In case you were too busy dodging a meteorite, here’s what you missed this past week in the world of sports…
SPRINTING — South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius was arrested, and charged in the murder of his 29-year-old model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Thursday. Pistorius was held in jail over the weekend, and will stand trial for bail on Tuesday. The story came out of nowhere, as Pistorius is revered in South Africa for being the first double-leg amputee to participate in the Olympics. The “Blade Runner” also competed at the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games in London, and won gold medals in both the 400-metre race and in the 4×100-metre relay.
The defence claims that the shooting was an accident, as Pistorius is known for his paranoia about home intruders. Police found a bloodied cricket bat at Pistorius’ home on Sunday, but have yet to identify whose blood it is. If it belongs to Steenkamp, it will undoubtedly become a key piece of evidence against him. Regardless, such a tragedy is extremely unfortunate, and almost unthinkable, especially considering that he is a national and Olympic hero.
BASKETBALL — All-Star weekend took place in Houston this past week, as the NBA’s finest showcased their talent and fashion sense throughout the various events. Team Chuck defeated Team Shaq 163-135 in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night. Denver Nuggets high-energy forward Kenneth Faried was named MVP of the game after recording 40 points and 10 rebounds. We’d say about 38 of them were dunks, which is not surprising since no one played defence. Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Kyrie Irving took home the three-point shootout, while Toronto Raptors rookie Terrence Ross won the dunk competition. Ross paid tribute to ex-Raptor dunk champion Vince Carter, by putting on an old-school purple Carter-era jersey before throwing down a 360, one-handed windmill—yeah, no big deal. In the weekend’s final event, the West came out on top 143-138. Chris Paul dropped 20, and added 15 helpers, en route to MVP honours; and while everyone else took a breather on their defensive ends, Kobe blocked King James from behind … so that was interesting.
HOCKEY — A devastating injury stopped the NHL world on Wednesday, as Ottawa Senators star defenceman and reigning Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson had his Achilles tendon sliced by Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke. The incident occurred after the two players were tangled along the boards. The NHL decided not to take disciplinary action against Cooke, since the injury appears to have been accidental. The NHL will be without Karlsson for the remainder of the year, but the Sens are hopeful that he’ll be ready for the start of the 2013-2014 season. Despite being deprived of watching Karlsson gracefully skate around NHL teams, the injury definitely improves the Habs and Leafs’ playoff chances. Sens fans, we feel for you.
