Reuters Sports News Summary

The team behind Tom Brady ran defense for the star quarterback on Thursday after a report found he likely knew footballs were deflated to the New England Patriots' advantage in a scandal that could lead to a multigame suspension and a tainted legacy. As Brady's agent issued a stinging rebuke of the findings, the National Football League clammed up the day after releasing the 243-page "Deflategate" report, refusing to give a timetable or range on possible sanctions against Brady or the Patriots.

Rodriguez passes Mays for fourth on home run list

Alex Rodriguez blasted the 661st home run of his career on Thursday to pass Willie Mays for fourth on the all-time list. The milestone blow came in the third inning of the New York Yankees' 4-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

500 days out, Rio risks Olympics cost surge as building lags

With less than 500 days until Rio de Janeiro hosts the Olympic Games, construction of several venues has not started and some major contracts have not even been tendered, setting the stage for a last-minute rush that will likely drive up costs. It may seem like a familiar script for major sporting events. As the start date nears, the headlines invariably focus on delays and the scramble to get ready on time, and yet the games end up going ahead without major hitches.

Mayweather makes U-turn, says no to Pacquiao re-match

Two days after saying he would be open to a re-match with Manny Pacquiao, unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather Jr. reversed course on Thursday while describing the Filipino as "a sore loser". In an interview with Showtime to be broadcast on Saturday, Mayweather expressed his disgust that Pacquiao had blamed an injured right shoulder for his defeat by the American in the so-called "Fight of the Century" in Las Vegas.

Canadiens beat Bolts 6-2 to keep series alive

The Montreal Canadiens staved off elimination from the Eastern Conference semi-finals with a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four on Thursday. With the season on the line, Montreal burst to a 5-0 lead midway through the second to beat the Lightning for the first time in nine meetings this season and send the series back to Montreal on Saturday.

Malaysian Lee denied world championship wildcard

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) have opted against giving twice Olympic silver medalist Lee Chong Wei a wildcard for the world championship, leaving Malaysia in an awkward selection position. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) had hoped Lee, who will return to action on Sunday following an eight-month ban for doping, would be given a wildcard for the Aug 10-16 event in Jakarta after seeing his ranking tumble while inactive.

Wizards' Wall out with fractures in left wrist, hand

The Washington Wizards were dealt a severe blow to their playoff hopes when All-Star point guard John Wall was sidelined indefinitely on Thursday because of an injured left wrist and hand. Wall sat out Game Two against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday and medical tests the following day revealed five non-displaced fractures in his hand and wrist, the National Basketball Association team said in a statement.

Blackhawks sweep Wild, advance to West final

Chicago advanced to the Western Conference final after a 4-3 win over Minnesota on Thursday gave the Blackhawks a sweep of their semi-final series. The Blackhawks, who eliminated Minnesota from the playoffs for the third consecutive season, will face either Anaheim or Calgary in the West final. The Ducks lead the Flames 2-1 in their series.

Patriots' Brady says Super Bowl win not tainted by 'Deflategate'

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said Thursday the team's Super Bowl victory over the Seattle Seahawks was not tainted by the "Deflategate" investigation, but he declined to directly respond to the probe's findings. "No, absolutely not," Brady said during a speaking engagement at Salem State University when asked if the scandal over deflated footballs raised questions about the team's 28-24 victory over the Seahawks in February.

Former Brazil soccer great Pele undergoes prostate surgery

Brazilian soccer legend Pele has undergone prostate surgery and is in stable condition, a Sao Paulo hospital said on Thursday. This is the second time Pele, 74, has been hospitalized in six months.