Category: Olympics

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: How much did the Nassar abuse play a role in Biles stepping away?; plus more from the Olympics

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US gymnast Simone Biles encourages her teammates on Tue Jul 27, 2021 in Tokyo after bowing out of the games due to health related issues. Biles said she will not return to action but will be on the sidelines for her teammates (AP News photo)

Headlines podcast with Tony R:

#1 Gymnast Simone Biles who stepped away from from gymnastics and said she would be on hand to support her teammates, Gymnast coach Andrea Orris said she was shocked about all criticism that Biles got for stepping away. Biles said her head was simply not into the games and that after the gymnastics team got silver she thought it would be better if she would step away.

#2 Biles whose been through a lot a huge success in past Olympic games was abused by team doctor Larry Nassar who is serving a life sentence for sexually abusing Biles and her teammates. Did the abuse of the past play a part in Biles stepping away from the games?

#3 US men’s golfer Collin Morikawa is ready to take his swings as the US team is looking for gold. Also participating in golf is Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama who is also looking for gold for the host country. It could be pretty competitive on the golf course in one of Japan’s favorite sports.

#4 Three on Three basketball seems to be a well watched sport and it worked well for women’s Team USA who got a first win over the Russian Olympic Committee Team 18-15. Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young are no amateurs as as they all star in the WNBA.

#5 Tony, when you watch the games whether it’s swimming, basketball, or volleyball it’s just strange just to watch these games played in front of empty arenas or stadiums that was built intended to be filled up by fans a lot of money went into it but no tickets sold and games will go one without fans in the name of safety.

Tony R does Headlines podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: Tokyo Olympics, State of Emergency, No Fans, No Demonstrations

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Fans outside of the Olympic park in downtown Tokyo in preparation of the 2021 Summer Olympics (The Guardian file photo)

Tokyo Olympics: State of Emergency, No Fans, No Demonstrations

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Organizers originally had planned to limit local fans to 10,000 with no fans from outside Japan. However, a state of emergency in the city of Tokyo was issued because of the rising of corona virus cases in the country, according to Mr. Tamayo Marukawa, Japan’s Olympic Minister, who also said organizers came to the agreement to hold the games without fans.

International Committee President Thomas Bach met with organizers and officials in Japan. However, some events like Baseball, Softball and Soccer still might take place outside Tokyo (as planned) where there is no state of emergency.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the state of emergency will go in place next Monday and last through August 22. “Taking into consideration the impact of the delta strain, and in order to prevent the resurgence of infections from spreading across the country, we need to step up virus prevention measures,” Suga said.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced they are adapting their long-standing Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which reads “No kind of demonstration or political, religious or radical propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other area.

If you were planning to attend the Olympics in Japan, you are ‘on your own’ you can still travel there, however, you will not be able to attend all events held in Tokyo. As for the other events, scheduled in other cities outside Tokyo, good luck.

Japan has spent $15.4 billion on the Olympic and Paralympics Games. Because they were to take place on 2020 and because the postponement because of the pandemic, some estimates to be an additional $3 billion to that bill. NBC paid $1.34 Billion for the rights to broadcast this Summer Olympics The Olympics begin July 23 and run through August 8. The Paralympics will take place August 24.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Tokyo Olympics Protest at the Games will Have Consequences

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The plan for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics is for toned down celebrations, strict Covid-19 protocols, and there will be no protesting of any kind allowed by the athletes under strict consequences as policies established by the International Olympic Committee (photo from swimmingworld.com)

Tokyo Olympics: Protest at the Games will Have Consequences

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

With less than a month until the Tokyo Olympics get under way, the International Olympic Committee reiterated that they will not allow any form of protest or demonstrations, from kneeling to other actions taken on the field of play or during official ceremonies at the podium and those who do will be punished, including the possible stripping of the medals, which they have the rights to enact.

The IOC spent 11 months consulting with experts and athletes. They polled over 3,500 elite athletes and Olympians age 16 to 55 and over. The results showed the majority is clearly against demonstrations, and although the punishment has yet to be determined, the IOC said that those who choose to disrespect the country they represent will suffer consequences.

Kristy Coventry, 37 years old, ex-Olympic swimmer and the most decorated Olympian from Africa who is the current Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation in the government/cabinet of Zimbabwe, Africa, said: “A very clear majority of athletes said that they think it’s not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views on the field of play, at the official ceremonies or at the podium. “

So, our recommendation is to preserve the podium, field of play and official ceremonies from any kind of protest or demonstrations or acts perceived as such,” continued Coventry. Olympian Athletes represent their respective countries. In the United States (unlike other Olympic nations) the government doesn’t have a funded sports ministry.

The US Olympic Committee pays for itself, mainly through corporate sponsorships and some of the proceeds from broadcast rights. The IOC encourages and supports the promotion of ethics in sport along with education of youth through sport.

To promote fair play in sport and rid sport of violence. Punishment for athletes who demonstrate, pre, during, or after an event, include: -Disqualification -Pulled from competition -Striped of medal -Banning from competition in four years Games are scheduled to take place in the Japanese capital between 23 July and 8 August.

They were postponed last year because of Covid. It will feature 33 sports at 339 events across 42 venues. NBC is the official network. A Japanese doctor in Japan has pledged to hold a “safe and secure” 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after a year-long postponement but is struggling to contain a fourth wave of infections and preparing to extend a state of emergency in much of the country.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does News and Commentary podcasts each Tuesday and News and Commentaries each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Olympics in Japan Money or Health

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2021 Tokyo Olympics NBC logo; The Tokyo Olympics are in jeopardy due to the spike of Coronavirus cases in Japan. The International Olympic Committee is planning to move forward with the games. (image from creative blog)

Olympics in Japan: Money or Health

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

According to the Associated Press between 50-80% of Japanese citizens do not want the Olympics to take place in Tokyo. Organizers have already announced that international fans will not be permitted. The IOC has repeatedly said that the Games will move forward safely.

Japan has extended the state of emergency in the country through mid-June in both Tokyo and Osaka. “The Tokyo 2020 organizing committee will absolutely make sure to protect the health of the athletes,” organizing committee president Seiko Hashimoto told the AP. Japan’s population: 126.3 million.

Over 750,000 confirmed cases of Coronavirus since pandemic began. 13,000 plus deaths reported 3% of the country has been fully vaccinated. Originally to take place in 2020 and after the Covid pandemic forced the cancellation last year; some estimates today project Japan will have spent $35 Billion dollars to host the games this year. The original budget was about $7.5 Billion.

The opening ceremony will take place on July 23. NBC is the Official Olympic Network. Japan is 16 hours ahead of the West Coast.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez lead play by play announcer for the Oakland A’s on Spanish flagship station 1010 KIQI LeGrande San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Tokyo Olympics 2021 Will Not Allow Demonstrations

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Tokyo Olympics 2021 Will Not Allow Demonstrations

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

2021 Tokyo logo (pininterest.com image)

IOC Rule 50 states that: “No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas. The Rule strives to ensure that the focus at the Olympic Games remains on athletes, performances, sport, unity and universality according to the IOC (International Olympic Committee).”

The 2021 Olympic Games was postponed last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but will take place this year from July 23 to August 8. For good or bad the world of sports is contaminated with politics and the world’s largest sporting stage is setting the example that sports are sports and nations should compete in sports, not on an interchange or political ideas or any-type of propaganda that has nothing to do with what these athletes have prepared for years.

The decision, by the IOC to stay the course with Rule 50, was made after 10 months of surveying/consultation with 3500 plus athletes in 41 sports that represents 185 countries in Olympic competition. The results showed “A clear majority said that is not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views on the field of play, (about 70 percent of athletes), either at the field of play or at official ceremonies or on the podium.” もういや = no more. It makes sense; I think we are all suffering from demonstration fatigue by now.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead Spanish play by play announcer for Oakland A’s baseball on flagship station 1010 KIQI LaGrande San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: USA Could Boycott Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022

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2022 Beijing Winter Olympics logo (photo from bleacherreport.com)

USA Could Boycott Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday confirmed that it is weighing the possibility of a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics, to be held in Beijing, China. The push for a boycott stems from China’s alleged human rights abuses, and its treatment of the Uyghurs, an ethnic minority group that China has moved to “re-education” camps, which is a sanitized word for what many believe are slave labor camps and genocide against the Muslim minority in that country.

Chinese authorities are notorious for silencing of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists, and placing restrictions on their internet. They also are persecuting Christians and churches. It is difficult to obtain accurate information about Chinese government policies and their actions.

Last year, the country of China silenced scientists in their country that spoke about the mishandling of the covid-19 virus which it is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China. The communist government, who controls the media is very protective and rarely allows a different opinion than the official opinion of the Chinese government. In 2020 Chinese Tycoon Ren Zhiquiang vanished after criticizing the government for their handling and misinformation about the corona virus pandemic.

While the U.S. government does not appear close to a decision on a potential boycott of the 2022 games, the threat is sure to raise concerns within Comcast’s NBC Universal, which has the TV rights for the Olympics.

