What Happened? 2014 Sports News

Sporting legends made their presence felt in 2014 but it was the behaviour off the field that garnered most of the attention.

Events

It was the FIFA World Cup 2014 that gained the most attention kicking off the year with some truly shocking events including protests after Brazil's dismal performance and subsequent defeat with Germany taking the title. The Winter Olympics took place in Sochi Russia and went relatively smoothly even if there were issues with accommodation.

The Laureus sports awards recognized the skills and technique needed to succeed in the world of sport while the big annual events saw the best of the best at Wimbledon where Novak Djokovic took the title along with Martin Kaymer who won the US Open. On the team front the Super Bowl was won by the Seattle Seahawks while the World Series went to the San Francisco Giants.

Individuals

Sporting legends made the news like former F1 champion Michael Schumaker who made progress and was brought out of his coma. Derek Jeter played his final game at Fenway Park in an emotional event which saw everyone from celebrities to athletes tip their hat in respect. Soccer legend Pele was hospitalized following surgery for kidney stones but was later released and Michael Sam became the first openly gay player to join the NFL.

It wasn't all good news when Australian Phillip Hughes passed away 2 days after sustaining a head injury during a cricket match. The NFL had a major image problem with domestic abuse claims and child abuse taking center stage and things got down right ugly at the FIFA soccer world cup which saw unsportsmanlike behaviour when Brazil's Neymar was kneed in the back and when Uruguayan player Luiz Suarez was banned after biting another player. Finally, off the court we saw the Oscar Pistorius trial which had people glued to the TV and the court room drama when Donald Sterling lost the Clippers in a disputed sale but walked away with $2billion despite his actions.

Sports highest accolades and the cost to compete

It's been a mixed bag in the sporting world with a few coming out tops while some struggled and other fought even tougher battles.

Winners

Sebastian Vettel has been named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year along with Missy Franklin who was named the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year.

Karrie Webb won the LPGA Tour's Founders Cup tournament shooting an 8-under-par 63 to clench the title.

Following the money

The Dodgers have knocked the Yankees off baseball's payroll perch with an average salary of $4million.

After a lengthy legal battle Bernie Ecclestone has been left with a $6.6million legal bill despite winning.

Red Bull's billionaire owner, Dietrich Mateschitz, has threatened to quit if the sport does not meet his needs after the disqualification of Ricciardo.

Behaving badly

Shaq is under police investigation for an assault that took place last year.

South Korea have lodged a complaint with the International Skating Union over judging of the women's figure skating at the recent Winter Olympics in Sochi.

The Miami Open was temporarily delayed due to a suspicious package left outside resulting in the bomb squad being called in to investigate.

Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder faced criticism after starting a foundation for Native Americans but still refuses the change the name of his team.

Condolences and best Wishes

Argentine tennis star Juan Martin del Potro had wrist surgery and will mist the rest of the season.

Formula 1's former chief doctor claims there were "serious lapses" in the treatment of Michael Schumacher which may have worsened his condition.

19 year old Navy football player Will McKamey has passed away, 3 days after collapsing during practice.

What Happened? 2013 Sports News

Athlete's proved their worth to claim top honors but tragedy struck too close for some.

Tragedies

The Boston marathon turned tragic when terrorists detonated bombs near the finish line of the event. A man hunt ensued for two brothers resulting in one dying in a gun fight with police and the other eventually being caught while hiding in a boat.

A twisted tale came out of South Africa with Paralympic runner Oscar Pistorius fatally shooting his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Oscar was arrested and released on bail until the trial.

The year ended with Michael Schumacher in a coma after a skiing accident with his son.

Cheats

Lance Armstrong finally admitted that he used performance enhancing drugs to Oprah in an interview.

Several soccer players and officials were banned by FIFA after being caught in a match fixing scandal.

A-Rod's association with the Biogenesis steroid scandal resulted in the MLB suspending him. A-Rod has since appealed his suspension allowing him to play temporarily.

Publicity, it goes both ways

After Beyonce's performance at Super Bowl XLVII just into the 3rd quarter a partial blackout sent the Superdome in New Orleans into darkness lasting over 30 minutes. The blackout was due to a faulty breaker.

The Washington Redskins came under renewed attack for it's offensive name with newspapers fighting back refusing to use the name "Redskins"

Still to come

Questions around Brazil's ability to host the 2014 Soccer World Cup rose after fatal accidents during the construction of the stadiums.

Changes to F1 brought mixed reactions from teams with double points and numbers up for grabs.