Britain leaves Beckham off squad

Associated Press
Posted: July 03, 2012

WEMBLEY, England - Britain coach Stuart Pearce said he couldn't pick David Beckham for the Olympic football tournament "on sentiment" and had to consider form and fitness after dumping the man who helped London win the 2012 Games.

Pearce said Monday he had "a duty of care" to pick the best possible squad for the Olympics as he controversially left Britain's most famous sportsman out of his final 18-man squad.

Pearce selected Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, and Micah Richards as his three over-age players, leaving no place for the 37-year-old Beckham. Pearce said he told Beckham Thursday night that he wouldn't be in the squad and the L.A. Galaxy midfielder was "very disappointed."

Britain team Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said there still could be a role for Londoner Beckham at the Olympics.

Minute to remember

Germany's foreign minister is urging the International Olympic Committee to hold a minute's silence at the London Games for the 11 Israeli team members killed after being taken hostage by Palestinian gunmen at the Munich Olympics 40 years ago.

During the 1972 Munich Games, eight members of the Black September militant group entered the Olympic Village and took Israeli team members hostage. A day later, all 11 were dead.

Everyone in the pool

Melissa Seidemann fired the ball into the left corner past goalie Tumua Anae as teammate Kami Craig gave her a congratulatory "Nice!"

These days, even morning shootarounds are important moments for the U.S. women's water polo team with the Olympics only weeks away.

The Americans, who hope to capture their first gold medal after two heartbreaking silvers and a bronze, warmed up for the first of four exhibition games with Hungary on Monday night, a preview of the countries' Olympic opener in London on July 30.

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