Rory McIlroy skips Rio Olympics due to Zika virus

Yevgeny Plushenko pushes back 2016-17 season plans
This means Plushenko’s name likely won’t be on nearing Grand Prix assignments.

Oscar Pistorius sentence date set after he walks without prosthetics in court (video)
Oscar Pistorius’ sentence for the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp will be delivered July 6.

U.S. Olympic women’s eight rowing team set to be named, eyes extending dynasty
The U.S. has won 10 straight Olympic or World titles, among the great streaks in Olympic sports history.

U.S. cycling envies Iran, Morocco heading to Olympics
How did the U.S. end up with fewer road spots than Iran in the Olympics?

Dilma Rousseff jokes, ‘I will climb a tree to watch’ Olympics
Rousseff’s impeachment trial is expected to last into the Olympics, if not longer.

Michaels, Patrick, Lowe, McHugh, Manno to host NBC Olympics coverage in Rio
The daytime coverage will originate from Copacabana Beach.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic one of 35 finalists for Sweden Olympic team
The striker’s hopes of competing in Rio “are not huge,” though.

Russian athletes plead in letter to be allowed in Rio Olympics
“It is guaranteed that our athletes are clean; none of them have ever taken banned substances.”

Jerry Colangelo doesn’t expect more withdrawals, still awaits LeBron James’ decision
USA Baskeball won’t get LeBron James’ decision until after the NBA Finals.

NBC Olympics’ Daytime, Late Night studio to be set on famed Copacabana Beach
NBC Olympics’ daytime and late night studio will join beach volleyball players on Copacabana Beach.

Olympic, Paralympic medals for Rio Games unveiled
Nearly 5,000 award medals were designed by the Brazilian Mint.

UN: Rio Olympics very unlikely to spread Zika virus
The World Health Organization said there is “a very low risk” that the Rio Olympics will accelerate the spread of the Zika virus.

Keni Harrison, one of 11 siblings, headlines Stockholm Diamond League; events to watch
David Rudisha also leads the 800m field.

Sage Kotsenburg leans toward 2018 Olympics, but undecided
Kotsenburg has struggled since his Sochi breakout.

Reeva Steenkamp’s father testifies at Oscar Pistorius sentencing
“Oscar has to pay for what he did.”

Usain Bolt, Serena Williams among Olympic hopefuls in Gatorade ad (video)
Bolt and Williams know each other well from past meet-ups.

Maria Sharapova appeals doping ban, decision could come before Rio Games
CAS said both sides agreed to an “expedited procedure” which will allow the court to issue its ruling by July 18, at the latest.

Jay Shi overcomes freak eye injury for long-awaited Olympic berth
A freak eye injury didn’t stop Jay Shi from pursuing his Olympic shooting dreams.

Rio Olympic medals to be unveiled Tuesday
It’s the closest to the Opening Ceremony that Olympic medals have been unveiled since 2000.

Jordan Spieth looks forward to Olympics, ‘pending scheduling changes’
“You’re putting words into my mouth, sir.”

Kyle Snyder perfect, U.S. team 4th at Freestyle Wrestling World Cup
Reigning World champion Kyle Snyder posted a 4-0 record while the U.S. team placed fourth at the Freestyle World Cup.

Oscar Pistorius a ‘broken’ man, psychologist says at murder sentencing hearing
Monday marked the opening day of Pistorius’ sentencing hearing.

First gymnasts named to U.S. Olympic team
The team includes the oldest first-time U.S. Olympic gymnast since 1972.

Phil Dalhausser, Nick Lucena win Hamburg title; U.S. Olympic teams confirmed
Dalhausser and Lucena beat three Olympic medal contenders en route to the title.

Usain Bolt says ‘not a problem’ if he must return gold medal in Nesta Carter case
“When it’s confirmed or whatever, if I need to give back my gold medal I’d have to give it back, it’s not a problem for me.”

Gwen Jorgensen erases massive deficit to win Leeds triathlon
It was the same deficit Jorgensen could not overcome April 9.

Boris Berian, McDonald’s man turned 800m champ, may miss Olympics due to sponsor dispute
Berian would consider retiring rather than race for Nike.

Usain Bolt beats Yohan Blake, Asafa Powell in pre-trials showdown
Bolt’s winning streak, the longest of his career by days, endures another test.

How to watch Freestyle Wrestling World Cup on NBC Sports
World champion Kyle Snyder leads the U.S. roster.

James Harden is 8th U.S. basketball withdrawal; who remains?
No guards with Olympic experience are left.

Jordan Burroughs to miss World Cup with wife expecting
NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra will air coverage Sunday.

Russell Westbrook to skip Olympics; U.S. left with 3 point guards
The U.S. Olympic team will not have a point guard with previous Olympic experience for the first time since 2004.

DeMarcus Cousins told he made Olympic team, reports say
Cousins could be in line for big minutes in Rio with the 2014 FIBA World Cup starter out.