The Malaysian Insider :: Sports

Armstrong to admit to doping in Oprah interview, says report

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 07:48 AM PST

Former cyclist Lance Armstrong. — Reuters pic

NEW YORK, Jan 12 — Lance Armstrong plans to admit to doping throughout his career in an interview with Oprah Winfrey next week, the American cyclist's first interview since being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, USA Today reported on Saturday.

But Armstrong, 41, likely will not offer great detail about specific cases and events, the paper said, citing an unidentified source with knowledge of the situation.

The interview is scheduled to tape on Monday at Armstrong's home in Austin, Texas, and set to air on Thursday on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Such an admission would mark a major reversal for the famed cyclist. Armstrong has always vehemently denied using performance-enhancing drugs and has never been proven to have tested positive.

But an October report from the US anti-doping body USADA cited Armstrong's involvement in what it characterised as the "most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping program that sport has ever seen," involving anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, blood transfusions and other doping.

Less than two weeks later, Armstrong's seven Tour de France victories were nullified and he was banned from cycling for life after the International Cycling Union ratified the USADA's sanctions against him.

The New York Times reported last week that Armstrong was considering an admission of using banned drugs with the hopes of persuading anti-doping officials to allow him to resume competition in athletic events that adhere to the World Anti-Doping Code.

Another motivation might be to keep the scandal from hurting Livestrong, the cancer-support charity he founded in 1997, USA Today said on Saturday. Armstrong, a survivor of testicular cancer, stepped down as a board member in November.

Armstrong's planned admission, however, carries the risk of getting him sued or held reliable by those who believe he defrauded them by lying about his use of drugs, the paper reported. — Reuters

Struggling QPR hold Spurs in Redknapp reunion

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 07:07 AM PST

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes laughs before their English Premier League soccer match against Fulham at Loftus Road in London. — Reuters pic

LONDON, Jan 12 — Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp had to be content with a point in his first game against former club Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday with a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road lifting the strugglers off the foot of the Premier League.

A point moved Rangers up one place to 19th, although they will sink back again if Reading take a point at home to West Bromwich Albion in a 1500 kickoff.

The lunchtime kickoff lacked spark and creativity with third-placed Spurs stifled for long periods, although Rangers keeper Julio Cesar made smart saves in either half to deny Jermain Defoe.

Redknapp was sacked by Spurs in June after almost four years in charge at White Hart Lane where he took the club to the Champions League for the first time.

Six other matches are due to kick off at 1500 on Saturday, including fourth-placed Chelsea's visit to Stoke City.

Leaders Manchester United host fierce rivals Liverpool on Sunday (1330) before second-placed Manchester City, seven points behind Alex Ferguson's side, complete the weekend programme at Arsenal (1600). — Reuters

Kredit: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com

Sabtu, 12 Januari 2013

The Malaysian Insider :: Sports

The Malaysian Insider :: Sports

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