7 feet on No. 16 to end the drama. He tapped in for par on the final hole to set the PGA Championship scoring record at 264. It also tied the major championship record that Henrik Stenson set at Royal Troon two years ago in the British Open. He joined Jordan Spieth, Woods, Nicklaus and Tom Watson as the only American players with three majors before turning 30 since World War II. “Three majors at 28 — it’s a cool feeling,” said Koepka, who five years ago was toiling in Europe’s minor leagues.

Irreplaceable “He was one of a kind, irreplaceable and will be missed. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon him. Our deepest sympathy to the family.” Christie began his career in journalism in 1970, and worked at the Freeport News as its Editor and Special Projects Officer. Over the years, he also headed his own public relations company, GregChris. He has also served as an executive of the Lion’s Club, Freeport, Grand Bahama, and a member of the Knights of Columbus organisation. He was quite active in his parish at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Grand Bahama. Christie served as a Consultant to BIS on two separate occasions, firstly between 2002-2007 and again between 2013 and 2018.

TIGER Woods reacts to his drive on the 17th hole during the final round. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The St. Louis fans waited 17 years to see Woods — he last was at Bellerive when the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks canceled a World Golf Championship — and he delivered a performance that took golf back in time. Thomas Bjorn might have seen it coming. Earlier in the week, as he was cleaning out his locker after withdrawing with an injury, he thought back to Woods getting into contention at Carnoustie last month at the British Open. “He recognised who that guy was that day,” Bjorn said. Woods was relentless, pumping fists, raising the putter in his left hand, making birdies and charging toward a finish that caused pure pandemonium among one of the largest and noisiest crowds at a major. Without hitting a fairway on the front nine, Woods cut the four-shot deficit to two. Dialed in on the back nine, he dropped an approach into 4 feet on No. 12, got within one shot with a 10-foot birdie on the par-3 13th and, after a bad drive led to bogey, he answered with another approach that hit a foot from the hole. That was as good as it got. Facing the most important drive of the day on the par-5 17th, Woods sent it sailing to the right and it embedded in a hazard along the banks of a creek. He did well to advance it but had to save par from a bunker. Behind him, Koepka holed his two birdie putts. Woods and Koepka played nine holes of a practice round Wednesday, and the 14-time major champion knew what he was up against. “It’s tough to beat when the guy hits it 340 down the middle,” Woods said. “What he did at Shinnecock, just bombing it, and then he’s doing the same thing here. ... And when a guy’s doing that and hitting it straight, and as good a putter as he is, it’s tough to beat.” Koepka never imagined a year like this. He missed four months at the start of the year when a partially torn tendon in his left wrist, causing him to sit out the Masters. He outlasted good friend Dustin Johnson at Shinnecock Hills to become the first back-to-back U.S. Open champion in 29 years. And now this. The only downer is having to wait eight months for the Masters.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 14, 2018, PAGE 5

D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney. (AP)

ROONEY’S SPECTACULAR STEAL AND CROSS SETS UP WINNER FOR DC WASHINGTON (AP) — Luciano Acosta completed a hat trick in the 96th minute to give D.C. United a 3-2 victory over 10-man Orlando City on Sunday night. Wayne Rooney set up the winner by chasing down and tackling Orlando’s Will Johnson, who was crossing midfield and racing toward an empty net after D.C. brought its goalkeeper up for a corner. Rooney then turned the other way and sent a long ball to Acosta, who headed it home to put United (5-9-6) in front. Dom Dwyer tied it in the 71st minute, getting behind the central defence on Oriol Rosell’s through ball and chipping it over the goalkeeper to tie it at 2 for Orlando (7-15-2). Orlando’s Cristian Higuita was sent off for a high arm swing making contact with Yamil Asad in the 55th minute. Acosta’s second made it 2-1 in the 64th minute. He finished Asad’s cross from close range and collided with the goalkeeper shortly after the shot. The goal was upheld after video review confirmed that Acosta was onside. Acosta opened the scoring in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time with a give-and-go to Rooney and a rocket to finish from a narrow angle. Rosell sent a cross along the end line that D.C. goalkeeper David Ousted inadvertently deflected into his own goal in the 50th minute, making it 1-all for Orlando.

