Chambery, France — Lance Armstrong said Wednesday he will cooperate with a “fair investigation” but not a “witch hunt” into allegations that he and his former cycling team were involved in doping.
The pack speeds down Noyer pass on Wednesday during the 10th stage of the Tour de France, which started in Chambery and finished in Gap, France.
Armstrong was responding to reports of a federal investigation of possible fraud and doping charges against him and former associates. He spoke before the 10th stage of the Tour de France, where he is 31st overall.
NFL
Favre not worried about body
Minneapolis — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre tells Men’s Journal magazine that playing another year “probably isn’t going to make a difference” when it comes to his long-term health.
Favre tells the magazine that enough damage already has been done to his body. The issue comes out Friday.
NBA
Union disputes NBA’s figures
New York — Insisting that the NBA’s financial projections “don’t hold water,” players’ association executive director Billy Hunter says he has seen nothing to change his belief that a lockout is possible.
Hunter disputes commissioner David Stern’s forecast of nearly $400 million in losses this season, countering that the league’s basketball-related revenues increased to their highest point ever in 2009-10.
Udoh to miss 6 months
Oakland, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors say top draft pick Ekpe Udoh will miss six months after undergoing surgery on his injured left wrist.
PG Livingston joining Bobcats
Charlotte, N.C. — The Charlotte Bobcats have addressed their hole at point guard by coming to terms with free agent Shaun Livingston.
Agent Henry Thomas on Wednesday confirmed his client was headed to Charlotte but didn’t provide financial figures. Yahoo! Sports reported it was a two-year deal worth $7 million.
Harrington headed to Denver
Denver — Free agent power forward Al Harrington says he’s headed to the Denver Nuggets, who are in dire need of frontcourt help with Kenyon Martin, Chris Andersen and Nene coming off leg injuries.
76ers sign No. 2 pick Turner
Philadelphia — The Philadelphia 76ers have signed No. 2 overall draft pick Evan Turner.
Sixers president Ed Stefanski announced the signing of the Associated Press Player of the Year on Wednesday.
Turner will be paid at least $3,835,600 in the first year of his deal, $4,123,200 in the second and $4,410,900 if the Sixers pick up his third-year option.
Pacers tap Kellogg as VP
Indianapolis — The Indiana Pacers have chosen Clark Kellogg as vice president for player relations.
Source: T-wolves, Ridnour agree
Minneapolis — The Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to a four-year, $16 million deal with free-agent point guard Luke Ridnour, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been officially announced.
Suns get Turkoglu, Childress
Phoenix — The Phoenix Suns have acquired forward Hedo Turkoglu in a trade that sends guard Leandro Barbosa and forward Dwayne Jones to Toronto.
The Suns have also acquired swingman Josh Childress in a sign-and-trade deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta will get the Suns’ 2012 second-round draft pick as part of the deal.
Rockets to match offer for Lowry
Cleveland — The Cavaliers apparently have been rejected again.
The team’s attempt to sign free agent Kyle Lowry was rebuffed Wednesday when Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said he planned to match Cleveland’s offer sheet to the veteran guard. Houston had one week to match Cleveland’s package — a three-year, $24 million deal with a fourth option year — but Morey wasted no time and kept his promise to hold on to Lowry.
Ex-76ers executive hired by Nets
East Rutherford, N.J. — Mikhail Prokhorov got his King after all.
No! Not LeBron. Another King — Billy.
The former Philadelphia 76ers general manager and president was hired Wednesday to replace Rod Thorn as the New Jersey Net’s top executive, Prokhorov announced in a release. Contract terms were not immediately available.
College football
Vanderbilt coach retires
Nashville, Tenn. — Saying there’s never a good time for a football coach to quit, Bobby Johnson retired abruptly Wednesday as the Vanderbilt Commodores’ head coach.
Vice Chancellor David Williams announced the news in a post on the university’s athletic website Wednesday just before a news conference. Minutes later, the 59-year-old Johnson stepped up to a podium and said he was retiring from college football.
High school sports
Hoops players athletes of year
Los Angeles — Guard Brandon Knight, headed to Kentucky in the fall, and power forward Chiney Ogwumike, a Stanford recruit, have been honored as national high school athletes of the year.
MLS
Bunbury’s goal lifts Wizards
Columbus, Ohio — Teal Bunbury scored in the 14th minute, and Jimmy Nielsen made seven saves to lead Kansas City to a 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew on Wednesday.
Bunbury scored after taking a pass from Ryan Smith and putting a shot between the legs of Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.