Damazo 'N', former gymnastics coach accused of abuse, arrested in New Mexico.
Several young women remain in treatment: family members
Damazo 'N', former gymnastics coach accused of abuse, arrested in New Mexico.
The prosecutor's office revealed the arrest on social media // The appearance, which was scheduled for yesterday, will take place on Tuesday, April 29
▲ There was a protest outside the Monterrey Palace of Justice. Photo: La Jornada
Vianney Carrera
Correspondent
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, April 26, 2025, p. 9
Monterrey, NL., The Attorney General's Office of Nuevo León arrested former coach Damazo N.
, who faces 16 complaints for alleged sexual abuse of his underage students, in what is considered the largest case of such assaults in the country against athletes.
"Today (yesterday) an arrest warrant was executed against Damazo N
for acts constituting a crime comparable to rape," the prosecutor's office reported on social media.
Due to the arrest, a hearing scheduled for the accused before a judge at the Monterrey Palace of Justice on Friday, April 25, where he was to appear in response to the lawsuits filed by his former students, was postponed.
This is the second time the hearing has been postponed. On the first occasion, the former coach argued that the investigation files were reviewed in just two days, which would be too short a timeframe.
The lawyer for one of the victims, Alejandro Romano, announced that following the delay in yesterday's hearing, the next hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 7 of the Monterrey Palace of Justice.
The judge ordered him to be transferred from wherever he's being held; the hearing will be in person. He'll also be here next Tuesday
, he emphasized.
He wanted to come forward voluntarily
For his part, Damazo N
's lawyer, Edwin Horacio Gracia Elizondo, stated that the former coach's arrest was illegal
as he considered that there was no need for caution
.
Damazo was arrested this morning on an arrest warrant issued after an injunction was filed. He had already voluntarily submitted (...); there was no need to have him appear on an arrest warrant
, he noted.
Family members and friends of the victims gathered at the Monterrey Palace of Justice yesterday morning to show their support for the affected minors.
Several young women are still in treatment, while he is very happy (...), it's good that they arrested him and the INDE (Physical Culture and Sports Institute), before hiring someone, should analyze what type of people they are
, highlighted Rosy Sandoval, one of the victims' relatives.
The complaints began on March 8
On March 8, International Women's Day, a group of young women shared their testimonies on social media against Damazo N
for sexual abuse. The former coach used to gain the trust of underage athletes who attended the Klass gym, located in the municipality of San Nicolás de los Garza.
Following the allegations, the Mexican Gymnastics Federation and the Nuevo León State Gymnastics Association, with which Damazo N
also worked, decided to dismiss the then coach.
The Nuevo León Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation and searched the former coach's home and gym, where laptops, USB flash drives, and electronic devices were seized, all of which contributed to the investigation.
Luis Enrique Orozco, deputy prosecutor of the Nuevo León Public Prosecutor's Office, reported on April 15 that Damazo N
had already received an injunction to avoid his arrest.
DeChambeau leads the first round of the LIV Golf Mexico
Adriana Díaz Reyes
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, April 26, 2025, p. 9
American Bryson DeChambeau, the great golf scientist known for his university training in physics and his empirical approach to the sport, took the provisional lead in the first round of the LIV Golf México, held at the Chapultepec Club.
With a card of 63 strokes, 8 under par, the player conquered the capital's course, which, for the first time, is hosting a leg of the tour supported by Saudi Arabia.
Since I was at the Masters at Augusta, I started to correct some things. I've felt very good since then, and in the days leading up to it, I was preparing for being here
, DeChambeau said.
The Crushers captain arrived in Mexico as one of the favorites and demonstrated his quality with a solid performance. The Mexican fans are wonderful; they support you throughout your journey, even if you're not the host
, added the 2020 and 2024 US Open champion.
DeChambeau started his round with an eagle on the second hole. He then birdied the 7th and 12th. After a bogey on the 15th, he closed with three more birdies to take the provisional victory.
Australian Cameron Smith (-7), Jon Rahm of Spain (-7) and Bubba Watson were on the lookout, but their efforts were fruitless and they had to settle for second and fourth place respectively.
Local heroes Carlos Ortiz (Torque GC) and Abraham Ancer (Fireballs GC), who took five years to return to a tournament in Mexico City, had a mixed day.
The former placed sixth, tied with seven players, while Ancer is in 36th place.
The LIV Golf México is played at an altitude of 2,388 meters above sea level, making it a real challenge for competitors.
To welcome some of the world's golf elite, the Chapultepec Club modified the size of the greens ' cuts to make them much faster.
The tournament in Chapultepec marks the second edition of LIV Golf in Mexico, following its debut at Mayakoba 2024, where Chilean Joaquín Niemann (Torque GC) was crowned individual champion and Crushers GC dominated the team category.
▲ The owner of Grupo Orlegi is facing an investigation for failing to pay income tax related to the salaries of 26 players. Photo @AtlasFC
Karla Torrijos
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, April 26, 2025, p. a10
After having one of its worst seasons in Liga MX, Santos Laguna faces a new problem, as Alejandro Irarragorri, owner of Grupo Orlegi, owner of the club as well as Atlas, has received an arrest warrant for alleged tax fraud of 17 million 69 thousand 865 pesos.