ATLANTA Braves’ Touki Toussaint pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning of the first game in a baseball double header Monday, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

TOUSSAINT WINS HIS BIG LEAGUE DEBUT, BRAVES ROUT MARLINS 9-1 By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) — Touki Toussaint wants to lead other Haitians to the big leagues. He set quite a compelling example in his debut with the Atlanta Braves. The 22-year-old HaitianAmerican broke into the majors with six dazzling innings , leading the firstplace Braves to a 9-1 rout of the Miami Marlins in the first game of a doubleheader Monday. Ronald Acuna homered and drove in three runs to make things easier for his fellow rookie. Looking cool as can be on a sweltering summer day in Atlanta, Toussaint took full advantage of his temporary promotion to serve as the team’s 26th player. He surrendered just two hits and limited the damage from his only serious jam to a single run. The right-hander hopes word of his success gets back to Haiti, an impoverished Caribbean nation that has no passion for baseball and has never sent a nativeborn player to the majors. “To be able to play on this stage, to be able to represent my country, it’s definitely humbling,” Toussaint said. “Hopefully kids see that, go ahead and take a shot at it.” Toussaint (1-0) was born in Florida but moved to Haiti just a few months later, living there for about eight years. He returned to Florida after his parents

ATLANTA Braves starting pitcher Touki Toussaint sits in the dugout after completing six innings of the first game in a baseball double header against the Miami Marlins. (AP)

split up and gave baseball a try, though it didn’t go well at first. “I was terrible,” Toussaint recalled. “I had 24 at-bats and struck out like 22 times.”

Prospect He walked away from the game for about a year, focusing on soccer, but eventually returned to America’s pastime. He took up pitching at a relatively late age, getting serious during his sophomore year of high school. He quickly blossomed into a top prospect who was picked in the first round by Arizona in 2014. “You learn something new every single day, so it doesn’t get boring,” Toussaint said. “That’s something I gravitated towards. I love it.” Toussaint was dealt to the

Braves in 2015, one of several trades made by Atlanta to bolster its farm system during a massive rebuilding effort. That effort is paying off big time for the Braves, who were a single percentage point ahead of idle Philadelphia at the beginning of the day and edged a little further in front leading into Game 2. Toussaint became the third pitching prospect to win his big league debut for Atlanta this season, following Mike Soroka and Kolby Allard. Toussaint’s proud mother, Kahaso Kiti, cheered from the stands and waited for him afterward outside the clubhouse at SunTrust Park. “I can’t even tell you how I feel,” she said. “He’s my son. I’ll always be proud of him. That’s my baby.” Speaking of another Baby Brave, Acuna has quickly established himself as a budding star at age 20. He hit his third leadoff homer of the season and the 16th overall with his opposite-field drive into the Braves’ bullpen in the bottom half of the first off Pablo Lopez (2-3). Acuna added a two-run double in the sixth, highlighting a five-run outburst that turned the game into a blowout. But it was Toussaint’s performance that really resonated, especially given all the hardships so many Haitians have experienced. Even those who have moved to the

ESCAPING TROUBLE

After breezing through the first, Toussaint ran into trouble. Derek Dietrich walked, J.T. Riddle singled and Issac Galloway tied the game with a run-scoring double that left runners at second and third with no outs. But Toussaint retired Magneuris Sierra on a liner to left — not deep enough to allow Riddle to tag up and score. Yadiel Rivera struck out, and Lopez took a 3-2 fastball for a called third strike that ended the threat. “He kept us off balance,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “He doesn’t really get the ball to the left side of the plate. He’s a guy you’ve got to see and limit the plate. Just cover one side with him, really. First time seeing him gave us a little trouble.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Miami 3B Martin Prado is headed back to the DL with yet another injury. He was lifted for a pinch-hitter after straining his left quadriceps sometime in the first two innings. It wasn’t clear how Prado was hurt, but he’s played only 53 games this season because of recurring hamstring issues. Last year, he was limited to a career-low 37 games because of injuries. “It didn’t sound too severe,” Mattingly said. “But we’ll see.”

UP NEXT

Marlins: RHP Merandy Gonzalez (2-0, 5.71) was called up from Double-A Jacksonville to make his first major league start in Game 2 of the doubleheader, added to the roster as a 26th player. He made seven relief appearances for Miami this season between stints in the minors. RHP Trevor Richards (3-7, 3.98) gets the nod when the NL East rivals meet again on Tuesday. Braves: RHP Mike Folytnewciz (9-7, 2.98) was going for his third straight win and looking to match a career high with his 10th win in the nightcap. On Tuesday, the Braves will go with RHP Anibal Sanchez (6-3, 2.83) against the Marlins. Dominican Republic side of Hispaniola, the Caribbean country where baseball is wildly popular and has produced more than 700 big leaguers, face brutal discrimination that keeps most from pursuing their dreams.

Toussaint wants to make a difference beyond the field. “He’s adamant about that,” his mother said. “He’s got enough people who know him and know of him down there.”

ANTHONY SIGNS 1-YEAR, $2.4M DEAL WITH HOUSTON ROCKETS By KRISTIE RIEKEN, AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP) — Carmelo Anthony signed a one-year, $2.4 million deal with the Houston Rockets on Monday. Anthony was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Atlanta Hawks last month before the Hawks released him. Houston general manager Daryl Morey announced the signing and the Rockets posted a picture on social media of Anthony signing his contract.

Title

CARMELO ANTHONY, left, in action for Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017. Anthony signed a one-year, $2.4 million deal with the Houston Rockets on Monday. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

The 34-year-old joins a team led by MVP James Harden and star point guard Chris Paul. The Rockets hope the addition of Anthony will help them contend for their first title since 1995. They lost to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals last season. Anthony will get a fresh start in Houston after spending last season with the Thunder, with whom he averaged a career-low 16.2 points in 78 games. The third overall pick in the 2003 draft has averaged 24.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3 assists in a 15-year career that also included stints with the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks. The 6-foot-8 Anthony is a 10-time All-Star and has won three gold medals in the Olympics. He is USA Basketball’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Anthony has averaged more than 20 points every year of his career except last season and led the NBA in scoring in 2012-13, when he averaged 28.7 points a game.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 14, 2018, PAGE 7

MURRAY LOSES IN OPENING ROUND OF WESTERN AND SOUTHERN OPEN MASON, Ohio (AP) — Andy Murray lost to Lucas Pouille 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 in the first round of the Western & Southern Open on Monday, clearing another obstacle for Roger Federer in this U.S. Open tuneup. Top-seeded Rafael Nadal dropped out Sunday night to prepare for the U.S. Open after winning his fifth title of the year in Toronto. Murray had his best result since missing 11 months following hip surgery when he reached the quarterfinals in Washington two weeks ago. But he had a hard time adjusting to the Cincinnati courts. “The start of the match was not good,” he said. “It was a pretty bad first set. After that, it was a little better.” Federer, seeded second, has won in Cincinnati a record seven times but hasn’t played here since winning in 2015. In 2016, he had a knee injury, and in 2017 he had back problems. “Cincinnati has always

been a good tournament for me,” said Federer, the reigning Australian Open champion. “I was sad not to play here last year, and two years ago there wasn’t a chance. I’m glad to be back.” Even with the top-ranked Nadal missing, Federer liked the strength of this field, especially with Murray and Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic also successfully recovering from injuries.

ANDY MURRAY, of Great Britain, chases down a return from Lucas Pouille, of France, in the first round at the Western & Southern Open, Monday, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Draw “That’s why you have such a good, exciting draw,” Federer said before Murray’s match was over. “It’s a pity Rafa isn’t playing. He would have added massively to that part of the draw.” Grigor Dmitrov, the defending champion who is seeded fifth, was not entirely upset about Nadal’s absence. “When Rafa is missing, he’s missed, not so much by the players as much as the

fans,” he said. “All joking aside, I love spending time with Rafa and practicing with him and playing with him. I would be the last person to say I wouldn’t want to play with him.” Monday’s first full day of main-draw competition opened with 13th-seeded Madison Keys holding off Bethanie Mattek-Sands 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4 to reach

the second round. Wildcard Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, also came from behind to beat Carla Suarez Navarro 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4. Tenth-seeded Julia Goerges was losing to Kristina Mladenovic 6-4, 3-2 when she retired because of a lower left leg injury. Advancing were Lesia Tsurenko, wild card

Svetiana Kuznetsova, qualifier Viktoria Kuzmova and Anett Kontaveit. On the men’s side, Sam Querrey ground out a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5) win over fellow American John Isner. Querrey gained an edge with a mini-break on the fifth point of the second tiebreaker when Isner sailed a forehand wide of the backhand sideline. Querry closed

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 75° F/24° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Times of clouds and sun

Partly cloudy with a shower late

Periods of sun with a shower

Partly sunny and pleasant

Partly sunny with a passing shower

Rather cloudy with a shower

High: 90°

Low: 80°

High: 89° Low: 80°

High: 90° Low: 78°

High: 89° Low: 78°

High: 89° Low: 77°

AccuWeather RealFeel

98° F

87° F

100°-85° F

100°-86° F

98°-87° F

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 76° F/24° 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.

