U. Valtteri Filppula Lightning Jersey .S. President Barack Obama says that he expects Russia to welcome gay and lesbian athletes to the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Obama cancelled a planned September meeting in Moscow on Wednesday in a diplomatic rebuke over Russias harbouring of NSA leaker Edward Snowden, having also said in a television interview hours earlier that he had "no patience" with countries who discriminate against gay people. "I think (President Vladimir) Putin and Russia have a big stake in making sure the Olympics work," Obama said Tuesday night on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. "And I think they understand that for most of the countries that participate in the Olympics, we wouldnt tolerate gays and lesbians being treated differently. "And if Russia wants to uphold the Olympic spirit, then every judgment should be made on the track, or in the swimming pool, or on the balance beam, and peoples sexual orientation shouldnt have anything to do with it." There have been a few calls for a boycott of the Sochi Games, after a law signed by Putin last month banned the "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" and imposed fines for providing information about the gay community to minors or holding gay pride rallies. Foreign citizens arrested under the law can be jailed for 15 days and then deported. Going into next years games in Russia, theres also concern about a long-running problem of violence against gays, as well as a new law restricting adoptions of Russian children by people in countries allowing same-sex marriage. The IOC said it has received assurances "from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation will not affect those attending or taking part in the Games." The sporting body also pledged to ensure there would be no discrimination against athletes, officials, spectators and the media in Sochi. However, the Human Rights Campaign, a leading U.S. gay-rights group, said the IOC should take a stronger stand. "They should be advocating for the safety of all LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people in Russia, not simply those visiting for the Olympics," said HRC President Chad Griffin earlier this month. "Rescinding this heinous law must be our collective goal." Files from The Associated Press were used for this report. Jason Garrison Jersey . Luis Suarezs double powered Liverpool to a 4-0 victory over Fulham, and Southampton easily overcame Hull 4-1 to continue the south coast clubs impressive start to the season. Liverpool and Southampton sent Chelsea down to fourth place as the west London club was held to 2-2 at home. Ryan Callahan Lightning Jersey . McPhee said that Ovechkins father Mikhail is in stable condition after having the surgery this week and is no longer in intensive care. "Weve told him to stay as long as necessary with your dad," he said. Ovechkin and his Russian national team were eliminated from the mens hockey tournament in Sochi on Wednesday with a 3-1 quarter-final loss to Finland. http://www.lightninghockeyshop.us/Ben-Bishop-Jersey/ . Ibaka equaled a career high with 20 rebounds, adding four blocked shots and 15 points as the Thunder smothered the Milwaukee Bucks offence in a 92-79 victory Saturday night.Jurgen Klopp said Mamadou Sakhos absence was not to blame for Liverpool giving up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Newcastle on Saturday. Sakho was not involved in the squad after the pre-match announcement that he is being investigated by UEFA for a potential anti-doping violation.Instead it was Kolo Toure and Dejan Lovren who played at centre-half as Liverpool saw their winning streak come to an end after being 2-0 up at half-time. Sakho probed over dope test Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho investigated for alleged anti-doping violation Asked by Sky Sports whether Sakhos absence played a part in the result, Liverpool boss Klopp said: Thats not a reason. We have changed a lot in the last few games.Playing like we did in the first half is not easy so we did really well, but at half-time they had nothing to lose and we conceded twice, but we could have scored again.It was an intense game and we did well against a team who are fighting for their lives in the Premier League. Mamadou Sakho (C) was in attendance at Anfield Liverpool looked to be heading for a fifth straight victory after first-half goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana.But Newcastle battled back to grab a point and leave Klopp to acknowledge it was not his sides best day. Victor Hedman Jersey. Matt Le Tissier gives his thoughts on Newcastles comeback to earn a point against Liverpool From 2-0 up it doesnt feel like you have won a point it feels like you have lost two, he said. I didnt feel we would concede a second so I was confident and thought we could score a third.At 2-2 you are not in your flow and it becomes harder work. But we have to take what we get and carry on. Also See: Sakho probed for doping violation Liverpool 2-2 Newcastle As it happened Get a ￡10 free bet! Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '