Offtopic/fun » Cruz said Thursday he hadnt made any decision

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has released a statement condemning the alleged racist abuse of Zimbabwe batsman Malcolm Waller by a section of the home crowd during the second Test against Sri Lanka last week.Waller is understood to have lodged the complaint when abusive comments were directed at him after he dropped a catch on the morning of the fourth day of the Test. Fielding at square leg, Waller missed an easy chance off Asela Gunaratnes bat in the middle of an otherwise tight spell from quicks Carl Mumba and Chris Mpofu. Zimbabwe went on to lose the Test by 257 runs, conceding the series 2-0.Zimbabwe Cricket was deeply disturbed by the conduct of a section of fans who made abusive and racist chants targeted at our players during Zimbabwes just-ended Test series against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club, ZCs statement said. We condemn any act of racism, abuse or intolerance in cricket, in particular, and sport, in general.The chants appear to have come from the section of the ground known as Castle Corner, where fans traditionally gather in boisterous but good-natured support during international games. This is also the area where members of the Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters Union (ZCSU), an unofficial body that mobilises support for the national team during home games, can usually be found.We are also disappointed by such racist rants, if they were really made, Tapfumaneyi Vivian Banhire, chairman of the ZCSU, told cricketbadger.com. Our supporters union has no such members who engaged in such behaviour.Banhire confirmed his organisations position to ESPNcricinfo. It wasnt any of our guys, he said. Zimbabwean supporters are not racial at all.During Zimbabwes last home series against India in June when the home side was thrashed in all of their matches, disgruntled Zimbabwe fans vented their frustrations by holding up a variety of homemade signs, some of which suggested that Zimbabwe cricket players should be arrested and face treason over their performances.The fans made themselves clear during the India series and I believe the players had got the message, therefore there was no need to continue with waving such cards again, Banhire said. The fans are very happy that we have come this far.ZC is continuing to investigate Wallers complaint, and warned that it is taking steps to introduce sanctions against those involved in such incidents. The ICCs anti-racism code requires members to impose punishments, including possible life bans, on anyone found guilty of racial abuse. Hydro Flask Straw Lid 40 Oz .7 million, one-year contract, a raise of $2.2 million. Wieters had asked for $8.75 million and the Orioles had offered $6. Water Bottle Hydro Flask 18 oz Wide Mouth Mint . -- Mike Smith never saw his first NHL goal go in. http://www.hydroflaskaustralia.com/water-bottle-hydro-flask-18-oz-wide-mouth-flamingo.html . PETERSBURG, Fla. Hydro Flask Straw Lid 32 Oz .Y. - Jerome Samson scored once in regulation and again in the shootout as the St. Water Bottle Hydro Flask Coffee 12 oz Coffee Pacific . -- Running backs Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings were back at practice for the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday despite being hampered by hamstring injuries.NEW YORK -- Looming playoffs could force an end to negotiations in baseballs latest drug scandal as pressure builds to impose penalties so stars can still make the post-season. Monday appears to be the deadline for Alex Rodriguez and 13 others to accept suspensions for their ties to the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic. While A-Rod is expected to get a lengthy ban, a penalty starting that day would allow Texas All-Star outfielder Nelson Cruz to return for October. Major League Baseball is prepared to issue two simultaneous announcements no later than Monday, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press on Thursday. One would list players who accept suspensions; the other would name those disciplined without deals, but who could challenge penalties before an arbitrator. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized. Most players face 50-game suspensions for their links to the now-closed Florida clinic, which has been accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs. But baseball is threatening to kick Rodriguez out for life unless the three-time AL MVP agrees to a long ban, perhaps around 200 games. Rodriguez appeared ready to talk Thursday as he was leaving the teams minor league complex in Tampa, Fla., waving a group of writers to his car in the parking lot and rolling down the window. However, when he saw a second group with TV cameras approaching, he said: "Ill talk to you guys, but no cameras." Rodriguez closed the window and waited a moment, then left without saying another word. Baseballs highest-paid player with a $28 million salary, Rodriguez played in a simulated game and saw 31 pitches over six at-bats, played third and ran bases. The Yankees expect A-Rod to bbe accused of recruiting other athletes for the clinic, attempting to obstruct MLBs investigation, and not being truthful with MLB in the past.dddddddddddd Baseball has considered suspending him for violations of its labour contract and drug agreement, which would cause him to start serving his penalty before the case would go to arbitration. Sidelined following hip surgery in January and then a strained quadriceps, the 38-year-old third baseman hopes to return to the Yankees in a few days. He is to play Friday and Saturday at Double-A Trenton, putting himself in position to rejoin New York for Mondays series opener at the Chicago White Sox if hes not banned. Barring a rainout this weekend, Cruzs Rangers would have exactly 50 games remaining before they play at the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night. If he files a grievance, as a first offender, the penalty would be delayed until after a decision by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz. But the lengthy legal process likely would risk his eligibility for the playoffs and the start of next season. Cruz said Thursday he hadnt made any decision about a possible appeal. Asked whether he was told specifically what penalty could be forthcoming, Cruz responded, "No, I cannot tell you. Sorry." Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta is the other targeted All-Star on a pennant contender, and the Tigers would have 53 games left before playing at Cleveland on Monday. Another All-Star shortstop, San Diegos Everth Cabrera, could serve all of a 50-game suspension this year if he begins with the Padres game against Baltimore on Tuesday. Others facing discipline include injured Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and Seattle catcher Jesus Montero, who is in the minor leagues with Triple-A Tacoma. ' ' '