An Iraq War Veteran Became An Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader.. Meet Megan Welter

Megan Welter is a cheerleader for the Arizona Cardinals pro-football team. But there is more than meets the eye in her story.

Not many would associate an Iraq war veteran and cheerleading, but in this case the two go pari passu. Megan Welter is a 28-year-old regular woman who has made it, not only in the competitive world of cheer leading, but wearing the uniform for the United States Army as a platoon leader.

She has taken ballet since she was 3-years-old and danced competitively since she was 9-years-old. She was part of her college dance team as well.

When Megan graduated in 2007 she put her dancing career on hold for something more meaningful.

The Strange Diet Novak Djokovic Follows To Be The #1 Tennis Player In The World

Novak Djokovic is currently the best tennis player in the world, but it's not easy to achieve such a status.

Djokovic pays attention to every little thing he puts in his body, down to the temperature of the water he drinks. In his new book, "Serve to Win" that comes out in August, Djokovic goes into detail about his strict diet and the regimen he follows day to day.

It offers a rare look into the mind of an elite athlete who has climbed to the top of a brutally competitive sport during one of its most competitive eras.

The book also confirms something many tennis fans have long suspected: Novak Djokovic is a decidedly unusual fellow.

Brendan Rodgers Has Already Broken Liverpool’s List Of ‘Unacceptable’ Slurs

As we reported yesterday, Liverpool have issued their staff with a blacklist of unacceptable slurs and swears (HERE) that they are to report immediately if heard in the terraces next season as the club continue to help fight the good fight against discrimination – the only problem being that their manager, their figurehead: one Brendan Rodgers, spent last season freely bandying around one of the outlawed slurs on the list, even getting it published in a headline on the BBC Sport website…

Meet Mike Shanahan... The NFL coach that doesn't have an E-mail account

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan revealed that not only does he not use "the Twitter", he doesn't even have an email account. The 60 year old granted an interview with a reporter yesterday night:

David Beckham to release ‘gorgeous’ book (but there are no words in it)

Former England captain David Beckham will release a picture book in October featuring images from his playing career in a deal with the same publishing house that put out Fifty Shades of Grey, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's controversial autobiography.

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, who retired from football in May after a brief spell with Paris St Germain, is expected to release the book on October 31 with Lagardere's UK-based Headline Publishing Group.

Liverpool Give Staff List Of Unacceptable Words In Fight Against Discrimination

Liverpool have found themselves in the firing line in recent years over both the apparently racist behaviour of striker Luis Suarez and the club’s public support for their player. However, behind the scenes, the club have been one of the most progressive and active in terms of making their club welcome to all strands of society, whatever their race, religion, gender or sexual preference.

Marlon King arrested over alleged 'hit and run'

Birmingham City striker Marlon King has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run incident that injured a man in London.

A man in his late 40s was struck by a car before being taken to hospital with a head injury that is not believed to be life threatening.

The accident occurred just after midnight on Saturday morning at the junction of Bishops Road and Eastbourne Terrace just behind Paddington rail station in Central London.

The Metropolitan Police said the car involved failed to stop at the scene of the accident.

Lionel Messi's Marriage in Jeopardy as the Barca Star was found rocking a stripper (PHOTO)

Argentina’s answer to “Encomium” magazine Pronto has released pictures of what appears to be Lionel Messi with a stripper in an uncompromising position, in Las Vegas.

The pictures were published earlier today and the Argentine star might be swimming in hot water yet again, following the tax fraud case last month (HERE). + the mega scam he pulled on American citizens (HERE).

The magazine claims that the pictures were taken in a strip club after the ‘Messi and Friends’ charity game in Chicago and they also reckon that the photos have put strain on the Barca stars’s marriage to Antonella but i honestly think the best footballer in the world will get away with it as the PHOTO seems like a perfect work of miscreants and the images might be completely fake.

Nike spell Papiss Cisse’s name wrong on new boots

It's not been a great few weeks for Papiss Cisse.

First, he was banned from the first team after refusing to wear the club's new kit after opposing their sponsor, pay-day lender Wonga, on religious grounds.

Then his case was undermined after pictures emerged of him at a casino - very much at odds with the Islamic faith that underpinned his Wonga protest.

Things picked up for the Senegalese when his exile from the team ended after a PFA-brokered compromise was agreed with the club.

But Nike went and ruined it all by sending Cisse his new Hypervenom boots - spelling his name wrong in the process.

