Time not on their side
The International Olympic Committee denies asking Russia's Government to turn clocks back one hour to benefit broadcasters of the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.
The IOC says it was only asked for an opinion, and any decision is "clearly one for the Government".
Reports in Moscow claimed IOC member Jean-Claude Killy wrote asking if Sochi could be two hours ahead of Central European Time instead of three.
Killy, who leads the IOC panel overseeing Sochi planning, reportedly also raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin.
Faking it
NBA team the Cleveland Cavaliers poked fun at the recent Manti Te'o "fake dead girlfriend" scandal that took over US headlines last week by running their own "Manti Te'o kiss cam" during their recent clash against the Boston Celtics. The camera panned over fans sitting next to empty seats in expectation of them planting an imaginary kiss on their imaginary seat buddy.
The Cavs weren't the only side to make light of the Te'o story with a minor league team planning a Manti Te'o's Girlfriend Bobblehead Night, where we guess no bobbleheads will be handed out.
Meanwhile, NHL team the Dallas Stars are extending a "welcome" to Te'o's girlfriend on their opening night game.
Size matters
German club Hannover may be taking a tape measure when signing players in the future after the latest addition to their club came up shorter than advertised.
Hannover coach Mirko Slomka thought he was signing a 1.87m enforcer in midfielder Franca, who moved to the Bundesliga club this week on a contract until 2016.
A Hannover statement described Franca as "robust" and "physical" but they soon had to eat their words when it was realised he was only 1.77m - a detail first noticed when he and the 1.85m manager stood side-by-side.
"What can I say, I was totally surprised," said Slomka after meeting the player. "The one criterion had been to pay attention to the body size."
Wrong age, wrong country
A player on Peru's team at the South American under-20 soccer championship has left the event after being accused of playing under a false identity.
The Ecuadorean Football Association told the Associated Press the Peru player identified as Max Barrios is actually an Ecuadorean named Juan Espinoza. He also happens to be 25.
Ecuador association spokesman Victor Mestanza says CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football, has been asked to investigate the case. The tournament in Argentina ends on February 3 with four teams advancing to the Under-20 World Cup this year in Turkey.
South American powers Brazil and Argentina have been eliminated. Peru and Ecuador are still in contention.
Sponsor of the week
Manchester United's long list of official sponsors continues to grow with Japanese paint maker Kansai named as the Premier League leader's official paint partner. Kansai joins other United sponsors including official savoury snack partner Mister Potato, official noodles partner Mamee, and Smirnoff , the Guardian reports.
Player of the week
US high school ice hockey goalie Erin O'Neil. Despite her teammates letting her down and allowing the opposition to outshoot Minnetonka High 46-8, the teenager managed to save all but one of the shots to lead her side to a 3-1 victory.
