IOC reprimands athletes for commemorating the dead

SOCHI, Russia — The International Olympic Committee is reprimanding athletes for wearing items commemorating the dead.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams said Monday the Olympic body sent a letter to the Norwegian Olympic Committee after its female cross-country skiers wore black armbands Saturday in honor of a teammate's brother, who died on the eve of the Sochi Games.

Adams did not give details of the IOC letter, saying that was "the end of the matter."

In other disciplines, the IOC banned helmet stickers in tribute to the late Canadian skier Sarah Burke. Adams said athletes should find "a better place" to express their grief.