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      in Soccer

      Cocaine use at football matches leaves League One side’s stadium toilets like a ‘launderette’ full of powder, MPs told

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      COCAINE use at football is leaving stadium toilets like a “launderette” full of powder, MPs were told today.The DCMS committee watched what chairman and Tory MP Julian Knight said were “absolutely shocking” scenes of violence at games at all levels over the past six months.
      Shocking ‘scenes of violence’ in football grounds have been describedCredit: Getty
      And police and stewarding chiefs reinforced the message that the cocktail of drink and drugs was evoking memories of the dark days of the past.
      Peter Houghton, head of operations for the Football Safety Officers Association said: “It’s coming home from all aspects of sport that there has been an increase in cocaine use.
      “A friend of mine who works at Cambridge United said that when he checked the toilets after a match it looked like a launderette – there was so much powder there.
      “Violence at football has always been synonymous with alcohol but it is becoming abundantly clear it’s not just a football issue and affecting different sports.
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      “Now you are not just pointing the finger at alcohol users but are also able to point the finger at drug users.
      “It is clear that one or two of those people in the video have been using drugs and are not drunk.”
      That message was echoed by England and Wales’ top football cop, Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts, who added: “It is not just the UK – we are seeing considerable increase in disorder across Europe after the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
      “We are not anywhere near where we were in the 80s and we need to keep context on things. This is worrying but we are not back as bad as it was.
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      “Cocaine is certainly a contributing factor to violence in the night-time economy and football. Football is a reflection of wider society.
      “There is clearly an element of organised gangs who set out and wish to engage in violence. It is an unwelcome re-emergence.
      “The concern is that we have younger people involved in this. The concern is that if younger people become involved in it then it is a problem for the next 30 years until we take some remedial action.”
      Ch Con Roberts also pointed out that police forces were able to recoup only £7m of the £47m cost of officers attending matches last season.
      He added: “It’s unfair we only get £7m back when £7m couldn’t buy you a second division full back.”
      Drink and drugs have fuelled the an increase in violence at gamesCredit: Rex More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua’s old rival Jarrell Miller granted boxing licence in Las Vegas for first time since drug scandal

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      JARRELL MILLER has been granted a professional boxing licence in Las Vegas for the first time since his drugs scandal. The shamed heavyweight was initially hit with a two-year ban dating back to a positive test ahead of his proposed fight with Jerry Forrest.
      Jarrell Miller has been granted a professional boxing licence in Las Vegas
      Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller pictured in 2019Credit: Getty
      But the Nevada State Athletic Commission have now cleared Miller to fight just over two years on.
      They said in a statement to Sky Sports: “Jarrell Miller was granted a 2022 Professional Boxers license which will expire at the end of the year.”
      Miller, 34, infamously failed three Voluntary Anti-Doping Association pre-fight drug tests before he was set to fight Anthony Joshua in 2019.
      He blamed his failed test before fighting AJ on a tainted supplement and stem cell shots in his elbow.
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      Joshua, 33, went on to suffer a shock loss, the first of his career, against stand-in Andy Ruiz Jr, 33.
      Miller in 2020 earned a contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable but again tested positive for a banned substance.
      This time the ex-kickboxer put it down to a SEX PILL and was handed a two-year suspension.
      Miller enrolled in VADA testing in December 2020 and has returned clean drug tests since, which saw him able to return this summer.
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      The American beat Ariel Esteban Bracamonte, 29, and Derek Cardenas, 24, in his first two comeback bouts.
      And he is lined up to face Awadh Tamim, 38, on November 4 in Tanzania.
      Miller this year sparred Tyson Fury, 34, before the WBC heavyweight champion knocked out Dillian Whyte, 34.
      Jarrell Miller this year sparred Tyson FuryCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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      in Boxing

      Heavyweight boxer arrested for ‘trafficking 22 TONS of cocaine worth $1BILLION into US’

