Latest- PGA Tour suspends LIV Golf participants, ATP to share profits, South Africa triumph over India in T20, Safety to be focused on at Premier League matches
The PGA Tour on Thursday suspended Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and 15 others participating in the inaugural LIV Golf event, a move the rival series called "vindictive" and "troubling."
A two-page memo issued by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said the suspended players are no longer eligible to compete in all PGA Tour events, the Presidents Cup and all tours sanctioned by the PGA Tour, including the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour Latinoamerica.
Phil Mickelson is one of 17 PGA Tour players banned so far Photo: Matthew Harris
"(The players) did not receive the necessary conflicting event and media rights releases -- or did not apply for releases at all -- and their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf event is in violation of our Tournament Regulations," the memo said. "The same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our Regulations."
The 48-player LIV Golf event that began on Thursday at the Centurion Club outside London conflicts with the PGA Tour's RBC Canadian Open.
In addition to Mickelson and Johnson, the other players suspended by the PGA Tour are Sergio Garcia, Talor Gooch, Branden Grace, Matt Jones, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Kevin Na, Andy Ogletree, Louis Oosthuizen, Turk Pettit, Ian Poulter, Charl Schwartzel, Hudson Swafford, Peter Uihlein and Lee Westwood.
Garcia, Grace, Johnson, Kaymer, McDowell, Na, Ooosthuizen, Pettit, Schwartzel and Westwood have informed the PGA Tour that they have resigned their memberships. Those players will be removed from the FedExCup points list when the official statistics are posted Sunday night.
LIV Golf released an official statement on social media in response to the memo.
"Today's announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members.
It's troubling that the Tour, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing," the statement read.
"This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond."
Field Level Media
Tennis-Players and tournaments to share profits, as ATP strategic plan signed off
Players and tournaments will share profits 50-50 from 2023 on the men's ATP Tour while total prize money will surge thanks to an agreed expansion of top-tier tournaments, the global governing body of the men's circuit announced on Thursday.
The ATP said its strategic plan for widespread reform has received the green light, in a move that is likely to end the bitter wrangling over prize money and profit-sharing in men's tennis.
Daniil Medvedev Photo: PHOTOSPORT
This first phase of the ATP's OneVision plan -- primarily aimed at boosting revenue from media and television rights -- was approved by its board after more than two years of deliberations.
"Shifting everybody's mind into the future has been the most difficult part," ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi told Reuters.
"But I think overall we kept being very persistent, the evidence we provided, a lot of data, a lot of information, a lot of material and ultimately we convinced, I wouldn't say everybody, but the majority."
A lack of transparency has long been a cause of friction between tournaments and players, and the issue flared again when the coronavirus pandemic forced cuts in prize money.
But starting next year players will have access to the audited financial statements of events, the 50-50 profit sharing formula will be implemented and there will be increased prize money and bonus pools due to the expansion of ATP 1000 events.
Reuters
South Africa's Miller and Van der Dussen blitz India
David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen smashed blistering half-centuries to lead South Africa to a thrilling seven-wicket win over India in the first Twenty20 International on Thursday.
Chasing 212 for victory, South Africa's top order wobbled but Miller and Van der Dussen plundered 131 runs from around 10 overs in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand to secure victory with five balls remaining.
Rassie van der Dussen Photo: Graham Morris
Van der Dussen made 75 not out off 46 balls, which included five sixes.
Miller's unbeaten 64 off 31 balls also contained five sixes as South Africa pulled off their biggest successful chase in T20 cricket.
The defeat ended India's 12-match winning streak in this format.
The second game in the five-match series is in Cuttack on Sunday.
Reuters
Premier League to introduce enhanced safety measures to control crowd
The Premier League will introduce enhanced safety measures to prevent crowd misbehaviour ahead of the start of next season, it said on Thursday, with clubs unanimously agreeing that visiting teams will provide additional stewards for away matches.
Aston Villa's Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen was attacked as Manchester City fans celebrated their Premier League title win by invading the pitch at the Etihad Stadium last month.
West Ham United manager David Moyes Photo:
Everton fans invaded the pitch at Goodison Park following Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late winner and at the final whistle of their 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace, which secured their spot in the top flight.
Palace manager Patrick Vieira was also involved in an altercation with a fan when he was walking towards the away dressing room after the final whistle, prompting the English Football Association to launch an investigation.
The league said that it also hoped to address the issue of missiles and pyrotechnics that disrupted matches last season.
"Supporters must be reminded it is illegal to enter the pitch at any time... this area is unequivocally for football and under no circumstance should players, managers, match officials or staff fear for their safety - just as fans should remain protected in the stands."
West Ham United manager David Moyes said pitch invasions have been an "issue", while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta added invaders pose a danger to players and staff.
The league said that as a first step, clubs had unanimously agreed the requirement for visiting clubs to provide stewards for away matches in order to improve safety for supporters.
It added that it would work with stakeholders of the game to further address the issue.
Reuters