Short Sport, November 28, 2012
Mediators called in over hockey lockout
The National Hockey League and locked-out players have agreed to allow US federal mediators assist in negotiations when talks resume in hopes of ending a costly lockout in time to salvage what is left of the season. George Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, said he assigned three mediators to help end a lockout that has been in place since mid-September and resulted in the cancellation of one third of the NHL's regular season schedule. While the mediation process is non-binding, which means the NHL and its players do not have to agree to recommendations from mediators, it is hoped fresh ideas might kickstart negotiations that have since reached a stalemate. Reuters
Athens Olympics dope test hearings due
The IOC will hold hearings early next month for the five athletes whose doping samples came back positive in retests from the 2004 Athens Olympics, the final step that could lead to the stripping of several medals. The chairman of the IOC medical commission, Arne Ljungqvist, said that disciplinary hearings will determine whether the athletes should be disqualified retroactively and have any medals revoked. Five samples came back positive earlier this year when the International Olympic Committee reanalysed about 100 Athens samples in a bid to catch any drug cheats who avoided detection at the time. AP
Newton helps Panthers power past Eagles
The Carolina Panthers won the battle between two last-place teams by beating the Philadelphia Eagles 30-22, after a resurgent performance from quarterback Cam Newton. Newton passed for two touchdowns and ran in two for the Panthers who halted a modest two-game losing streak. "This means a lot," Newton said. "Now we got to get that swag back and get our confidence back and finish out the season well." He completed 18 of 28 passes for 306 yards and had 52 yards on 15 carries as the Panthers won their third game of the season to go with eight losses. Newton had a superb rookie season last year but has had trouble repeating that success in his second National Football League season. AFP