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      GORAN GOGIC has been charged with trafficking over $1billion worth of cocaine via the United States of America.The Montenegrin former boxer was arrested while trying to board a flight from Miami to Zurich on Sunday night.
      Goran Gogic boxed professionally between 2001 and 2012Credit: Getty
      The 2019 drugs bust was one of the biggest in US historyCredit: Getty
      Gogic, 43, was indicted by a grand jury in New York after one of the biggest drug busts in US history.
      He has been charged with three counts of breaching the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act – as well as a further count of conspiracy.
      The four counts each carry with them a minimum 10-year jail term.
      And Gogic could even receive a life sentence after being charged with trafficking over 22 tons worth of cocaine from commercial cargo ships in Philadelphia three years ago.
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      The prosecution claimed that the cocaine was transported from Europe to Colombia via US ports.
      It is also alleged that Gogic looked after logistics of the scheme – coordinating with all sides on behalf of his cartels back in Europe.
      Following Gogic’s arrest and indictment, US attorney Breon Pearce said: “The arrest and indictment of Gogic, a former boxer allegedly responsible for trafficking a staggering amount of cocaine, more than 20 tons, which he attempted to move through US ports, is a resounding victory for law enforcement.
      “The meticulous planning by the defendant and his co-conspirators failed to take into account the federal agents whose hard work resulted in this body blow to the organisation and individuals responsible for distributing massive quantities of cocaine.”
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      DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino III added: “A billion dollars’ (£870million) worth of cocaine seized was a heavy hit for Gogic’s criminal network, but nothing heavier than his arrest last night.
      “As evident in this case, criminal organisations will go to various extremes to make a profit off the sale of poison.
      “Due to the hard work by local, state and federal law enforcement, 20 tons of poison was intercepted en route from Colombia to Europe.
      “Gogic’s arrest underscores law enforcement’s commitment to bringing to justice those responsible for causing the most harm to our communities.”
      Gogic boxed professionally 27 times as a heavyweight between 2001 and 2012.
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      He hung up his gloves with a record of 21 wins, four defeats and two draws.
      The former fighter last took to the ring in July 2012, when he defeated little-known 2-17 Romanian Liviu Ungureanu in Germany.
      Over 22 tons of cocaine was seizedCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Conor Benn gives up boxing licence as BBBofC council finds him guilty of misconduct after failed pre-Eubank drug test

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      CONOR BENN has ripped up his British boxing licence over his escalating doping row that wrecked his Chris Eubank Jr fight.The board of control called the 26-year-old welterweight son of ring legend Nigel to a hearing on Friday to discuss a misconduct charge.
      Benn has relinquished his licence with the BBofCCredit: Getty
      But the undefeated ace is so furious with how they have handled his case that he is refusing to comply and has been hit with a handful of charges.
      SunSport understands a fine of around £50,000 was issued but – if Benn has renounced his arrangement with the BBBofC – he might escape paying it.
      An official statement read: “By a notice dated 17th October 2022, Mr. Conor Benn was called by the Board of the BBBofC to attend a hearing dealing with allegations of misconduct pursuant to Rule 25.1.1.
      “The hearing took place on 21st October 2022.
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      “On the morning of the hearing, Mr. Benn voluntarily relinquished his licence with the BBBofC.
      “In accordance with its Rules and Regulations, the Board determined the allegations following the hearing at which Mr. Benn was legally represented.
      “The allegations of misconduct against Mr. Benn were upheld.”
      Benn is furious that the governing body was aware of a failed test as early as August but showed no urgency in cancelling the catchweight bout.
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      Instead they waited until two days out of the sold-out O2 and pay-per-view clash to withdraw their sanctioning of the contest and force its cancellation by Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn.
      The Essex fight boss expects Benn’s legal team to prove his innocence soon, with an explanation based on his sample getting contaminated.
      And he has accused the board, who have handed their doping policing and sentencing to Ukad whose tests Benn passed, of leaking information about the case to the press.
      He said: “Conor Benn never had a chance to have a hearing before the fight. They just sat on it and leaked it to the press and went from there.
      “Everything in the results of this test – which you’ll hear from Conor – leads to contamination.
      “The levels in this amount, surrounded by the other testing that took place, would lead to suggestion of contamination of some kind in this test.”
      Benn will have to fight abroad but that will only happen when the case is closed.
      He could then fight in the UK as an overseas fighter, although it is frowned upon.
      WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury boxed Dillian Whyte earlier this year on a Nevada licence.
      Benn’s fight camps will also take place abroad.
      The Brit has accused the BBBofC of making it difficult for him to focus on clearing his name.
      He said in a defiant statement: “Conor’s focus at this time is solely on clearing his name.
      “The Board, however, has made it extremely difficult for Conor to focus on doing that by its conduct of an unfair and biased procedure.
      “In such circumstances, Conor decided not to renew his licence (which had lapsed).
      “Conor told the Board that if it did not accept that his licence had lapsed, then he renounces it.
      “He strongly refutes the allegation of misconduct (which for the avoidance of doubt is *not* in relation to the VADA issue) and firmly believes that an independent tribunal will reach a wholly different conclusion.
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      “At the appropriate time Conor will speak out on this and on the doping allegation, to the extent that he can while legal proceedings are ongoing.
      “In the meantime he reiterates, in no uncertain terms, that he is a clean athlete.” More