In response, the La Comarca team assured that it will assert its rights
and reject any attempt at pressure, even if it is disguised as a judicial act
.
In a press release issued yesterday, the Albiverde team explained that the alleged arrest warrant was issued for alleged failure to attend a hearing convened by District Judge Luis Alfredo Mendoza García in Torreón, Coahuila, related to a legal case against the Santos Laguna club
.
He also explained that on March 20, "a virtual hearing was held, which was attended in a timely manner. Surprisingly, while it was being held, the judge decided to cancel it and, without complying with the legally mandated deadlines, scheduled another hearing for Monday, March 24.
It should be noted that Mr. Alejandro Irarragorri was not formally warned, so his alleged non-attendance would in no way give the judge grounds to issue precautionary measures
.
Likewise, the La Comarca team reiterated its "full conviction that it has acted in full compliance with the law and all applicable provisions, and categorically rejects the transfer of a discrepancy in the interpretation of the tax regulation—which can and should be resolved through administrative channels—to the criminal sphere."
The hearing, which Irarragorri allegedly failed to attend and for which he was declared a fugitive from justice, is part of the investigation opened by the Attorney General's Office (FGR) against him for alleged failure to pay Income Tax (ISR) related to the salaries of 26 players and members of the coaching staff during the first half of 2017, which exceeds 54 million pesos.
According to investigations, Santos Laguna club executives coordinated a strategy to evade paying income tax on the deposits and registered them as workers' compensation premiums, thereby exempting them from the tax.
In response to this legal process, the businessman, who also owns the Spanish team Sporting de Gijón, handed over the presidency of Santos Laguna to his son, Alejandro Irarragorri Kalb, just 24 years old, last October, during the 2024 Apertura tournament.
Just like in the recently concluded 2025 Clausura tournament, the Laguna team finished last in the standings, which has angered fans, who are calling for the team to be sold.
More fines for poor performance
Grupo Orlegi will have to pay a fine of 33 million pesos, after its other club, Atlas, finished in the third-to-last position (16) in the percentage table.
According to former director Rafael Lebrija, both the Mexican Football Federation and Liga MX should thoroughly analyze Santos' situation, both sportingly and financially, and evaluate whether it is appropriate for them to remain in the First Division
.
He also lamented that a team that had been champions is going through such a situation. They haven't excelled in several tournaments, and it's time to take action; otherwise, they'll never get out of the enormous slump they're in
.
Today, the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona
Real Madrid protests, but goes for glory
The club did not train or hold a press conference following the complaint filed against it by referee Ricardo de Burgos.
▲ De Burgos (pictured) was harshly criticized on the team's television channel. Here, he argues with Vinícius during a previous match. AP Photo
AFP and Reuters
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, April 26, 2025, p. a10
Madrid. Real Madrid suspended training and a press conference ahead of the Copa del Rey final, in response to a complaint filed by the referee appointed for the match after being criticized on the Real Madrid television channel. However, the club assured that it will not give up on competing for the title against Barcelona.
The club from the Spanish capital considered the public statements by the referees designated for the game unacceptable
and requested a change of referees. It also asked the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the refereeing body to take appropriate measures to defend the prestige of the institutions they represent
, although it did not specify the nature of these actions.
However, he confirmed that he will take to the field at Seville's La Cartuja stadium this Saturday to face the Blaugranas.
Our team has never considered giving up playing in the final
, the club maintained, in response to reports that a boycott was possible.
As part of the Madridistas' protest, neither Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti nor any of the squad's players appeared before the media on Friday. They also did not hold the training session normally open to the press, nor was there a photo of the coaches and captains with the trophy.
Madrid's dissatisfaction arose after referee Ricardo de Burgos and VAR manager Pablo González Fuertes complained about the criticism leveled against them on Radio Madrid Televisión (RMTV), which questioned their work and also affected them personally.
De Burgos gave an emotional press conference, where she cried as she responded to RMTV. "We need to know the consequences of these videos. There are anonymous social media platforms that insult and threaten without any oversight."
When your child goes to school and there are children who tell him that his father is a thief and he comes home crying, that's really messed up
, the whistleblower pointed out.
Pablo González Fuertes, the VAR official for this Saturday's final, said that amid these attacks, referees are going to have to start taking action
.
Real Madrid TV often broadcasts video compilations of what it considers to be errors against the team, previously committed by the referee who will be officiating the next match.
But that pressure has increased since February, when the club launched an institutional war against a completely discredited and flawed
refereeing system, following a series of alleged on-field decisions against it.
In a more measured tone, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said measures must be taken to protect referees due to the pressure they face.
Erendira Palma Hernández
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, April 26, 2025, p. a11
Charlyn Corral's success is based on an ideology of strength. As part of a generation that lacked the support or infrastructure to train, being relegated from the national team no longer affects her, as she has transcended her career as a player. Her only mission is to give Pachuca its first Liga MX Femenil title.
