RIO DE JANEIRO -- One of the lead investigators into the Russian doping crisis accused the World Anti-Doping Agency of contributing to the chaos ahead of the Olympics by not pushing for a probe into the countrys entire sports system at an earlier date.Jack Robertson, the chief investigator for the probe of Russias track team, told Pro Publica that WADA president Craig Reedie had to be literally pressured into every investigation.Reedie responded by telling The Associated Press that Robertson, who left WADA under pressure in January, is clearly a disaffected former employee.I deny categorically that I delayed, or in any way hindered the investigations into Russia, Reedie said.Calls to move the probe beyond Russias track team started as early as last November, when WADA athletes commission chair Beckie Scott urged expansion of the investigation at a WADA board meeting. Reedie initially dismissed it, then later in the day said he would take it under consideration.But not until a New York Times story in May revealed the Russian governments role in tampering with urine samples at the Sochi Olympics did WADA authorize the investigation.Initial results from that probe, authored by Richard McLaren, were released two weeks ago. They detailed proof of a state-sponsored system that helped Russians avoid positive tests. WADA recommended Russias exclusion from the Olympics, but the International Olympic Committee didnt go along. The IOC asked individual sports federations to review doping histories of Russian athletes, and less than 24 hours before the opening ceremony, the IOC was finalizing the list of eligible Russian athletes.Whistleblowers Vitaly and Yulia Stepanov said they contacted WADA for three years prior to the investigation. With no action being taken, Robertson said he finally told them to go the media. German station ARD ran a documentary based on information from the Stepanovs that led to Robertsons investigation.I knew it would take (documentary maker Hajo Seppelt) to do a story so sensational WADA would have no choice but to commit the resources, Robertson said. Vans Shoes Clearance Sale . Three came down to the fourth quarter while quarterbacks continued to shine in all four games; so important to the overall quality of the game. Vans Old Skool Pink . After a replay, the winner will meet Sunderland in the quarterfinals. Sagbo did well to control Sone Alukos right cross and fire past Brighton goalkeeper Peter Brezovan. Aluko was making his first start in four months after recovering from an Achilles injury. http://www.vansshoesclearancesale.com/vans-old-skool-sale.html . The team says the Spain international has a muscle pull in his right leg. Barcelona hosts third-division side Cartagena in the return leg of their round-of-32 tie after winning their first meeting 4-1. 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The three-time NL MVP was bothered by plantar fasciitis repeatedly during the season, but played through the pain in arguably the strongest year of his half-decade with the Angels.Eppler said the surgery typically prevents players from participating in baseball activities for three months, along with another month before theyre ready to resume playing in games. Opening day for Los Angeles is April 3, and the Angels hope Pujols can be ready.Hes at that point in his career where hes keenly aware of whats happening with his body, Eppler said in a phone interview. I dont put the timetable on Albert like you would with your younger players. Well just see in Alberts case, as he progresses, what his timetable is.Pujols, who turns 37 next month, batted .268 last year with 31 homers and 119 RBI, the fourth-most in the majors -- although his .780 OPS was among the worst of his career. He largely served as a designated hitter instead of playing first base due to problems with his hamstrings and feet.Pujols heads into 2017 with 591 career homers, ranking him ninth in major league history. He is 18 homers behind Sammy Sosa for eighth place.After playing in pain until thee final week of the Angels disappointing season, Pujols began shock wave therapy on his foot early in the offseason, believing he wouldnt need surgery.dddddddddddd.But Pujols foot became more painful in recent weeks despite the therapy, and he huddled with the Angels top brass to decide on surgery after his most recent trip to see Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina. Continuing with conservative care would have required 10 more weeks, forcing Pujols to miss the first half of the 2017 season if he still required surgery.He just felt that the pain had gotten to a point where he was comfortable having surgery, Eppler said. If we did delay it, youre just looking at 2 1/2 more months into the season.Pujols had a different type of surgery on his right foot last winter, but recovered in time for opening day. He also had plantar fasciitis in his left foot during the 2013 season, eventually forcing him out for the year when his fascia snapped.Pujols has five years and $140 million remaining on the 10-year, $240 million free-agent contract that pried him out of St. Louis, where he won two World Series and became a nine-time NL All-Star.The Angels havent won a playoff game since Pujols arrival and Mike Trouts concurrent emergence as one of baseballs best players. They went 74-88 last season, the injury-plagued clubs worst record since 1999. ' ' '