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      in Boxing

      Mike Tyson reveals how he was HIGH after cannabis festival binge just hours before infamous bust-up with fan on plane

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      MIKE TYSON has admitted he was HIGH on cannabis before his infamous bust-up with a fan on a plane.The 56-year-old was filmed repeatedly punching Melvin George Townsend III on a JetBlue flight in April.
      Mike Tyson said he was “high and tired” before his altercation with a fan on a planeCredit: Getty
      Tyson credited his wife Lakiha Spicer for helping keep him under controlCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Tyson opened up on his famous flight bust upCredit: TALK TV
      And Iron Mike has now confessed he had turned up for the flight from San Francisco to Miami straight after being in the midst of 60,000 people smoking cannabis.
      Videos on social media at the time showed Townsend appearing to goad Tyson before the melee, and it was also claimed he threw a water bottle at Tyson.
      Speaking about the incident, Tyson told Piers Morgan Uncensored he couldn’t take any more after being provoked by Townsend.
      He said: “First of all, I came from this place called Hippie Hill, 60,000 people were there smoking cannabis.
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      “So by the time I’m on the plane, I’m hungry, high and tired, OK? And this guy keeps antagonising me.
      “And then I came to my senses and kicked his f***king ass.
      “I’m only joking. I wish I did kick his a**. My bodyguard jumped on top of him.”
      Former world heavyweight champion Tyson revealed he can’t “play like that anymore” because his wife, Lakiha Spicer, is worried he’s going to get “cancelled”.
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      The pair got married in 2009, and Iron Mike admitted Spicer, 45, does her best to keep him under control.
      Speaking on people antagonising him, Tyson said: “[There are] quite a few but I’ve only had to put my hands on one.
      “Listen, I can’t play like that anymore or my wife gets mad. She doesn’t like my sense of humour. She thinks I’m going to get cancelled or some s**t.”
      And Tyson confessed being around his wife means he keeps out of trouble… for the most part.
      He continued: “I think she thinks she keeps me out of trouble. I’m always with her, so that’s why I’m not in trouble.”
      When asked if he’d dish out more punishment if his wife wasn’t around, Tyson said: “No, I don’t believe in that. My wife always says to be nice when I go outside, so I would take that advice and be nice.”
      Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV. Find TalkTV on Sky 526, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 and Sky Glass 508, live and on demand on the TalkTV app, streaming services and at Talk.TV.
      Tyson and Spicer have been married since 2009Credit: Splash More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Liverpool and Cardiff City footballer turned drug dealer jailed for eight years over £6m cocaine racket

