Polish hammer thrower Pawel Fajdek reportedly got so "hammered" during his victory celebrations at the World Athletics Championships that he paid for a taxi with his gold medal.
According to Chinese media outlet Tencent, Fajdek woke up Sunday morning to find his medal missing after a heavy celebration the night before.
The concerned 26-year-old contacted police immediately, who managed to trace the driver who had taken him to his hotel the night before.
The taxi driver claimed the athlete had handed over the medal willingly to cover the fare, before eventually returning the collectible.
Polish journalists confirmed they had seen Fajdek at a restaurant earlier in the evening where he had "drunk a lot in the celebration party."
Fajdek has now accused Chinese media of inventing the story.
Writing on his official Facebook page he said he was having photos taken with the taxi driver, who he said "probably drove off with the medal unknowingly."
He also criticized "stupid rumours," but said the Chinese media reaction "was logical."
"They wouldn't describe their own citizen as guilty because it's easier to blame it on the other side."
No harm, no foul
Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas ripped NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for coming down too hard on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for his role in "Deflategate." Thomas accused Goodell of a sting operation and of turning the NFL into WWE.
Wrote Reggie Hayes of The News-Sentinel of Fort Wayne, Ind.: "Goodell did not chastise Thomas for his comments, since playing for the Browns is punishment enough."
Mind your Mannings
Eli Manning reportedly wants to be the NFL's highest-paid quarterback.
Wrote R.J. Currie of sportsdeke.com: "Most people can't imagine him being the league's highest-paid Manning."
Headlines
From sportspickle.com:
• "Aaron Rodgers disappointed his fantasy league held its draft before Jordy Nelson tore his ACL"
• "RGE expected to be healthy enough to get hurt during Week 1"
From theonion.com:
• "Rams threaten to leave St. Louis unless taxpayers personally build stadium with bare hands"
Sports quiz
Who was the last Cleveland Indians pitcher to throw a no-hitter?
Answer
Len Barker tossed a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 15, 1981.
Sports on 08/27/2015