Madrid, Tokyo Bids Reach Out; USA Basketball Loses Height; More Plagiarism Allegations

Dae Sung Moon in Plagiarism Controversy

Dae Sung Moon of South Korea is the latest IOC member caught in a plagiarism scandal marring his political career.

On Friday, the legislator-elect withdrew as a member of the ruling Saenuri Party after Kookmin University determined "much of Moon's [doctoral thesis] matched another person's work, including some parts of the research subject and purpose, and descriptions in the preface and the theoretical background," according to Korean news agency Yonhap.

The agency quoted Moon saying in a statement: "Everything is my fault. I made up my mind after I was asked by the party (to quit)."

Yonhap also reports the scandal could hurt the party, which "has been trying to shake off its corrupt image."

JOC, Dutch Students Talk Tokyo 2020

Japanese Olympic Committee officials are busy showcasing the impact of the 1964 Olympics on Tokyo – and the city’s bid plans for 2020 – to a group of Dutch students.

JOC director of president’s office Yasuhiro Nakamori welcomed the class from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences’ Leisure Management to the Ajinomoto National Training Centre on Friday for a knowledge exchange on how the Games can generate positive change in host cities.

"Having the opportunity to meet students who are passionate about sports is quite powerful and I’m glad we were able to meet," said Nakamori. "It was also a great opportunity to introduce Tokyo 2020’s plans to the students, and I do hope that they had good impressions for the Olympic Movement in Japan and also for Tokyo’s plan."

Rotterdam is one of six cities bidding for the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games.

"Paralympic Evening" in Spain

Spanish Paralympic officials organized the first "Paralympic Evening" in Spain, attended by leaders of the International Paralympic Committee and Princess Elena, Honorary President of the Spanish Paralympic Committee.

The royal encouraged Spanish Paralympians on the road to London 2012.

"I encourage our athletes to intensify their work during the last months of preparation in order to ensure Spain can still be considered a world reference in the Paralympic field once the Paralympic flame is extinguished next September 9," she said in a statement distributed by Madrid 2020.

The event was held in conjunction with the meeting of the International Paralympic Committee in Madrid.

Alejandro Blanco, president of the Spanish Olympic Committee as well as Madrid 2020, offered his hope for the future of Paralympic sport.

"Every action we perform is a new goal," he said.

"The day must come when we do not talk about Olympic or Paralympic athletes, but just athletes."

Russia Targets Team GB

Alexander Zhukov, president of the Russian Olympic Committee, says the British are the team in the way of the Russians in London.

Zhukov said Russia hopes to finish third in the medal tally, and Team GB is the squad best poised to foil their plans.

"Forecast based on the results of last season’s world championships suggests that Russia should be third in London," he was quoted by broadcaster RT.

"Our main rival will be team Great Britain."

FIFA Confirms Olympic Officials

A total of 84 officials from 36 countriesin all six confederations will referee the Olympic football tournaments at London 2012.

FIFA confirmed their appointment on Thursday in documents posted to its website. The men’s competition will require 16 referees and 32 assistants while the other 12 referees and 24 assistants will do the honours on the women’s side.

"The FIFA refereeing team works just like the technical staff of a national football team, and we are the head coach," said head of FIFA refereeing Massimo Busacca, who has worked two FIFA World Cups, Euro 2008, and the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final.

FIFA’s head of women’s refereeing Sonia Denoncourt, who has officiated at three FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympic football tournaments, added: "The bulk of the female referees who have been appointed for the 2012 Olympic Games will be familiar faces from last summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany and are at the top of their profession."

Griner Out for Olympics; Howard Too

USA Basketball suffers a serious downsize ahead of London 2012 after losing two of its tallest talents – on the same day.

Baylor junior Brittney Griner, who stands 6-foot-8 and dunked twice during her recent NCAA title run, was considered a favorite for the 12th and final spot on the women’s Olympic roster before announcing Thursday her summer school schedule and a family illness would keep her from the Games.

"I am disappointed that I will be unable to participate, but I want to stay involved in USA Basketball and hope to again have the opportunity to represent my country in future international competition," said Griner, who averaged 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for Team USA during its 2011 European Tour.

Hours later, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard revealed that he will have season-ending back surgery, effectively eliminating him from the pool of 20 players still up for inclusion on the men’s team.

Howard, who stands 6-foot-11, started at center for Team USA in Beijing and averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game en route to the gold medal.

The official 12-man and 12-woman rosters as well as six alternates are due to the International Basketball Federation by June 18 with the Olympic tournaments kicking off July 28.

U.S. Ambassador's Reception

As an Olympic warm-up of sorts, U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Louis Susman held a reception Monday night at his London residence with about 150 people including Olympians and USOC chair Larry Probst in attendance.

ExCeL Readies for WSB Final

Ringside seats are on sale now for next month’s World Series of Boxing team finals between Dolce & Gabbana Milano Thunder and Dynamo Moscow.

The bout took on newfound significance last month when the International Boxing Association changed its location from China to promote AIBA Professional Boxing by showcasing the sport within ExCeL, the Olympic venue for 2012.

VIP tickets for the May 2 fight cost $88 with a limited number of complimentary general admission seats available using the code WSB-TF-8SMpZKbp.

Written by Ed Hula III.

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