I haven't wanted to settle. Since I was a child, I could have thrown in the towel; that would have been the normal thing to do, since there was no league or infrastructure, but I decided not to give up. Above all, I'm calm because I know I'm a successful Mexican
, she told La Jornada.
Charlyn's career is built more on achievements than misfortunes. She survived a tracheal injury as a newborn, ignored the criticism that ostracized her for being a woman, and ignored coach Leonardo Cuéllar's warnings about imposing conditions on her career.
Thus, at 14, she became the youngest player to score a goal in a U-20 World Cup; she studied marketing in the United States, was the top scorer in 2018 with Levante in Spain, and overcame an ACL injury to play in Mexico with Tuzas. But above all, she challenged the Mexican Football Federation for its lack of innovation during Cuéllar's 18-year tenure, which earned her a ban from the national team.
Now, almost 20 years after entering high-performance soccer, she's starting to receive recognition, such as being the first female soccer player to win the National Sports Award last year, at the start of President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration.
I was very proud to receive this award from the President because we are now in an era where women are more visible and have more opportunities. We still have a long way to go, but today women are taking center stage in many areas, not just in sports, but also in politics
.
At 33 years old, Corral maintains impeccable physical condition, as evidenced by the fact that she was the first tricolor to win the scoring championship twice, having scored 39 goals in a single season—18 in the last tournament and 21 this season.
–Amidst so many successes, how do you feel about not being called up to the Mexican national team?
"I don't like to talk about that topic anymore. I've said everything. My best way to speak is on the field. In the end, it's not me who should be asked, but the coach, who has made some inconsistent arguments. If they don't want to use me there, that's fine. I'll keep working and be where my work is valued," he maintained.
That moment when she must read the opponent's game to direct the ball into the net is when it becomes clearer why the striker prefers to focus on goals that depend on her own performance and not on the decisions of others.
Lack of support on basic issues
However, as an international figure, she is aware of the power of her voice. She speaks about the shortcomings faced by teammates at other clubs in Liga MX, a league in which few clubs offer decent working conditions to players.
The ideal situation would be for all clubs to support and take the women's team seriously. I'm not just talking about salaries, but also about the basics, such as adequate facilities, medical services, and coaching staff. I know it won't be easy and all of this will take time
.
Charlyn's remaining goal is to win the championship in Mexico, her home country, with Tuzas, with whom she has already competed in two unsuccessful finals. A third rematch has begun this week, and she will face Atlas this Saturday in the second leg of the quarterfinals, where the series is tied at one.
We're at a critical moment because the more time passes, the more we want to win, but I've always said the third time's the charm. We have everything we need to achieve this, and we aspire to the very best
.
The 63rd WBC Convention will be held in Thailand, a nation united with Mexico in boxing.
▲ Sulaiman (right) poses with General Thanapol Bhakdibhumi (in gray), president of the WBC Muaythai, and the Thai ambassador to Mexico, Rooge Thammongkol. Photo courtesy of the WBC
Juan Manuel Vázquez
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, April 26, 2025, p. a11
They had been in combat three times between 1968 and 1970. Efrén Alacrán Torres and the Thai Chartchai Chionoi starred in a trilogy that was the sensation of an era and had some exciting moments.
There were two victories for the Asian and one for the Mexican, including a gesture that won over the Mexican fans at the now-defunct Toreo de Cuatro Caminos. Despite triumphing in the first fight, Chionoi knelt with deep devotion to try to carry his opponent as a sign of respect.
Three decades later, they met again in a Mexico City hotel and embraced again, bringing them to tears. That encounter so moved both former fighters that they remained inseparable for five days, said Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC), during the announcement of its 63rd annual convention, which will be held in Thailand.
This anecdote sums up two parallel stories about the way boxing is understood in two countries that have faced each other 57 times, with the best of both sides. The Thais have won 34 of those bouts, the Mexicans have won 22 times, and there has been one draw.
We have very close histories in boxing, and there will be an opportunity to honor this close relationship between our nations
, the WBC official added.
These clashes between two countries where boxing is deeply rooted in popular culture have a history of memorable fighters. In addition to Alacrán 's trilogy with Chionoi, there's Lupe Pintor's battle against Samart Payakaroon, but above all, there's Ricardo Finito López, who defeated seven Thai fighters.
Thai boxers have a reputation for being warriors
, Sulaimán recounts. There's a significant advantage to fighting in Thailand, because of the hot climate and the fact that they usually fight during the day and outdoors. These are difficult conditions in front of a very enthusiastic and supportive public
.
The physical characteristics of Thai people and the traditions of their culture expressed in their style make them ideal opponents for Mexican boxing in the smaller divisions.
They are styles that guarantee exciting boxing with many hits, because both traditions are characterized by being direct in the ring, we don't back down and they tend to be very bloody fights
, describes the unforgettable Humberto Chiquita González, whose career has decisive moments against rivals from that country, especially his last fight on July 15, 1995.
"At the end of my career, I faced Saman Sorjaturong, a very tough guy. I had warned him that if I won that night, I would keep fighting. I didn't think he'd beat me, and that was the end of my career as a boxer," La Chiquita recalls.
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