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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Formula One got into the troubled nation of
Bahrain and back out last weekend having run a successful grand prix. Jameel McClain Jersey . The cost was more
criticism of the racing series. Sectarian violence on the streets of Manama,
causing death and injury during the race weekend, created a disturbing
background for the race, which itself was incident-free and won by two-time
world champion Sebastian Vettel—the Red Bull drivers first victory of the
season. Critics said Formula One was lining its pockets and ignoring the
suffering of the local population. The sports organizers replied that the event
was about sports and not politics, and that a grand prix could momentarily bring
together the countrys divided population. F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, who was
the key player in deciding the race would go ahead, had said before the race
that there was no political trouble in Bahrain, and remained single-minded over
the weekend. “You know what they say, theres no such thing as bad publicity,”
said Ecclestone, who was spotted several times alongside Bahrains crown prince.
“It will grow here for sure. We will be back next year and for many years after
because they do a top-class job.” Jean Todt, president of the sports governing
body, the FIA, doubted F1 would be hurt by the decision to go to Bahrain. He
said the media was too focused on the protest and violence. “I feel F1 is
strong,” he said. “It is a strong brand and all the people among the teams to
whom I have been speaking are very happy. I have even been told it would have
been a mistake not to come.” Certainly those fans who braved the stringent
security measures around the race track, and those extra millions of viewers
drawn to the event by the attendant controversy, saw a compelling race. Vettel
led from start to finish but had to withstand a strong challenge from Lotus
driver Kimi Raikkonen—who showed he had lost none of his talent in two years
away from the sport—and his young teammate Romain Grosjean, who earned his
first F1 podium finish. It is the first time since 1983 that four different
teams have won the first four races of a season, indicating a closely fought
championship to come. There is a three-week break until the start of the
European section of the season—a break that includes a vital testing session
in which teams can overhaul their cars, with the sport having relaxed its recent
ban on in-season tests. During the three weeks the sports stakeholders will
assess whether the decision to race in Bahrain was the right one, and to digest
the strong criticism from some quarters. “Formula One organizers risk tarnishing
the glamour of their sport if they turn a blind eye to human suffering while
pursuing business profits,” Amnesty Internationals Sanjeev Bery said. “It is one
thing to hold an event,” he said. “It is another thing entirely to actively
pretend that the host government has committed no human rights violations, when
facts on the ground reveal otherwise. Sports organizers dont have to adopt the
PR strategies of repressive governments in order to promote their events.” The
race was cancelled last year due to the anti-government protests and then a bid
to reschedule the race for later in 2011 was abandoned by local organizers amid
increasing pressure from rights groups. It was included on the calendar this
year with the hopes that reforms promised by the Sunni rulers would help end the
countrys political crisis, but strident divisions clearly remain. All the teams
and their drivers agreed to take part, putting the responsibility on the FIA and
Ecclestone to make the decision. Sponsors and investors, too, followed suit and
none pulled out. Among them was Bahrains sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat,
which owns 50 per cent of leading team McLaren. Teams and race fans were greeted
with huge protests and heavy security. A Force India vehicle was almost hit by a
firebomb thrown by a protesters. A cultural exhibit set up to promote the race
was also targeted by protesters, sending visitors scurrying for cover. Bahrain
declined entry to several journalists, from The Associated Press and other major
media outlets. In the end, the race itself went off without incident and
Bahrains rulers celebrated, but the countrys problems persist. Force Indias
deputy team principal Bob Fernley said the increased publicity from the race
could help solve the countrys problems. “Hopefully, the Formula One program has
brought the worlds media here, it gives a good platform for debate and hopefully
it will help with the healing process for Bahrain,” he said. Terrell Suggs Jersey . Brown tied an NHL
record Friday with two short-handed goals in one playoff game as the Kings beat
the Canucks 4-2 in the second game of their Western Conference quarter-final
series Friday night. Torrey Smith White Jersey . For the Miami
Heat forward, just being back on the floor is enough these days. After two
injury-filled seasons, Miller insists hes feeling better and stronger these
days, as the reigning NBA champion Heat settle into the opening days of training
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. The Williams sisters routed Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears 6-1, 6-1 in
less than hour Thursday. The Williams sisters are playing a doubles tournament
for the first time in two years and are looking for their fifth Wimbledon title
together. Ray Lewis Camo Jersey . With the celebrated
team back home on native soil, it was time to party for a second straight night.
