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Banned coach Bev Priestman 'heartbroken' and apologizes in Canada drone-spying scandal at Olympics

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Banned coach Bev Priestman 'heartbroken' and apologizes in Canada drone-spying scandal at Olympics
Sport

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Banned coach Bev Priestman 'heartbroken' and apologizes in Canada drone-spying scandal at Olympics

2024-07-29 06:15 Last Updated At:06:21

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Embattled Canada women’s soccer coach Bev Priestman apologized to her players Sunday and pledged to cooperate with an investigation into the drone-spying scandal at the Paris Olympics.

The team was deducted six points and Priestman was banned for a year after two of her assistants were caught using drones to spy on New Zealand’s practices before their opening game Wednesday.

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Canada team pose for a group photo prior to the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and New Zealand at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada team pose for a group photo prior to the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and New Zealand at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada's Evelyne Viens, 2nd right, celebrates with teammates after scoring her side's second goal during the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and New Zealand at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada's Evelyne Viens, 2nd right, celebrates with teammates after scoring her side's second goal during the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and New Zealand at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada faces more allegations of drone use as scandal widens

Canada faces more allegations of drone use as scandal widens

Canada faces more allegations of drone use as scandal widens

Canada faces more allegations of drone use as scandal widens

FILE - Canada's head coach Bev Priestman gestures during the Women's World Cup Group B soccer match between Australia and Canada in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, July 31, 2023. FIFA deducted six points from Canada in the Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament and banned three coaches, including Priestman, for one year each on Saturday, July 27, 2204, in a drone spying scandal. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair, File)

FILE - Canada's head coach Bev Priestman gestures during the Women's World Cup Group B soccer match between Australia and Canada in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, July 31, 2023. FIFA deducted six points from Canada in the Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament and banned three coaches, including Priestman, for one year each on Saturday, July 27, 2204, in a drone spying scandal. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair, File)

“I am absolutely heartbroken for the players, and I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them,” Priestman said in a statement. “As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation.”

Canada kept alive its hopes of advancing despite the sanction by beating France 2-1 Sunday after Vanessa Gilles's winner in the 12th minute of added time in Saint-Etienne. But the win still left the defending Olympic champion pointless and in need of victory against Colombia in its final Group A game.

Canada's players celebrated wildly after the winning goal - likely in response to the pressure the team has felt after a turbulent first week at the Games.

Priestman led Canada to the Olympic title in Tokyo in 2021, but her reputation has been marred by the scandal, which has raised questions about the practices of the country’s men’s and women’s soccer teams and how widespread the issue could be.

She also apologized to Canada as a nation, but appeared to try to defend her legacy.

“This program and team have allowed this country to reach the pinnacle of women’s soccer, and their winning of the gold medal was earned through sheer grit and determination, despite reports to the contrary,” she said. “I fought with every ounce of my being to make this program better, much of which will never be known or understood. I wish I could say more, but I will refrain at this time, given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation.”

It has emerged that a complaint against the women’s team for filming an opponent’s training session was made at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, which served as a qualification tournament for last summer’s Women’s World Cup.

The revelation is part of the fallout of the drone scandal.

FIFA banned Priestman — who had already been sent home from France — and two of her coaches and imposed a hefty $226,000 fine on Canada Soccer.

There was little sympathy from Germany coach Horst Hrubesch, who said Canada's behavior was “stupidity.”

Canada was looking into an appeal, but said they suspected a “systemic ethical shortcoming.”

Also Sunday, Canada sports minister Carla Qualtrough said the government will withhold funding “relating to suspended Canada Soccer officials for the duration of their FIFA sanction.” Drone surveillance of a closed practice, she said, “is cheating.” She called the episode a “significant distraction and embarrassment” for all Canadians.

Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue said this week he learned of a possible drone incident involving the men’s national team at the recent Copa America.

He said it was his understanding that it did not have an impact on the competitive integrity of the tournament but would not offer details.