"Well that's awkward," team-mate Sammy Ameobi Tweeted along with the image...

Struggling team to spend banned star’s salary on booze and food for fans

If you are a fan of Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers, it has not been a great year for you.

They are bottom of their division, have no hope of reaching the play-offs and have now seen their best player, Ryan Braun, suspended for the final 65 games of the season (there are 162 games in a baseball season) after being implicated in a doping scandal.

No Indian Grand Prix in 2014, confirms Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed today that the 2014 Indian Grand Prix will have to be dropped to tweak the racing calendar and that he is working with event promoters Jaypee to have one in the first half of 2015.

Ecclestone, who has been controlling the F1 empire for nearly 40 years, told IANS from his London office that he and his Formula 1 management always wanted the India round early in the season.

Revealed! Novak Djokovic's Dad reveals sacrifices made for His Son's Tennis Career... As he blasts Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer

Srdjan Djokovic, father of No. 1-ranked tennis player Novak Djokovic, talked about his family's past financial troubles in an interview with the Belgrade-based newspaper Kurir.

Srdjan says Novak told him he wanted to be a world champion tennis player at age 10.

From then on, Srdjan and his wife Diana devoted themselves to Novak's career — asking friends for money, working 15-hour days, and even borrowing money from a loan shark.

Some of the sacrifices they made while raising Novak in Serbia:

Technology! Anti-racism group launch app to tackle abuse

Football anti-racism group Kick It Out have today launched a new mobile phone tool for fans and players to report racist or homophobic abuse, after a number of high-profile incidents last season.

The mobile phone application will allow fans and players to report abuse directly to Kick It Out, which will follow up the cases with the football authorities and, if necessary, the police.

Tributes pour in for Chucho from every Nook and Cranny of the footballing world

Former Birmingham City footballer Christian 'Chucho' Benitez has died, aged 27.

The Ecuador forward is third in his country's all-time goalscoring standings, and his death came as a shock, just hours after his debut for new club, El Jaish of Qatar.

Doping in tennis: World No.15 Marin Cilic fails drug test

Croatia's Marin Cilic, currently world number 15, failed a drug test at the April Munich tournament and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) is probing the case, local media reported on Saturday.

Cilic failed the test only two weeks after passing a doping control at the Monte Carlo Masters, the Slobodna Dalmacija daily reported, quoting "reliable sources."

More details will emerge next week as the 24-year-old Croatian sent his explanation to the ITF, the daily said.

Francesc Fabregas undergoes Medicals for Barcelona ahead of Next Season campaign

Cesc Fabregas has returned to Barcelona, kicking off his pre-season schedule with a medical at the club's training ground.

The former Arsenal midfielder has been on holiday since playing for Spain in the Confederations Cup.

Manchester United boss David Moyes has put Fabregas at the top of his transfer wish-list as he aims to add a world-class midfielder to his ranks.

Snedeker credits rival’s wife for Canadian Open victory

Yesterday Sportunes brought to you a remarkable story of a golfer who had to forfeit his lead in a tournament because his wife went into labor (HERE).. well Mahan's wife has gone on to deliver a beautiful baby girl and the newly born has been promised a gift by Brandt Snedeker who won the just concluded Canadian Open. 

After Mahan walked away from a two-shot lead on Saturday, that cleared the way for Snedeker to take over top spot, Dustin Johnson tied for the lead, triple-bogeyed the 17th on Sunday to gift the FedExCup champion a three-shot victory.

The Victory came with a million dollar cheque and Snedeker will use some of the money to buy Hunter Mahan's new baby daughter Zoe a gift:

Usain Bolt and Mo Farah set for Block-Buster showdown

The two fastest men in the world in their own rights are set to face off in a 600 metres race for charity.

Usain Bolt who is known as the king of sprint won two individual gold medals at the last olympics, Mo Farah also won two olympic gold medals in London last year and he's highly regarded as the 'Kabiyesi' of long distance race.

Pepe Reina Blasts Liverpool in emotional open letter

Pepe Reina has written a sentimental open letter to thank Liverpool fans for his time at the club but also taken a swipe at the management.

The Spanish goalkeeper, sent on loan to Napoli, hit out at the way his future was decided behind his back.

Liverpool signed Sunderland stopper Simon Mignolet and agreed a deal with Napoli boss Rafa Benitez to send Reina to Italy.

