Bagneres-De-Luchon, France ? The gloves have come off at the Tour de France.

Andy Schleck was fighting mad after dropping his chain during a tough climb Monday and then losing the overall lead when defending champion Alberto Contador unabashedly sped ahead to take the yellow jersey.

“He can be nervous for the next days … this gives me anger,” said Schleck, vowing revenge. “I’m not the one who will get chased any more, I’m the one who chases. That’s a big difference.”

The episode highlighted the often-unclear etiquette of cycling’s greatest race, where the wearer of the yellow jersey is conferred almost queen-bee-like respect — and taking advantage of mishaps out of his control is frowned upon.

The breach came on a day when France’s Thomas Voeckler came out of a long breakaway to win the 15th stage from Pamiers to Bagneres to Luchon.

Armstrong’s lawyer: Stop leaks

Austin, Texas — Lance Armstrong’s attorney sent a letter to the federal prosecutor investigating the seven-time Tour de France winner and his associates for possible fraud and doping violations, complaining about leaks to the media.

Monday’s letter from Tim Herman to Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Miller in Los Angeles says it’s “especially unfair to subject Mr. Armstrong to this continuing media blitz when he is in the middle of his final Tour de France.”

NBA

Suns tap new head of operations

Phoenix — The Phoenix Suns have hired agent Lon Babby to head the team’s basketball operations, a person with knowledge of the situation said Monday.

Until his move to the front office, Babby represented the Suns’ newly acquired Hedo Turkoglu and is the former agent of Phoenix’s other recent addition, Josh Childress.

Mavs, Nowitzki make it official

Dallas — Nine-time All-Star Dirk Nowizki officially signed his new contract with the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.

Team officials released no terms of the deal.

However, a person familiar with the negotiations had told The Associated Press that the deal is for more than $80 million over four years, with a no-trade clause.

Heat star Wade issues apology

Miami — Dwyane Wade issued an apology Monday to those who may have been offended by his use of the phrase “World Trade” while answering a question about the upcoming Miami Heat season.

The All-Star guard made the remark Sunday. Standing at his locker before a group of reporters, Wade said: “There’s going to be times when we might lose one, two games in a row, maybe two games, three games in a row, you never know. It’s going to seem like the world is crashed down. You all are going to make it seem like the World Trade has just went down again.”

MLB

A’s OF Sweeney done for season

Oakland, Calif. — Oakland Athletics outfielder Ryan Sweeney will miss the rest of the season to undergo surgery on his injured knee.

Padres give Black 3-year extension

San Diego — On Monday, the Padres gave manager Bud Black a three-year contract extension through 2013, with club options for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

NFL

Agent: Johnson gets revised deal

Nashville, Tenn. — Chris Johnson’s agent says the running back and the Tennessee Titans have agreed on a revised deal that will ensure he reports with the rest of the team for training camp. Agent Joel Segal would not say how much of a raise Johnson is getting, but did say the running will get a pay increase. Johnson will reportedly earn $2.5 million this season under the revised deal.

Kennison will retire a Chief

Kansas City, Mo. — Wide receiver Eddie Kennison signed a contract with Kansas City so he can retire as a member of the Chiefs.

Tennis

Williams iffy for U.S. Open

Serena Williams is questionable for the Aug. 30 U.S. Open because of her recent foot injury, according to the WTA Tour.

Williams cut her right foot on broken glass at a restaurant shortly after winning Wimbledon. The tour said last week she needed surgery and would miss three tournaments leading up to the Open.

College football

Florida probe targets OL Pouncey

Gainesville, Fla. — Florida and the NCAA are investigating an allegation that former Gators offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey received $100,000 from a representative of a sports agent before last season ended, ESPN.com reported Monday.

Criminal probe of bowl requested

Phoenix — The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has been asked to conduct a criminal investigation into claims that current and former Fiesta Bowl employees made illegal campaign contributions to politicians friendly to the bowl. Secretary of State Ken Bennett requested the probe in a letter to Attorney General Terry Goddard last Friday.

Hockey

Kovalchuk signs 17-year deal

Newark, N.J. — Ilya Kovalchuk, 27, is staying with the New Jersey Devils, agreeing to a staggering 17-year, $102 million deal with the team. Kovalchuk will earn $6 million each of the next two seasons, $11.5 million for the following five seasons, $10.5 million in the 2017-18 season, $8.5 million for the 2018-19 season, $6.5 million in 2019-20, $3.5 million in 2020-21, $750,000 the following season, and $550,000 for the final five years of the unprecedented deal.