Asked whether men’s coach Jesse Marsch was aware of possible drone usage at that tournament that ended this month in the United States, Blue said Marsch was aware after the fact and has “denounced it as a practice to his staff.” Canada lost in the Copa semifinals to Argentina 2-0.

A CONCACAF official confirmed a complaint at the 2022 W Championship but offered few details. The United States defeated Canada in the tournament final in Mexico, with both countries earning a berth in the Women’s World Cup and Olympics.

The Sports Network in Canada reported other incidents of surveillance, including at the Tokyo Games, citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the filming.

FIFA declined comment when asked by the AP if the matter would lead to a wider investigation into drone spying in soccer.

The case is an embarrassment for the Canadian federation, which is teaming with the United States and Mexico to host the 2026 men’s World Cup across North America.

Meanwhile, Canada’s sanctions are likely heading for the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s special Olympic court in Paris.

Canada Soccer and the Canadian Olympic Committee said late Saturday that they planned to appeal the points deduction, which makes it difficult, but not impossible for Canada’s women to advance to the knockout round.

“We feel terrible for the athletes on the Canadian women’s Olympic soccer team who as far as we understand played no role in this matter,” David Shoemaker, the Olympic committee’s CEO and secretary general, said in a statement. “In support of the athletes, together with Canada Soccer, we are exploring rights of appeal related to the six-point deduction at this Olympic tournament.”

Interim coach Andy Spence is leading the team, along with assistant Neil Wood and goalkeepers coach Jen Herst.

“There’s no training for this,” Spence said at practice on Saturday. “I’ve been asked to lead and that’s what I’m going to do to my very best capabilities.”

The Canadians won their opener 2-1 over New Zealand.

Former national team player Diana Matheson said in a social media post that “Canadians are with you. ... Take 6 points away from us? Fine, let’s go get 9.”

The scandal erupted in the days leading up to the Olympic tournament when New Zealand complained about drones flying over practice. Two team staff members, assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi, were sent home.

Priestman initially removed herself from the opener but was later suspended for the tournament.

AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

Canada team pose for a group photo prior to the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and New Zealand at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada team pose for a group photo prior to the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and New Zealand at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada's Evelyne Viens, 2nd right, celebrates with teammates after scoring her side's second goal during the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and New Zealand at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada's Evelyne Viens, 2nd right, celebrates with teammates after scoring her side's second goal during the women's Group A soccer match between Canada and New Zealand at Geoffroy-Guichard stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Etienne, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Canada faces more allegations of drone use as scandal widens

Canada faces more allegations of drone use as scandal widens

Canada faces more allegations of drone use as scandal widens

Canada faces more allegations of drone use as scandal widens

FILE - Canada's head coach Bev Priestman gestures during the Women's World Cup Group B soccer match between Australia and Canada in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, July 31, 2023. FIFA deducted six points from Canada in the Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament and banned three coaches, including Priestman, for one year each on Saturday, July 27, 2204, in a drone spying scandal. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair, File)

FILE - Canada's head coach Bev Priestman gestures during the Women's World Cup Group B soccer match between Australia and Canada in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, July 31, 2023. FIFA deducted six points from Canada in the Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament and banned three coaches, including Priestman, for one year each on Saturday, July 27, 2204, in a drone spying scandal. (AP Photo/Hamish Blair, File)

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The NBA's playoff chase enters its final days. Here's a look at what's happening

2025-04-04 23:05 Last Updated At:23:10

It’s playoff-positioning time in the NBA.

Going into Friday, there are 83 games left in the season. The 10 Eastern Conference postseason teams are set; Cleveland, Boston, New York and Indiana are in the playoffs, Detroit and Milwaukee are on the brink of joining them, while Orlando and Atlanta still have a tiny bit of hope of escaping the play-in tournament. Miami and Chicago have clinched play-in spots.