In the letter, published on his website pepereina25.com he wrote

Edgar Davids to don No 1 Jersey next season

Edgar steven Davids! Remember him? yes the man with the goggles. He is still very much involved in soccer as the former Dutch international plays as a midfielder for English club Barnet where he is also head coach.

The 40 year old is about to do what majority of the soccer family might think as unthinkable as he has declared that he will be wearing the “No.1″ jersey in midfield for the non-league side next season. 

I have not dug into files but this should be a first. However he plans to start a trend, having already worn the number throughout the Bees’pre-season so far.

Concacaf Football - US beat Panama to win 5TH Gold Cup Title

Landon Donovan entered the Gold Cup with uncertainty about his future with the U.S. men's national team. He ended it in the best way possible: with arms outstretched and screaming in joy before raising the championship trophy at Soldier Field.

On an afternoon in which the U.S. played without the leadership of head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and the playmaking abilities of Stuart Holden, Donovan put a resounding exclamation on the Gold Cup tournament. His dummy move created the Americans' only goal as they held off Panama 1-0 to earn the title for the first time since 2007.

Formula 1 - Hamilton secures first Mercedes win in Hungary

Britain's Lewis Hamilton seized his first win for Mercedes in the Hungarian heat Today while Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel forged 38 points clear in the Formula One championship after finishing third.

"This is probably one of the most important grand prix wins of my career," Hamilton told the crowd after his fourth win at the Hungaroring circuit in seven years but his first with a team other than McLaren.

"I could not be happier. I hope there is plenty more to come. We have to work hard but if we can make the tyres last here we can do it anywhere."

His performance drew the praise of racing legend and non-executive chairman of Mercedes Niki Lauda.

Remarkable! Golfer Hunter Mahan withdraws from PGA Tour event he was winning as Wife goes into labour

There are times when sports—no matter how big the game or tournament—must take a backseat to family. Yesterday was one of those times for golf star Hunter Mahan.

TRANSFER WRAP: Nacer Chadli, Gonzalo Higuain, Pepe Reina, Vagner Love, Javier Saviola, Djemba Djemba, Gary Hooper, Kevin Gameiro...

The Battle is still on!!! A number of transfer deals have been wrapped up,signed,sealed,some still "hanging in the airplane" others in the medical room; but most "delivered" to the delight of their fans. Sportunes brings to you a no. of the major transfers which took place this week in this wrap;

ERIC DJEMBA DJEMBA ( Hapoel Tel Aviv - Partizan BELGRADE)

Three and easy for Hamilton in Hungary as Brit claims third consecutive pole position

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton will start from pole position for the fourth time this season after setting the fastest time in qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday.

The British driver sounded stunned when his team announced over the race radio that he had beaten three-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel right at the end of the session.

FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY? MORE LIKE FOUL- PLAY!!!!

Money is the name of the game now! Roman Abrahamovic

It can be traced back to when Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea from Ken Bates in 2003. The Russian billionaire literally splashed the cash. Any player and every player were bought at an outrageous sum and he has spent over £700 million on just transfers since his takeover.

Tyson Gay's B sample positive... American fails another test

Former world sprint champion Tyson Gay's 'B' sample from an out-of-competition test in May has been confirmed positive for a banned substance, the US Anti-Doping Agency has confirmed, while adding he had returned another positive test.

"We can confirm that the 'B' sample analysis of a sample collected from Mr. Gay has been completed and that the 'B' sample analysis has confirmed the 'A' sample findings," USADA chief executive Travis Tygart said.

Steve Nash set to Tryout for Inter Milan

What's with the Lakers and Milan now? Just last week Kobe Bryant was spotted on Ac Milan's training ground (HERE), yesterday it was confirmed the NBA star's lakers team mate Steve Nash will tryout for Inter Milan before the soccer club partakes in the Guinness International Champions Cup.

Unlike Kobe that was rather passive at the Milan training ground, Nash will play a more active role as he takes take part in tryouts being held in New Jersey before Inter Milan opens play in Indianapolis against Chelsea. The Lakers point guard said its a dream come true and its an opportunity he wont pass up:

LeBron James dethrones Kobe Bryant as most popular NBA player - ESPN poll.. What of Kevin Durrant?

Kobe Bryant, take a chilling pill, because LeBron James is once again the most popular NBA player.

According to an ESPN poll, the Miami Heat forward has unseated the Los Angeles Lakers star for the first time in four years.

Usain Bolt Shatters season record as he cruises to Victory in London

Any doubts over Usain Bolt's form going into next month's world championships were cleared as the big Jamaican strolled to the 100 metres victory at the London Diamond League meeting this night.

