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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Helio fined, on probation

IndyCar officials fined star Helio Castroneves $60,000 and placed him on probation for the remainder of the year following his actions at the July 25 race in Edmonton.

The penalty was handed down following a meeting between Castroneves and series officials on Monday, more than a week after the three-time Indy 500 champion was black-flagged for blocking Penske Racing teammate Will Power on the final restart.

The Brazilian crossed the finish line first, but the victory was awarded to Scott Dixon and Castroneves was placed 10th. He lost his temper afterward, touching one series official on the chest and grabbing another by the collar, actions for which he later apologized.

IndyCar officials penalized Castroneves for failing to follow the direction of officials and unsportsmanlike conduct.

“I let my emotions get the better of me,” Castroneves said in a statement.

IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said the series considered suspending Castroneves but opted against it because it prevents fans from seeing one of IndyCar’s most popular drivers.

Associated Press

Basketball says no to vuvuzelas

Fans: Vuvuzelas will be silenced at the world basketball championships.

Basketball’s governing body said Monday the horns that provided the earsplitting buzz at World Cup soccer games will be banned from its tournament. The organizers said vuvuzelas used indoors could damage hearing and make it difficult to communicate on court.

“We want fans to enjoy themselves and make lots of noise but not at the risk of spoiling it for others,” FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann said in a statement. “The vuvuzela is simply not appropriate in a confined space such as a basketball arena.”

The world championships begin Aug. 28 in four cities in Turkey. FIBA warned that the instruments will be confiscated by security. Anyone bringing a vuvuzela to a FIBA venue risks expulsion.

Soccer’s governing body supported the use of vuvuzelas in South Africa despite criticism from the TV audience, saying they were part of the country’s culture.

Associated Press