almanac

ABACO

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

7-14 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 91° F/33° C Low: 76° F/24° C

6-12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 78° F/26° C

MIAMI

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 78° F/26° C

4-8 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 86° F/30° C Low .................................................... 74° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 89° F/32° C Normal low ........................................ 76° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 93° F/34° C Last year’s low ................................... 77° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.02” Year to date ............................................... 34.75” Normal year to date ................................... 22.01”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

KEY WEST

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

8-16 knots

ANDROS

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

uV inDex toDay

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

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

10:53 a.m. 11:15 p.m.

3.4 3.5

4:47 a.m. -0.2 5:06 p.m. 0.0

Wednesday 11:46 a.m. -----

3.4 -----

5:37 a.m. 6:02 p.m.

0.0 0.3

Thursday

12:06 a.m. 12:41 p.m.

3.3 3.3

6:27 a.m. 6:59 p.m.

0.1 0.6

Friday

12:59 a.m. 1:38 p.m.

3.0 3.1

7:18 a.m. 7:59 p.m.

0.4 0.8

Saturday

1:55 a.m. 2:37 p.m.

2.7 3.0

8:12 a.m. 9:02 p.m.

0.6 1.0

Sunday

2:54 a.m. 3:36 p.m.

2.6 3.0

9:08 a.m. 0.7 10:04 p.m. 1.1

Monday

3:53 a.m. 4:34 p.m.

2.5 2.9

10:05 a.m. 0.8 11:03 p.m. 1.1

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:43 a.m. 7:45 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

10:02 a.m. 10:28 p.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Aug. 18

Aug. 26

Sep. 2

Sep. 9

CAT ISLAND

out the 2-hour, 7-minute match with an ace that survived an Inner challenge. Kei Nishikori beat Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-3, and 13th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta topped Richard Gasquet 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. Other winners were Leonardo Mayer, Jeremy Chardy, Benoit Paire, Peter Gojowczyk, Denis Shapovalov and qualifier Bradley Klahn.

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 82° F/28° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

8-16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 87° F/31° 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: 81° F/27° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 81° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N E

12-25 knots

10-20 knots

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

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS SE at 6-12 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots SE at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 12-25 Knots E at 10-20 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots SSE at 6-12 Knots E at 6-12 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots NE at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 12-25 Knots E at 10-20 Knots SE at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots

WAVES 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 4-7 Feet 4-7 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 9 Miles 9 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 9 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 9 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 83° F 83° F 87° F 87° F 83° F 83° F 85° F 85° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 81° F 80° F 86° F 86° F 84° F 84° F

Covering The Bahamas for over 40 years. NEW PROVIDENCE | GRAND BAHAMA | ABACO | ELEUTHERA | EXUMA

INSURANCE MANAGEMENT

(BAHAMAS) LIMITED. INSURANCE BROKERS & AGENTS

HOME INSURANCE

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PAGE 8, Tuesday, August 14, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

SEAHAWKS-RAIDERS AT WEMBLEY AS TOTTENHAM STADIUM ISN’T READY

By ROB HARRIS, AP Global Soccer Writer LONDON (AP) — NFL games will be played at Wembley Stadium on three consecutive weekends for the first time because the new stadium being built for English Premier League club Tottenham won’t be ready. Tottenham said Monday that it would be unable to host the Seattle Seahawks and the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 14 due to “issues with the critical safety systems” at the 62,000-seat stadium in the final stages of construction. “We appreciate the support our partner the NFL has shown since the extent of this issue became evident today,” Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said Monday. The teams won’t have to adjust plans significantly because Wembley, English soccer’s national stadium, is only 12 miles across north London from Tottenham. Wembley will also stage the Oct. 21 game between the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Chargers, and the meeting between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars a week later. Tottenham’s new stadium, which is built on the site of the now-demolished White Hart Lane stadium, was designed as much for soccer as American football. The grass soccer pitch can be retracted and kept under lights below the stands when the artificial surface is required for the NFL. The dressing rooms can also cope with NFL teams without adjustments. The NFL won’t say if the 10-year contract at Tottenham only officially starts when the stadium is ready to stage games. “We totally understand

the issue,” Mark Waller, the NFL’s executive vice president of international, said. “We shall continue to work with them towards making our future games at Spurs a huge success. The new stadium will be an amazing venue for the NFL and we are very excited about our longterm partnership with Tottenham Hotspur.” Tottenham has been forced to continue playing home games at Wembley after its new home wasn’t ready for this month’s Premier League season start.