In 1980 the United States led a boycott of the Summer Olympic Games in Moscow to protest the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Then four years later in 1984 the Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles. 14 Eastern Bloc countries and allies, led by the Soviet Union, initiated the boycott for the games in 1984.

This boycott occurred during the Cold War, which ultimately was won by US/Free World. Once the Berlin Wall fell, freedom and democracy was adopted by The Soviet Union, now Russia. In 1991 the process of democratization began in Russia.

Stay well and stay tuned.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: XXXII Olympic Summer Games – Japan $12.6 Billion

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2021 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo (image from NBC Sports)

XXXII Olympic Summer Games – Japan $12.6 Billion

By Amaury Pi-González

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

The government of Japan has invested the equivalent of $12.6 billion dollars to host this Summer Olympic Games. Although it will be held between July 23 and August 8, 2021 the Tokyo Olympics will still be called the 2020 Olympics, that could not take place because of the Pandemic.

This is the first time this world sporting event will be held in an odd-numbered year, since the modern era began in 1896. Total of 11,091 athletes from 206 nations are scheduled to participate at the Japan National Stadium, in Tokyo.

Japan is the third most industrialized and third largest economy in the world, however beginning this 2021 newly reported cases of Coronavirus are an all-time high in Tokyo and a second state of emergency for the capital Tokyo with a population of 9.5 million people has been declared. Despite the current circumstances, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has remained steadfast in his plan to host the 2020 Olympic Games this summer.

The budget for this Olympic Games in Tokyo is a US equivalent of $12.6 billion dollars, by far the most expensive in history. And late last year it was reported it could even be twice as much. Even for a rich country as Japan, money is no match for the Coronavirus.

World Wars, politics, terrorism and pandemics have infringed the Olympics during history. If the Olympics do not take place, Japan looses a huge investment, but its only money and a rich country like Japan definitely could survive it.

For the thousands of athletes around the world, that have trained for years this moment in their lives that could definitely be devastating. After all they take place every four years. A 16-year old female gymnast, if the games are cancelled would be 20 years old when their next opportunity comes around.

That, most likely would kill the chances of that gymnast. A Gymnast has a window of opportunity when they are at the “top of their game”, during their young teen years. It would also affect mentally as well as physically most participants, regardless of age.

Many American Olympic hopefuls keep training and praying that the games take place as scheduled. The last Summer Olympic Games took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The USA delegation was the largest among all 206 nations, with 554 athletes. This year is expected to be very similar in size. There are a handful of new sports added this time.

Baseball and softball are back on the Olympics after being absent since the Beijing 2008 games. Major League Baseball players are not allowed to participate in the Olympics.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the vice president of the Major League Baseball Hispanic Hall of Fame Museum and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL/Olympics Podcast with Joe Lami: Now it’s time for hockey to grow the women’s game

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sbnation.com photo: US Women’s Olympic team celebrates after overtime win past Team Canada on Wednesday at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics

On the NHL Podcast with Joe:

1 The US Women’s team played a nailbiter with a 3-2 shootout win over Team Canada, the last time the US Women’s team won gold was in 1998

2 The US broke Canada’s four straight gold medal streak in Women’s hockey

3 It was the penalty shootout that clinched it for Team USA in a game where both teams played it until it hurt

4 It was anniversary of the 1980 Miracle on Ice team when Team USA beat the Soviets. Was this win just as huge as that 1980 game?

5 Canada defenseman Jocelyne Larocque took her silver medal off during the award ceremony because she only wanted to wear gold

Joe Lami will be back with the NHL Podcast next Monday for all the latest in the NHL trade deadline at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Tony Renteria Headline Sports Podcast: Olympic Gold for Women’s Hockey; Cuban and Mavs operations tied up in a nasty bunch

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abcnews.com: US Women’s Olympic team powers past Team Canada with a one goal victory to win gold at the 2018 Pyeonchang Olympics on Thursday

On the Headlines Podcast with Tony:

1 Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says losing is a good thing and that the Mavericks can cover their bad roster moves

2 Cuban was fined $600,000 for his remarks. The Mavericks who have only 18 wins and are in last place. Cuban in a meeting with the players said that the regular season is a farce.

3 Cuban was remorseful that former team President Terdema Ussery who worked for the Mavericks for two decades 1998-2015 was reported by team employees for harassing, demeaning, and made unwanted advances. Ussery is now a vice president at Under Armor.

4 The Sacramento Kings who have lost three straight open a three game homestand at Golden One tonight with Oklahoma City, Saturday with the Lakers, and Monday night with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

5. The US Olympic Women’s hockey team got gold with another miracle on ice victory Thursday 3-2 beating Team Canada at the Pyeongchang Olympics

Tony Renteria does headline sports each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com