Die Allianz T-D-P » said pulling out was my own deci

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Once again, questions are swirling about Kenyan runners and doping, this time at the biggest event of all: the Olympics.Kenya said Sunday it would send its track and field manager home from the Rio de Janeiro Games on the first available flight and show no mercy following newspaper allegations that he told undercover reporters posing as coaches that he could protect doping athletes from drug tests in exchange for a pay-off.The Kenyan governments secretary for sports, Hassan Wario, said Michael Rotich would face a police investigation.He must go home now. We will have no mercy on anyone who is suspected of doping, Wario said.In a separate statement, however, Wario also said the allegations were ill-timed and that their veracity is dubious.The Sunday Times newspaper in London said Rotich was secretly filmed offering to protect cheating athletes from drug-testing authorities. It said he offered to provide advance warning of doping tests in return for a 10,000 pound ($13,000) bribe during an undercover investigation by the newspaper.International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams said Kenya feels that Rotichs continued presence at the games would be distracting.They are clearly very serious allegations, he said. The IOC would like to see the actual evidence, evidence either of malpractice or if actually this person could actually deliver what he was claiming he could deliver.Athletes arent meant to be tipped-off in advance of tests, to ensure that they dont try to avoid them or manipulate their samples to appear clean. Rotich, a track and field official in Kenyas Rift Valley region that produces the bulk of the nations long-distance runners, isnt meant to be in the loop about who will be tested and when. However, the Sunday Times quoted Rotich as telling undercover reporters that he had ways and means of finding out.The Associated Press reached Rotich via WhatsApp on Sunday.I am not able to talk to you right now, he messaged.He said he would do so later but then stopped responding to follow-up questions.The World Anti-Doping Agency urged Kenyan anti-doping authorities to investigate the allegations. Kenya, a distance-running power, has 47 athletes entered in track and field.Adams said theyve probably been tested more in the past two years, with 848 tests by tracks governing body, more than any other team.I dont think there can have been a stronger testing program of athletes, he said.---Associated Press writer Mutwiri Mutuota in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report. Demetrius Williams Jersey . Tests earlier this week revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain for Sabathia, who was hurt in last Fridays start against San Francisco. Its an injury that will require about eight weeks to heal. He finished a disappointing campaign just 14-13 with a career-worst 4. Earl Thomas III Jersey . The Masters champion and winner of last weeks Australian PGA has a three-round total of 14-under 199 at Royal Melbourne. "Im in a really good position for tomorrow," Scott said. http://www.customravensjersey.com/custom-jamal-lewis-jersey-large-483d.html . The nimble-footed quarterback got his wish, dashing through the snow and a weary defence all the way into the NCAA record book. Trent Dilfer Jersey . The Australian is competing in his final season in Formula One and still looking for his first win this year. He will look to end Vettels run of six straight race wins on Sunday. Webber, who is fifth in the championship, earned his second pole from the past three races and 13th of his career. Jason Brookins Jersey . "Four now," Carl Gunnarsson told the Leaf Report proudly following a 5-2 victory over New York on Tuesday night, the clubs fifth straight at home. RIO DE JANEIRO -- Pele will not attend Fridays opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics because of poor health, denying Brazilians a chance to celebrate their greatest sports figure.The 75-year-old soccer great said this week he had been invited to light the cauldron, though that was not confirmed by Rio organizers.Im not physically able to attend the opening of the Olympics, Pele said in a statement on Friday.Pele had hip surgery recently and often walks with a cane. His absence -- in any role -- will be a huge disappointment to fans and organizers. He is easily Brazils most recognizable athlete -- or former athlete -- though he stopped playing almost 40 years ago.Only God is more important than my health, he wrote. In my life Ive had ffractures, surgeries, pain, hospital stays, victories and defeats.dddddddddddd And Ive always respected those who admire me.He said pulling out was my own decision.Peles role in the opening ceremony has never been clear. He had said earlier that a commitment to a sponsor would force him to travel the day of the ceremony.If I manage to change (the travel plans), I would like to have the honor to light it, he said.In statement, Pele apologized for disappointing Brazilians and said as a Brazilian, I ask God to bless all who participate in this event.He signed the statement Edson Arantes do Nascimento -- Pele. ' ' '