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The genteel world of Bridge became the latest sport to suffer a drugs scandal in September. American pro Disa Eythorsdottir was stripped of a silver medal at the world championships in Montreal after she refused to take a random drugs test. She explained that she was taking a prescription drug but had no certificate to cover it. The World Bridge Federation introduced drugs testing in 1999 as part of its efforts to be included in the Olympic Games.
…Cannabis campaigner Colin Davies has been putting the sport into drugs. Prosecuted three times for distributing cannabis to sick people at his Dutch experience Café in Stockport, Colin was determined to introduce some fun into proceedings with an alternative to the Commonwealth Games. The sports over the week long 'Commonweed' event include Fastest Joint Roller, Bong jumping (starting with a 50cm bong), a Relay Race with a joint instead of a baton, a Wheelchair race for his customers on wheels and a Race around Strangeways…not forgetting the Tug of War - Hemp rope of course.

The biggest sports event in Britain since the 1948 Olympic Games attracted 500, 000 visitors to Manchester. The 17th Commonwealth Games were the most successful ever, contrary to many expectations. Organisers attracted £600 million in investment and raised £60 million in revenue and sponsorship, more than the Euro 96 football championship. The games even managed to make a £4m surplus, rather better than the £2.6m loss recorded by the FIFA World Cup due to a ticketing cock-up…
... There were complaints that several experienced officials had been discounted from the games because they are old, ugly or have a disability. Veteran field referee Graham English was told he had a limp that wouldn't look good on television and a South Yorkshire official was told he was not included because he was 'short and fat'.
…A New Zealand lawn bowling team member was sent home for grabbing a female volunteer's breasts. The wheelchair bound athlete said he would regret his actions for the rest of his life. His wife said his behaviour was misinterpreted.
…anticipating the intentions that saw 15 African Athletes fail to register at the games after arriving in Britain, the Pakistan Sports Board made parents of athletes appearing at the games sign a million Rupee (£10,000) bond to make sure their sons returned home afterwards…

Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe has become something of a gay icon after his gold medal sweep at he Commonwealth games brought him to attention. "Apparently," said one fan, "he's got size 17 feet." Liverpool players Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard topped the lust list at the annual awards ceremony of the Gay Football Supporters Network. Beckham came third and West Ham's Joe Cole was Fourth.

Out of 58 African golfers who were accepted to play in qualifiers for the Royal and Ancient Open only five turned up for their matches.
.. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club has been accused of sexism for holding the British Open Championship at Muirfield, which doesn't admit women members. "Call us fuddie-duddies if you will", said John Prideaux, Secretary of Muirfield Golf Club, "but this is a lovely place to come and meet like-minded individuals". Writing in the Guardian, the former British women's golf champion, Vivien Saunders, revealed the level of discrimination that still exists In the game. Signs such as 'No dogs or women' really do exist in golf," she wrote. "at one club the women playing in an English championship were forbidden to walk in front of the clubhouse, in case they spoilt the view for the men."

John Amaechi, a 7ft tall American basketball star, originally from Stockport, has donated £250,00 towards the construction of the Sports Centre and Arena at Whalley Range High, making it possible for building work to start. At school in Stockport John was an overweight boy who towered above other kids and was the butt of constant jibing. On taking up basketball he found he was very good and suddenly appreciated for his height. A scholarship and a few years down the line he now earns $3 million a year….
... coming from a different perspective, American footballer Pat Tillman has turned down a $3 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals to join the US Army Rangers on the front line against terrorism.