In the Western Conference, Oklahoma City is the No. 1 seed and Houston is in the playoffs. Denver, the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State and Memphis enter Friday holding playoff spots, with Minnesota and the Los Angeles Clippers chasing them and trying to stay out of the play-in. Dallas and Sacramento are fighting for play-in berths, with Phoenix, Portland and San Antonio still alive for those as well.

Add it up, and 23 of the 30 teams are still playing for something other than lottery odds with just over a week to go in the regular season.

Sacramento at Charlotte — The Kings would be assured of staying at least one game ahead of Phoenix for the last play-in spot with a win.

Utah at Indiana — Pacers can move closer to that No. 4 seed and home-court in Round 1.

Phoenix at Boston — The Suns will try to snap a four-game slide and it’s a big game for their play-in hopes.

Detroit at Toronto — The Pistons — an amazing story — get into the playoffs with a win.

Portland at Chicago — Almost a must-win for Blazers, big East play-in seed implications for Bulls.

Oklahoma City at Houston — Top two teams in the West standings.

Cleveland at San Antonio — Cavaliers on the brink of clinching No. 1 in the East.

Denver at Golden State — The winner takes a big step toward home-court in Round 1, and this is a possible Round 1 preview as well.

New Orleans at L.A. Lakers — A win ensures the Lakers finish the night no worse than No. 4 in the West and keep home-court positioning for now.

Dallas at L.A. Clippers — Mavericks trying to keep their edge in the race for No. 9 spot, Clippers need a win to help their quest of avoiding play-in.

NBA TV has a doubleheader Friday: Phoenix at Boston (7:30 p.m.) and Denver at Golden State (10 p.m.).

Saturday's Memphis-Detroit game is also on NBA TV.

Oklahoma City (+175) is favored to win the NBA title, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, followed by Boston (+190), Cleveland (+500), then Denver and the Lakers (both +1400) and Golden State (+1600).

April 11 — All 30 NBA teams play.

April 12 — No games.

April 13 — All 30 NBA teams play, end of regular season.

April 15 — The No. 7 and No. 8 finishers in both conferences play to start the play-in tournament. Winners are the No. 7 seed for the playoffs; losers will host play-in elimination games on April 18.

April 16 — The No. 9 and No. 10 finishers in both conferences play. Winners move on to April 18; losers are finished for the season.

April 18 — The April 15 game losers play host to the April 16 game winners. Winners are the No. 8 seed for the playoffs; losers are finished for the season.

April 19 — NBA playoffs begin.

— Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 69 consecutive 20-point games, something only Wilt Chamberlain (who twice had 80-game single-season streaks), Oscar Robertson (who had a 76-game single-season streak) and Michael Jordan (who had a 69-game single-season streak) have done in the same season. OKC plays Friday at Houston.

— The league record for 3-pointers made in a season is on pace to fall on Sunday. There have been 31,017 made 3s so far this season; the record is 31,579, set last season.

— Boston (1,356) is seven 3-pointers away from matching the single-season team record, set two years ago by Golden State. The Celtics are on pace to break that mark Friday at home against Phoenix.

— For the first time, the NBA could have three players make 300 3-pointers in a season. Minnesota's Anthony Edwards has 297, Detroit’s Malik Beasley has 295 and Golden State’s Stephen Curry has 286.

The Thunder went 29-1 against the Eastern Conference this season. That's the best record one team has ever had against the opposite conference.

It doesn't include OKC's loss to Milwaukee in the NBA Cup championship game. But the Thunder against-the-other-conference record would still be the best in NBA history even if that game in Las Vegas was factored into the standings.

Three West teams — 2015-16 Golden State, 2006-07 Dallas and 1999-2000 Lakers — went 27-3 (.900) against the East. The 1995-96 and 1996-97 Chicago Bulls both had 25-3 (.893) marks against the West.

The Thunder’s 29-1 mark is a .967 percentage. At 29-2, if that NBA Cup game counted, it’d still be .935.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley claps after a shot clock violation against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley claps after a shot clock violation against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) loses the ball as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) loses the ball as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

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