Lewis Hamilton rules himself out of the Title Race

Lewis Hamilton has said he doesn't 'really consider himself to be a championship contender at the moment', although he has insisted he is 'really happy' with how his season has gone so far and with the 'massive step' taken by Mercedes.

Hamilton sits fourth in the Drivers' classification heading into this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix with 99 points on the board, leaving him 17 points behind Kimi Raikkonen in third, and 58 points adrift of Sebastian Vettel, the current leader and man to beat.

Rafa Nadal and Girlfriend Vacation on Yacht in Majorca (PHOTOS)

Rafael Nadal, was spotted vacationing on a yacht in Majorca with his long time girlfriend Xisca Perello, The Spaniard is taking some time off after a disappointing Wimbledon tournament.

Falcao publishes photo of his birth certificate to prove he is 27, not 29

 Earlier this week reports claimed the Radamel Falcao was 29 and his date of birth was February 10 1984, after alleged documents from his primary school years came to light (HERE)..

Unlike most Nigerian players that will let the story slide or highest they will forge 250 Naira affidavit, Falcao defended his integrity as he published a photo of his original birth certificate to prove that he was born in February of 1986 in Santa Marta, not 1984 in Bogota as stated on his college induction forms…

Star player Nigerian Akeem Latifu denied entry into Kazakhstan for Europa League clash

There appeared to be something extremely fishy about yesterday's Europa League qualification tie between Norwegian club IL Hodd and Kazakhstan’s FC Aktobe.

Hodd, taking a 1-0 first-leg advantage into the return fixture, arrived in Kazakhstan with their best player after his visa application was rejected.

I'm guessing the Kazakhstan side recognized the threat the Nigerian star poses and they they did  everything within their powers to stop the former ocean boy from even stepping foot into Kazakhstan soil.

As expected, it was mission accomplished for Aktobe fc as they conveniently turned the Europa tie around with a 2-0 home win to advance 2-1 on aggregate.

Photo Of Aaron Hernandez Allegedly Holding A Gun On The Night Of Odin Lloyd's Death

Prosecutors released 104 pages of previously sealed court documents related to the Aaron Hernandez case today.

Most of the information in the documents isn't new, according to Brian Ballou of the Boston Globe.

But they include previously unseen screenshots from surveillance footage that allegedly shows Hernandez holding a gun in his house.

According to the prosecution's timeline of what happened on the night Hernandez allegedly killed 27-year-old Odin Lloyd (HERE), Hernandez was caught on his home security cameras with a gun in his hand hours before they say he left to pick up Lloyd.

Tennis star Victor Troicki banned for 18 months

The Serbian tennis player Viktor Troicki has been banned for 18 months for a violation of the tennis anti-doping programme, the International Tennis Federation has announced.

Troicki, 27, failed to provide a blood sample when requested during in-competition testing at the Monte Carlo Masters on 15 April.

Troicki said he had asked permission to be excused the blood test due to feeling unwell but that explanation was rejected by the governing body.

Roger Federer loses again... Tennis legend hits rock bottom on home soil

Roger Federer made the unusual decision to play a few small tournaments in Europe this summer in the lead up to the US Open.

It looks like that decision has backfired.

Today he lost in the second round of the Swiss Open to Daniel Brands, the 55th-ranked player in the world. It came a week after he lost to 65th-ranked Federico Delbonis in Hamburg, and a month after he lost to 99th-ranked Sergiy Stakhovsky in the second round of Wimbledon.

Cristiano Ronaldo to the rescue in Galicia after train crash claims atleast 80 lives and injures over 130

According to reports in the Spanish press, Cristiano Ronaldo has traveled to Galicia in order to donate blood to the victims of the train crash near the north-western city of Santiago de Compostela which, at time of writing, has has claimed the lives of at least 80 people and injured over 131 more.

Papiss Cisse Backs Down In Newcastle Shirt Row, Agrees To Wear ‘Wonga’ Kit Next Season

Papiss Cisse will wear Newcastle's new kit despite pay-day loan company Wonga being the shirt's sponsor.

The Senegal international had refused to wear the new Wonga training kit and match-day shirt because of his Muslim beliefs (HERE).

But just days after pictures emerged of Cisse allegedly gambling in a Newcastle city centre casino (HERE), the issue has been resolved by the club and player and his advisers.

He is now expected to wear the Wonga-endorsed kit in training and for first team matches. The PFA have also helped negotiate a compromise between the two parties.