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      AN ex-Liverpool footballer who became a cocaine dealer after quitting the game has been caged for eight years.Layton Maxwell was just 19 when he scored during his 1999 debut at Anfield.
      Layton Maxwell (L) appearing for Cardiff City against Barnsley in 2002Credit: Simon Wilkinson
      Maxwell’s career never took off and he was released in 2001 before joining a cocaine gang as he tumbled down the leaguesCredit: WNS
      The midfielder had shown huge potential as he rose through the ranks at the club alongside aces Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
      But his career never took off and he was released in 2001 before joining a cocaine gang as he tumbled down the leagues.
      A court heard Maxwell, now 43, allowed the multi-million pound gang to use his home as a safehouse for storing drugs in a £6m racket.
      Organised crime agents found more than 60 kilos of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, as well as £2.5m in cash and weighing equipment in a raid at his Cardiff home.
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      Prosecutors said Maxwell was banking £500-a-month as a “courier” for gang bosses after being arrested during Operation Venetic, which saw millions pounds worth of drugs and cash seized.
      Raids were carried out after officers from the National Crime Agency busted open an encrypted messaging service that had been used by gang leaders.
      The thwarting of the EncroChat revealed an “Aladdin’s cave” of evidence against some of the world’s most dangerous criminals, where they also planned killings and boasted of cutting limbs off rivals.
      Maxwell was one of eight defendants jailed for a total of 80 years at Cardiff Crown Court – with more gang members yet to be sentenced.
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      Maxwell, of Rhiwbina, Cardiff, admitted conspiracy to supply the Class A drug cocaine and was jailed for eight years for his role.
      Jailing the ex-footballer, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke described the gang’s activity as a “dirty trade bringing misery to many.”
      Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thorne said the raids in South Wales alone resulted in “two tonnes of drugs and millions of pounds in cash recovered.”
      Maxwell dreamed of the big time when he scored his debut but never played for the first team again.
      At the time he said: “I scored and you really think you’ve made it when that happens. Not many players score at the Kop End on their Liverpool debut.
      “It was some night after that game, but I soon came back down to earth because I was training with the reserves the following week.”
      After nearly a year without an appearance in the first team the Welshman was loaned to Stockport County for a season before moving to Cardiff City and then Swansea.
      After leaving Swansea City Maxwell plummeted down the divisions before seeing out his career in the League of Wales with spells at minnows Bangor City and Caernarfon.
      Read More on The Sun
      After retiring from football he became an engineer with Vodafone and took charge of Cardiff Draconians in Welsh football’s third tier.
      He stepped down in December due to increased work commitments.
      Maxwell, of Rhiwbina, Cardiff, admitted conspiracy to supply the Class A drug cocaine and was jailed for eight years for his roleCredit: WNS More

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      in Boxing

      Conor Benn could face FOUR YEAR ban as anti-doping chiefs investigate positive drugs test that KOd Chris Eubank Jr fight

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      CONOR BENN faces a four-year ban after British anti-doping chiefs asked for evidence of his failed drugs test.SunSport understands UK Anti-Doping will launch a formal probe after traces of banned fertility drug clomifene – which boosts testosterone – were found in Benn’s A sample.
      Conor Benn returned an adverse finding for the banned substance clomifeneCredit: Reuters
      He now faces a four-year ban after British anti-doping chiefs asked for evidence of his failed drugs testCredit: PA
      His failed drugs test – conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency – led to the postponement of tonight’s grudge £25million catchweight fight with Chris Eubank Jr at the O2.
      Now UKAD will write to VADA to request the analysis of the 26-year-old’s adverse finding.
      Only UKAD have the authority to issue a doping ban, but it is understood VADA – whose testing services typically cost around £30,000 – are prepared to hand over the necessary documentation.
      The bombshell news comes after Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn threatened legal action against British boxing chiefs after they refused to sanction the fight.
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      Conor’s legendary father Nigel Benn Sr, 58, leapt to his son’s defence on Friday after his boy had already vowed to clear his name.
      He took to social media and said: “Hi guys, as you know we’re in total shock.
      “I’ve been with my son for the last ten weeks and the training has absolutely gone the best it could have been.
      “He’s a dedicated trainer, he leaves no stone unturned and we’ll get to the bottom of this, I love my son.
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      “I know he don’t cut no corners, he just goes straight at it 100 per cent but we’ll keep you informed, we’ll let you know what the next step is.
      “But he’s a faithful trainer and a clean athlete, speak to you all soon, God bless.”
      Meanwhile, Benn’s “devastated” coach Tony Sims says he’ll keep supporting the boxer.
      Sims said: “Having spoken to Conor personally in length surrounding the subject and listening to him, I support him as a coach and as a friend.
      “We are determined to get to the bottom of this as a team, working closely with Conor’s legal advisors in an effort to understand the meaning of the ‘adverse finding’ and resolve this matter urgently.”
      Sims’ added: “After 26 years in boxing, a sport I love and have dedicated my life to, I can say hand on heart that I have never experienced or witnessed any athlete in my camp fail an anti doping test, voluntary or mandatory and I stand by that fact.”
      The test led to the postponement of the £25m catchweight fight with Chris Eubank JrCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Gang take over ex-Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant’s abandoned £1Million mansion and turn it into huge cannabis factory

