| US fans were misled over David Beckham, Pele says
Pele believes US fans were misled about what David Beckham could bring to Major League Soccer. Amid great fanfare, the former England captain was presented by the Los Angeles Galaxy in July, but his greatest impact has been on ticket sales and merchandise. Pele believes Beckham's introduction was "very, very bad" as it raised expectations about what the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder could produce on the pitch. "They announced him as a scorer of goals," Pele said. "He isn't a goal scorer. That was a mistake." After playing an exhibition match in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Wednesday night, Beckham said "everybody in the world knows I'm not a goal scorer." "The Galaxy wouldn't have come out and said that," Beckham said. "Like I said, everyone has got their own opinions.
Six FC Thun players accused of having sex with minor
THUN: Swiss authorities on Tuesday accused six current and three former FC Thun soccer players of having sexual relations with a minor. Five other individuals, who are not soccer players, also have been accused, the office of the investigating magistrate of the Bernese Alps said. Most of the suspects acknowledged they had sexual relations with the girl, the magistrates office said. The accusations opened a formal case against the individuals, after police of canton (state) Bern last week temporarily arrested a dozen FC Thun players and others on suspicion of having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Under Swiss law, the action formally opened criminal proceedings against the suspects. Should the prosecutor then conclude there is sufficient evidence, formal charges could be brought. Authorities identified none of the men by name, in line with Swiss privacy laws.
Court in session
It might be hard to tell, considering Saturday's pair of Class 4A semifinal football games in the Four Corners, but the basketball season has begun. Ready or not. Aztec and Kirtland Central's boys basketball teams are still waiting to complete their squads. With the Broncos and Tigers still in the thick of the state football playoffs, the gridiron games take full precedent over shooting hoops. Piedra Vista and Bloomfield practiced with full squads for the first time this week, mere days before tip-off. The Bobcats and Panthers' football teams were eliminated from the playoffs last weekend, much to the chagrin of students, coaches and fans. But at least their basketball teams are at full strength, right? Quite the contrary, actually. A majority of the area's seven basketball squads agreed that success is infectious.
Wolves Weekly Press Notes
Chicago's 15 wins (15-2-1-0) and 31 points are the most through 18 games in franchise history; the Wolves pace the American Hockey League with an .861 winning percentage and share the league-lead with 31 points.
WOLVES HEADLINERS
--- BRETT STERLING: Netted two points in each of the last three games, posting three goals and three assists during that span ... Shares second on the team with eight goals and has recorded 13 points in 10 games with Chicago since being assigned by the Atlanta Thrashers on Nov. 5 ... Made his NHL debut this season, notching a goal and two assists in 10 games with Atlanta
--- JESSE SCHULTZ: Posted five points (G, 4A) in three games last week, including two multi-point outings ... Netted two or more points in seven of his 18 games this season ...
NowShowing: A guide to films showing on area screens
Reviews written by Kathy Gibson (KG), Josh Larsen (JL) and Wendy Fox Weber (WFW). NEW RELEASES
August Rush ( ): If your heart is not two sizes too small, you will embrace this charming fairy tale about a young orphan and musical prodigy (Freddie Highmore) who can ��hear" his parents in the music around him. August's belief that his parents are still out there leads him to seek them out in New York City, where young lovers Lyla (Keri Russell) and Louis (Jonathon Rhys Meyers) once shared a single night that changed their lives. Only a Grinch would scoff at this whimsical picture. Rated PG (thematic elements, language, mild violence); 100 minutes. - WFW Enchanted ( ): Silly yet never quite satirical, Disney's mild fairy-tale spoof is like Shrek without his teeth.
Rhythm on ice
The Wolves rank among the best success stories in Chicago sports, and Southwest Side native Bill Bentley has been a part of it ever since the first puck was dropped. After 13-plus seasons, the last nine as director of hockey administration, Bentley can tell you this much: Coffee is very underrated. .
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