The agreement will be a welcome boost to Pardew, who is yet to make a single senior signing this summer and is waiting for Joe Kinnear, the director of football, to press ahead with deals for Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis and Aston Villa's Darren Bent.

Terminally ILL Dutch Soccer Fan Honored By Feyenoord players and Fellow Supporters 3 days before he died

It's tradition for Feyenoord supporters to show up at the first training before the new season starts. This year, 26th June, they also honored a big Feyenoord fan, known as 'Rooie Marck'.

Doctors said he only had days left before dying. One of his last wishes was to see Feyenoord one more time.

Ink-Redible! Thierry Henry gets tattoo sleeve of New York landmarks

Henry's tattoo covers the whole of his left arm

Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry has shown off a brand new tattoo depicting various New York City landmarks on his arm.

The New York Red Bulls striker has revealed the sleeve, which covers his left arm, via tattoo parlour Bang Bang Tattoos Instagram account.

The ink begins at the bottom of Henry's arm with an image of a baby, which could be his daughter Tea, 8, and then evolves into the Statue of Liberty and what appears to be Brooklyn Bridge.

Barcelona keep Vilanova on payroll as he continues battle with cancer

Barcelona have made a grand gesture toward their now former manager, Tito Vilanova who was forced to step down from his role following his second relapse with throat cancer.

According to the club, Barcelona will pay Vilanova’s salary for the remainder of the year while the Catalan boss undergoes intensive cancer treatment therapy.

Lebron James Reportedly Done with the Dream Team

Two Olympic gold medals and a bronze are likely going to be enough for LeBron James, who is reportedly finished with Team USA and his international basketball career.

The news comes from Yahoo! Sports' Marc J. Spears:

Everton embarrassed as club spell new signing Gerard Deulofeu's name incorrectly at kit launch

Everton officially launched their new kit yesterday and they made made an unfortunate blunder by misspelling Deulofeu's name as 'Deufoleu'

The Barcelona man who just signed for Everton on a season long loan was described by his coach as a 'Real diamond'.. but how can you say somebody is as valuable as diamond when u cannot even spell the person's name?

Bernard and Ronaldinho's Athletico Mineiro win the Copa Libertadores in Grand Style

Atletico Mineiro have won the Brazilian championship once and their state championship 42 times, but the Copa Libertadores has eluded them until Yesterday. They entered the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final trailing, 2-0, to three-time champions Olimpia and found a way to overturn that deficit, scoring twice in the second half to force extra time and eventually penalties. They never missed from the spot, prevailing, 4-2, in a shootout.

"When it's written, it's written, this was meant for us," said Altetico coach Cuca.

An NFL Player Saved A Family From A Burning Car

The title of "Hero" is often thrown around freely in the world of sports. On Tuesday, Tennessee Titans linebacker Jonathan Willard truly earned that title. - The footballer pulled a mother, her three children and a dog from a burning car.

The heroic story comes near the end of a brutal NFL offseason full of arrests, headlined by Aaron Hernandez's murder charge (HERE). It's just nice to see a player being recognized for a positive act of bravery.

Yelena Isinbayeva to retire after world athletics championships

Russian pole vaulter and double Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva announced yesterday she would be retiring after her home world athletics championships, which take place in Moscow in August.

I call her the Queen of female athletics and she can justly the claim to be the most successful woman athlete of all time.. In fact Last month, Sportunes removed hair dressing for the lady that has broken her own world record 27 times (HERE).

The 31-year-old double world champion announced the news after winning her national title in Moscow’s Luzhniki arena.

Dwyane Wade finally comments after Ex Wife claimed she was left for dead by the NBA star

Sportunes reported a sad tale of the ex-wife of NBA star Dwyane Wade suffering a “mental breakdown” on the streets of downtown Chicago over the weekend (HERE)..

The NBA superstar and his attorneys have released a statement claiming Siovaughn is lying.

Hypocrisy? Papiss Cisse spotted Gambling after refusing to wear 'Money Lending' shirt

Cisse on an Individual war with Newcastle

Papiss Cisse has been on the headlines of every Newcastle news paper this summer, He is on an individual protest with the football club for refusing to wear the Wonga.com branding on Newcastle United’s shirts because of his beliefs as a Muslim.(HERE).

The Senegalese has been forced to train alone ever since and he even pulled out of Newcastle's preseason tour to Portugal after giving the red light to the new sponsors of the Club.