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      JERMAINE Pennant’s mansion is at the centre of a police drugs investigation after a huge cannabis farm was discovered.The former Arsenal, Liverpool and Stoke City winger was stunned to learn a £1m property he lived in while playing at Anfield had been turned into an industrial scale drug-growing operation.
      Jermaine Pennant’s mansion has been turned into a drug denCredit: Getty
      A drug gang has been growing cannabis in the mansionCredit: YouTube
      Pennant bought the mansion, which boasts an outdoor swimming pool, for £1,025m in 2006 while playing for Liverpool.
      It has been abandoned since 2020 when the ex-footballer split with his then-partner.
      The 1930s property boasts an ornamental pond, tennis court, hot tub and an outdoor heated swimming pool.
      The scale of the cannabis farm was revealed on social media by an urban explorer who filmed himself wandering around the five-bedroom mansion in the upmarket area of Hale near Liverpool’s John Lennon airport.
      The explorer, who spent 35 minutes filming as he wandered around the property, said in a YouTube video: “They’ve had a big fat grow in here. Oh my God.. look at the chandelier up there.
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      “Guys we have just walked into a massive cannabis grow in an ex-footballer player’s house.”
      He continues: “Wow, this is former footballer Jermaine Pennant’s house and look at the mountains of weed everywhere. There is so much of the stuff it stinks.”
      Footage captured by the explorers and posted on YouTube showed dozens of plant pots, ducting pipes and windows taped up along with huge bin bags full of drugs paraphernalia piled up in a bathroom.
      The video also shows that a warrant to search the premises under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 was issued by magistrates in Carlisle on 2 September.
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      The warrant allowed police officers to search the property for “controlled drugs in all its forms of growth and production”.
      A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said: “On 5 January 2022 police executed a warrant at a property on Hale Road in Widnes.
      “A cannabis farm was found inside and a quantity of plants were seized.
      “At the time a 35-year-old man was arrested and has been released under investigation.
      “In September officers received further information of a cannabis farm at the same property on Hale Road.
      “Officers executed the warrant on 2 September and following a search no cannabis plants were located.”
      West Midlands Police is now understood to be dealing with the case.
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      Pennant lived in the house for three years before moving to Spanish La Liga side Real Zaragoza.
      The mansion is understood to have been empty for at least three years.
      Among the items found at the house are a picture of Pennant drinking from a McDonald’s cup.
      Pennant’s home was previously targeted by ram raiders in 2008 after they drove a car through his gates as he lay in bed with his girlfriend.
      Pennant joined Arsenal aged 15 in 1999 when they paid £2m for him to move from Notts County.
      But he only made 12 appearances for the Gunners before moving to Birmingham City in 2005.
      He was convicted of drink driving and played while wearing an electronic tag.He then moved to Liverpool and reached the pinnacle of his career when he played in the 2007 Champions League final.
      Following a three-year stint at Anfield he was sent out on loan to Portsmouth, Stoke City and Wolves before he became a journeyman star playing for clubs in Spain, India and Singapore.
      Read More on The Sun
      Since retiring from football he has appeared on 2018 Celebrity Big Brother and dating show Celebs Go Dating.
      He has now signed up for the next series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
      Pennant bought the home for £1.25million in 2006Credit: YouTube
      He then left the home in 2020 after splitting with his partnerCredit: YouTube
      Police confirmed a quantity of plants were seizedCredit: YouTube
      Pennant lived in the house for three years before moving to Spanish La Liga side Real ZaragozaCredit: YouTube
      Penannt began his career at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      The star also played for Liverpool for three yearsCredit: AFP More