King Juan Carlos and members of the royal family congratulated players at the
Zarzuela Palace outside Madrid within hours of their returning from Kyiv, where
they crushed Italy 4-0 to defend their title Sunday night. Ray Lewis White Jersey . Johnson pitched
seven solid innings and ended his career-worst four-game losing skid, leading
the Miami Marlins past the Milwaukee Brewers 6-2 Thursday. EUGENE, Ore. —
LaMichael James ran for 142 yards before leaving with what appeared to be a left
elbow injury, and No. 9 Oregon beat Oregon State 49-21 Saturday to clinch the
Pac-12 North and a spot in the conferences first championship game. The Ducks
(10-2, 8-1 Pac-12) will host UCLA on Friday night with a chance to win their
third straight conference title and a spot in the Rose Bowl. The Beavers (3-9,
3-6) arent going to a bowl game for the second straight season. James, who went
into the 115th Civil War as the nations top rusher with an average of 142.78
yards per game, was hurt midway through the third when he was hit by Oregon
State linebacker Tony Wilson. The junior running back was already wearing a
brace on his right elbow, which he dislocated on Oct. 6 against California. He
missed two games because of that injury. Not long after he left the field on
Saturday, James elbow was wrapped in ice by a trainer. The injury did not appear
to be serious because he danced a bit on the sideline with teammate Kenjon
Barner during the timeout before the fourth quarter. Oregon looked as if it was
making a strong bid for a spot in the BCS championship game until last weekend,
when the Ducks fell to Southern Cal 38-35. But Oregon State didnt give them any
trouble. Darron Thomas threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns. Versatile
freshman DeAnthony Thomas rushed for 71 yards and had 10 caches for 86 yards and
a score. Barner ran for 64 yards and a touchdown, and also caught a scoring
pass. Redshirt freshman Sean Mannion threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns
for the Beavers. But Oregon State struggled on the ground with just 16 yards
russhing, compared to Oregons 366. Justin Tucker Elite Jersey. James scored
early on a 1-yard run, becoming Oregons all-time leading scorer with 324 points.
The Beavers tied it at 7 when Jovan Stevenson grabbed a swing pass from Mannion
and weaved his way downfield for a touchdown early in the second quarter. But
before the half Oregon scored on Darron Thomas 16-yard pass to David Paulson and
his 8-yard pass to DeAnthony Thomas. Darron hit Kenjon Barner with another
16-yard TD just before halftime to make it 28-7. Barner ran a yard for another
score in the third quarter, and Darron Thomas connected with freshman Colt
Lyerla for a 39-yard touchdown early in the fourth. Mannion threw two TDs in the
fourth quarter to Kevin Cummings (19 yards) and Brandin Cooks (23 yards). Oregon
State flanker James Rodgers did not suit up because of a left ankle injury. The
Civil War was to be the final game of a college career with some great moments
and a severe injury. In 2007, Rodgers scored on a fly sweep in overtime to give
the Beavers a 38-31 victory in the Civil War. Oregon State has not defeated
their in-state rival since then. Rodgers was a fifth-year senior this season
coming off a pair of knee surgeries. Oregon linebacker Dewitt Stuckey (shoulder)
and end Dion Jordan (ankle) both played against Oregon State after leaving with
injuries against USC. The Ducks have won four straight Civil Wars. Oregons
winning streak in the series is its longest since 1994-97. Last weekends loss to
USC at Autzen Stadium snapped a 21-game winning streak at home and a 19-game win
streak in conference games. The Ducks havent lost two straight at home since
2002. ’ ’ ’