Where in the World - Paris Attacks

The world was stunned with unprecedented attacks on the City of Lights from multiple gunmen and suicide bombers attacking multiple targets in Paris, France.

Attacks

The attacks took place on Friday night with multiple attacks carried out by multiple terrorists. The attackers targeted people sitting outside Paris' famous cafe's and restaurants along with a music concert and a soccer game between France and Germany. Of the 130 that died many were attending a concert in Bataclan. Later it was discovered the attacks had been orchestrated by ISIS with the leader scurrying away.

Response

Internationally there was condemnation from world leaders and pledges of support for France with condolences coming from all corners. After the initial attacks France began a man hunt for the terrorists that escaped along with neighbouring nations. The manhunt resulted in the organizer pinned down in an apartment block who eventually died along with others including a female cousin of his who set off a suicide vest she was wearing.

With such a brazen attack by ISIS France was left no choice but to intensify strikes on ISIS with a declaration of war with other world leaders calling for more action.

For more on the Evolving story make sure you Follow the Paris Attacks Storyboard.

FIFA Corruption Scandal

News broke this week of a massive corruption scandal at FIFA after multiple high ranking members were arrested by Swiss Police on Wednesday morning followed by warrants for arrest for other members.

Arrest & Allegations

The initial arrests took place at luxury Baur au Lac hotel while the leadership of FIFA gathered in Zurich, Switzerland days before voting on a presidency of FIFA. The Swiss police arrested multiple high ranking FIFA member who are now set to be deported to the US and face federal charges of corruption. Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner handed himself in to police in Trinidad after a warrant for his arrest was issued by US authorities and still more FIFA members.

It is alleged that FIFA had a culture of corruption with $150 million in bribes and payoffs over 24 years among 9 officials and 5 corporate executives at FIFA. The group faces indictment for allegations of racketeering, money laundering and corruption. It's believed former FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer provided the key information that lead to the arrests.

Response

Since the arrests and allegations surfaced there have been serious questions raised by sponsors with VISA threatening to leave the multi-billion dollar soccer empire costing millions in sponsorships. With events costing in the millions many are asking questions about previous decisions and future venues including hosting win by Qatar with Australia asking questions after their bid for the 2022 event failed.

From the individual standpoint current FIFA President Sepp Blatter in now also in the cross airs after the allegations, however, he is expected to win the vote for president despite his close ties to those under investigation and calls for him to resign. Former Argentina captain Maradona believes the money accepted in bribes should go to training camps in Africa while Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the US of meddling with FIFA.

Unsportsmanlike Behaviour

While sports show the perseverance of the human spirit it also shows the darker side of human nature which was on full display this past week.

On the Field

Smaller cash-strapped F1 team's threatened to boycott the US grand prix this past weekend due to the division of royalties and with attention on Formula 1 finances Bernie Ecclestone admitted F1 had problems but wasn't sure what to do about it eliciting calls to start by cutting costs.

In the world of soccer an Israeli match was cancelled after a player was assaulted by a fan of the opposing team and after spitting on an Argentine forward it was reported that FA would take no action against Belgian's Fellaini.

From physical retaliation to fowl play the Bridgeport Sound Tigers goalie was caught intentionally knocking over his net to prevent a two-on-none rush. Meanwhile the NBA has fined Tony Allen $15,000 for intentionally striking a camera on the baseline.

Off the Field

Surprisingly there are quit a few court cases involving sports men and women starting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell testify for 2 hours in Ray Rice case. The goalkeeper for the United States women soccer team, Hope Solo, has been charged with two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault. In another case, this time involving child abuse, Adrian Peterson avoided jail by striking a plea deal with prosecutors and with his doping ban behind him Alex Rodriquez may find himself back in court but this time regarding his cousin. Former AFL player Stephen Milne had rape charges dropped instead pleading guilty to indecent assault.

Off the court and outside of court other players lives were just as complicated with two OHL players suspended for using vulgar and abusive language in conversation with women on Tinder. An interview with Mike Tyson was cut short after he called the shows host "full of shit", not the first time he's had an altercation on air, and finally a porn star has publicly shamed Flyers defenceman Del Zotto after he tried to use her as a dating service to hook up with her friend.

Sports beyond the scores

While sports normally revolve around scores and game play it's what happens off the field that's making news these days.

American Football

The San Francisco Chronicle has joined other newspapers in deciding not to use the controversial nickname "Redskins" when referring to the team.

The man charged with killing Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson 2 year old son is free on bail out of the South Dakota jail. 

Baseball

With the Red Sox winning the World Series a hairy question has been raised, what will happen to their beards?

Talking of mysterious objects, where did the World Series paper plane that made it on to the field come from?

Soccer

FIFA have banned four English players due to a criminal investigation into match-fixing.

Calls for up to 40 teams to compete in the World Cup to allow more African and Asian countries to compete.

French players have gone on strike over Frances new "super tax" of 75%.

Golf

The LGPA has scraped it's age limit to allow 16-year-old Lydia Ko to participate.

Golf legend Tiger Woods has parted ways with EA Sports.