Maria Sharapova: Suspended For Two Years Amidst Doping Scandal

Tennis legend Maria Sharapova may have come clean with investigators when she tested positive for doping in January, but she still found herself on the receiving end of a harsh penalty from the International Tennis Federation today.

Sharapova has officially been banned from all ITF-sanctioned competitions for two years. 

Due to the fact that she “promptly admitted” to violating federation rules, Sharapova was given a slight break by the ruling committee, who decided to backdate her suspension.

As a result, her two year-ban officially began on January 26 (the day her urine sample was collected), rather than today.

Regardless, Sharapova says she is outraged by the decision and plans to appeal.

“The ITF spent tremendous amounts of time and resources trying to prove I intentionally violated the anti-doping rules and the tribunal concluded I did not,” she said in a statement issued moments ago.

“You need to know that the ITF asked the tribunal to suspend me for four years – the required suspension for an intentional violation — and the tribunal rejected the ITF’s position.

“I cannot accept an unfairly harsh two-year suspension … I will immediately appeal the suspension.

“I intend to stand for what I believe is right and that’s why I will fight to be back on the tennis court as soon as possible.”

In the meantime, Sharapova may be spending a good amount of time in a different kind of court, as her appeal will likely result ij a months-long legal battle.

Sharapova tested positive for Meldonium a prescription medication which has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s “banned” list for several years.

The 29-year-old star says she was not aware of the ban, and was taking the drug due to a magnesium deficiency.

Investigators say she was warned about the medication on several occasions.

Sharapova’s situation has drawn comparisons to that of bicyclist Lance Armstrong, another beloved athlete whose legacy was tarnished by a highly-publicized doping scandal.

Like Armstrong, it’s unlikely that Sharapova will be able to convince the public or the powers that be in her sport to see things from her perspective.

View Slideshow: 18 Scandalous Sports Stories

Richard Simmons: Transgendered & Living as a Woman??

Now there’s a headline I didn’t expect to write today.

The National Enquirer’s new cover story announces that Richard Simmons is now a woman and bills the fitness guru as “the new Caitlyn Jenner.”

According to the tabloid, Simmons has undergone breast implant surgery, hormone therapy and taken additional steps toward the transition.

“[This is] not just Richard Simmons in drag. This is Richard dressed as a softly spoken woman named Fiona!” a source tells the publication.

This is hard to believe. Richard Simmons is “softly spoken??”

Last week, Simmons was hospitalized after his housekeeper and longtime friend noticed he was exhibiting “bizarre” behavior.

Paramedics rushed to the house and determined that he should be taken in for evaluation.

He was later released, but the cause or nature of his odd conduct is still unclear.

Some are now speculating that the hospital visit had something to do with the star’s transition.

The normally gregarious exercise instructor had turned into a recluse over the past two years and rarely left his house, but the Enquirer story claims he has been venturing out, but dressed as a woman.

Earlier reports claimed he had fallen into a deep depression after a knee replacement, which prevented him from working out like he used to.

Fans loved ones had become concerned and even suspected his housekeeper, who has been with him for 30 years, was holding him hostage inside his mansion.

But Simmons insisted he was fine, just taking a much-needed break from the spotlight.

“This is how I want to live my life right now,” he concludes. “And to all the people that are worried about me, please don’t be.”

My question? How did they get this pic of Simmons reclining in a boudoir robe and stretch pants?

Richard Simmons: Transgendered & Living as a Woman??

Now there’s a headline I didn’t expect to write today.

The National Enquirer’s new cover story announces that Richard Simmons is now a woman and bills the fitness guru as “the new Caitlyn Jenner.”

According to the tabloid, Simmons has undergone breast implant surgery, hormone therapy and taken additional steps toward the transition.

“[This is] not just Richard Simmons in drag. This is Richard dressed as a softly spoken woman named Fiona!” a source tells the publication.

This is hard to believe. Richard Simmons is “softly spoken??”

Last week, Simmons was hospitalized after his housekeeper and longtime friend noticed he was exhibiting “bizarre” behavior.

Paramedics rushed to the house and determined that he should be taken in for evaluation.

He was later released, but the cause or nature of his odd conduct is still unclear.

Some are now speculating that the hospital visit had something to do with the star’s transition.

The normally gregarious exercise instructor had turned into a recluse over the past two years and rarely left his house, but the Enquirer story claims he has been venturing out, but dressed as a woman.

Earlier reports claimed he had fallen into a deep depression after a knee replacement, which prevented him from working out like he used to.

Fans loved ones had become concerned and even suspected his housekeeper, who has been with him for 30 years, was holding him hostage inside his mansion.

But Simmons insisted he was fine, just taking a much-needed break from the spotlight.

“This is how I want to live my life right now,” he concludes. “And to all the people that are worried about me, please don’t be.”

My question? How did they get this pic of Simmons reclining in a boudoir robe and stretch pants?

Khloe Kardashian Hosts Ellen, Reveals Family Secrets

Those who tuned in to watch Ellen DeGeneres host her talk show on Wednesday, June 7 were left in disappointment.

Why?

Because Ellen went ahead and turned over these duties to a special guest who came out from backstage: Khloe Kardashian.

Unsure what to do as host of the program, Khloe decided to enlist the assistance of sister Kourtney.

So she actually Facetimed her sibling during the taping, holding a conversation with Kourtney in which they revealed some not-so-deep or dark secrets about certain family members.

For instance:

Who is the messist sibling? Kylie Jenner.

Who is the biggest troublemaker? Khloe.

Who is the sister who complains the most? Kim Kardashian.

Who gives the best presents? Khloe.

Who is the best babysitter? Khloe.

Who is the worst babysitter? Kendall Jenner.

Who is the funniest? Khloe.

Who is the prettiest? Kourtney.

Keep in mind, of course, that Kourtney ad Khloe were the ones answering these questions.

It"s actually a fairly funny segment, and Khloe is FAR more natural at hosting than anyone else in her family would be.

Can you imagine how stiff and scripted and robotic it would feel if Kim tried to take on this role?

We really hope we didn"t just give her any ideas.

Check out the sisterly exchange now: