Note the Boots, and Other Random News

Terry's Boots -- In the funniest story of the week (so far), Reuters reports that two men have been arrested on suspicion of trying to steal the boots of England soccer captain John Terry last week. The men are accused of entering Chelsea's changing rooms after their 1-0 home victory over Barcelona in the Champions league on Wednesday. The men were arrested in a 'non-public' area of Chelsea's ground in southwest London and taken to a nearby police station. They have since been released on police bail. "We can confirm we are investigating an allegation of burglary at Stamford Bridge," a London police spokeswoman said. But (and thank god!) apparently the boots have been recovered and reunited with their owner.

This is How Rumors Get Started -- Newcastle coach Glenn Roeder says that if David Beckham decides to return to the Premiership clubs would be falling all over themselves to have him. A kind of pointless thing to say, and not sure why it's news (so why am I writing about it, you ask?), because Beckham has said 1) that he is not interested in leaving Real Madrid despite being frustrated about the fact that he never starts; and 2) he could never play against Manchester United in the Premiership. Plus I can't imagine he'll want to ever, ever go to Newcastle. But Roeder can dream, I suppose.

Faking It at the World Cup -- FIFA demonstrated its ability to state the obvious by announcing that players cheated in the World Cup by faking injuries (Portugal, anyone?). FIFA's chief medical officer, Professor Jiri Dvorak, presented findings to the referees committee today that "showed a cheating culture at the highest level of the game." According to Dvorak, there were too many players feigning injury in Germany, with tactical reasons presented as the most likely cause of their action. Ya think?

And finally...Toure to Stay with Arsenal -- Arsenal defender Kolo Toure has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international, who joined the Gunners in February 2002, said, "I can see myself staying here for the rest of my career...Why would I want to leave. I love my football here, my family is settled here and the club is ambitious. It is fantastic.'' Excellent.