Timetable “Urgent follow-up meetings with (construction firm) Mace and the trade contractors are now taking place,” the club said in a statement. “We are reviewing the situation and planned timetable to rectify and re-test, after which we shall be in a better position to outline a revised timetable.” Tottenham has postponed test events that were planned for Aug. 27 and Sept. 1. They are yet to be rescheduled so local authorities can decide whether to grant the stadium with a safety certificate. Tottenham will now have to play at least three home league games at Wembley. The club said the venue for home games in the Champions League group stage, which starts in September, will have to be “determined following discussions” with tournament organiser UEFA. “At the start of the project we asked for your support during what we knew would be a complex and challenging build and now we ask for your continued patience and forbearance,” Levy said in a message to fans.

ARIZONA Cardinals linebacker Jeremy Cash (52) celebrates his fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers with defensive back Chris Campbell (33) and defensive back Ezekiel Turner (47) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

CARDINALS PARSE THE GOOD AND THE BAD FROM PRESEASON OPENER By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The first-team offensive line looked powerful in its brief appearance in the Arizona Cardinals preseason opener. The second unit, not so much. On Monday, Steve Wilks parsed the good from the not-so-good in the wake of Saturday night’s 24-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in his first game as Cardinals head coach. “I liked the way we ran the football early on with the first group, setting the tone up front as we talked about,” he said. “ ... We need to improve with the second offensive line. We talked about that and giving the quarterback, whomever may be back there, the opportunity to be able to step up and go through his progression.” There was one serious injury for Arizona. Backup linebacker Jeremy Cash went down with a season-ending torn ACL, not long after he returned a fumble 12 yards for a touchdown. The Cardinals waived/injured Cash on Monday and signed linebacker Gerald Hodges to a one-year contract.

Hodges is a five-year NFL veteran who played with New Orleans last season, San Francisco in 2015 and 2016 and Minnesota from 20132015. He was a fourth-round draft pick of the Vikings out of Penn State. The Cardinals worked out inside air conditioned University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday and have an outdoor practice Tuesday before wrapping up training camp with another indoor session Wednesday.

Facility Arizona plays at New Orleans on Friday night and next week will move workouts to its training facility some 40 miles to the east in Tempe. Quarterback Sam Bradford played in only the opening series, completing his only pass for 6 yards. David Johnson, back after missing all but the season opener a year ago with a fractured wrist, looked like his old self in his short time on the field, gaining 14 yards in each of the offence’s first two plays before calling it a night. The front five — rookie centre Mason Cole, guard

Mike Iupati and tackle D.J. Humphries on the left side and guard Justin Pugh and Andre Smith on the right — looked particularly strong on those plays. “It was a great job with the offensive line coming off the ball, getting to the second level,” Wilks said, “and a tremendous job on the outside with Larry (Fitzgerald) coming in and blocking the support player, the safety. So all 11 guys working together. Again, it’s encouraging.” But the second unit struggled up front, leaving rookie Josh Rosen scrambling to get plays off under duress. Backup centre Daniel Munyer had a particularly tough time, repeatedly rolling the ball to Rosen in shotgun formation. “I had about five or six bad ones, which was frustrating because I don’t do that,” Munyer said. “I ended up getting out of it but I did feel bad because it was when Josh was at quarterback. I told him afterward, ‘Man, I’m sorry.’ I didn’t even know I was doing that until it was too late and that definitely killed some momentum in terms of timings with the throws and everything like that.”

Rosen, the 10th overall pick in the draft, completed 6 of 13 passes for 41 yards and was responsible for a delayof-game penalty. But he had passes dropped and never had much time to throw. Rosen will get some time with the first team against the Saints, Wilks said.

Opportunity “We’re going to give him the opportunity to get in there with the ones and get into a rhythm and really get the timing down with those guys,” the coach said. The Chargers outgained the Cardinals 387 yards to 174, running 77 plays to Arizona’s 49. The Cardinals were 0-for11 on third-down conversions compared with Los Angeles’ 6-for-16. The Chargers, though, committed four turnovers to Arizona’s one. “Third down was not good on either side (offense or defence),” Wilks said. “That’s where we’ve got to improve. “That’s going to help time of possession. That’s going to help giving us opportunities to have more yardage and get the ball in the end zone.”