1.   Ed Markey, vice president of sports press for NBC, said the network was not involved in discussions about the statues.

2.   He came under some criticism in the sports press for suggesting that players consider looking better.

3.   As an American coach with NBA experience, the often caustic Spanish sports press automatically demanded victories.

4.   Barcelona, especially its local sports press, has been almost obsessed by the play of Brazilian striker Ronaldo, the most expensive player in Spanish soccer history.

5.   Barcelona, especially its local sports press, has been almost obsessed by the brilliant play of Brazilian striker Ronaldo, the most expensive player in Spanish soccer history.

6.   Meanwhile, the difficult relationship between Croat forward Davor Suker and Welsh coach John Toshack continues to fill several pages every day in the Spanish sports press.

7.   Meanwhile, the discord between Croat forward Davor Suker and Welsh coach John Toshack continues to fill the Spanish sports press.

8.   The Spanish sports press had a field day, particularly after reports circulated that the Danish player would be fined on his return.

9.   There were suggestions Wednesday in British newspapers that Simeone had been misquoted by the aggressive Italian sports press.

10.   Former Italian football great Roberto Boninsegna has been appointed as coach of Italian third division side Mantova, the Italian sports press reported Thursday.