Briefs | Cycling: Lance Armstrong defends behavior during recent drug test

Cycling

Armstrong says he didn't try to evade or delay testing process: Texan Lance Armstrong is defending himself against suggestions he misbehaved during a recent drug test in France.

Armstrong, who plans to seek an eighth Tour de France title in July, said in a statement Tuesday he did not try to evade a March 17 test in which, blood, urine and hair samples were collected and were found to be free of drugs.

France's anti-doping agency sent a report on Armstrong's behavior during the test to the International Cycling Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency. At question is a 20-minute delay when Armstrong said the tester agreed to let him shower while his assistants checked the tester's credentials.

"I did not try to evade or delay the testing process that day," said Armstrong, who also lashed out at French doping authorities.

Armstrong said he willingly gave the samples, although he has previously complained the hair-sample collection "butchered" his hairstyle. Armstrong said he had been tested 24 times "without incident" before the episode in France.

"This is just another example of the improper behavior by the French laboratory and the French anti-doping organizations," Armstrong said.

Dajka reportedly is found dead: Ex-world-champion track cyclist Jobie Dajka, 27, has been found dead at his home in Australia, according to media reports. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

NBA

Mason to take Ginobili's place in San Antonio's lineup: San Antonio won't have Manu Ginobili for the rest of the regular season or the playoffs because of a fractured ankle, and guard Roger Mason will take his place in the lineup.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said, "It's about attitude. We can do the best possible job we can of continuing to believe in each other and put out the effort that's required to win basketball games or we can feel sorry for ourselves and say, 'Well, gosh, without Manu it's going to be really difficult to reach our goals.' "

Ginobili, 31, averaged 15.5 points in 44 games this season.

Hawes plays well in loss: The Los Angeles Lakers beat host Sacramento 122-104 despite a strong effort by the Kings' Spencer Hawes, a former Seattle Prep and Washington Huskies player. Hawes had 21 points and 15 rebounds.

The Lakers (62-16) are a half-game behind Cleveland for the best record in the league.

College football

Jack Elway plans to remain an Arizona State student: Hall of Famer John Elway's son is leaving the Arizona State program. But Jack Elway, who was a redshirt-freshman quarterback, plans to remain a student at the school.

"He's just tired of football and wants to do something else with his life," Sun Devils coach Dennis Erickson said.

Ex-Texas Tech linebacker dies: Brad Hastings, 44, a three-time all-Southwest Conference linebacker for Texas Tech in the 1980s, died of heart failure Monday in Arlington, Texas, his mother said.

NHL

Canucks move into tie for division lead: Defenseman Mattias Ohlund scored twice and Roberto Luongo made 46 saves as the host Vancouver Canucks beat the Calgary Flames 4-1.

The Canucks and Flames are tied for the Northwest Division lead with two regular-season games left; the Flames hold the tiebreaker of more victories (45 to 43).

Auto racing

Testimony ends in Castroneves tax-evasion trial: Testimony has ended in the tax-evasion trial of Brazilian Helio Castroneves in Miami. Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday. Castroneves, his sister and his lawyer are charged with conspiracy and tax evasion involving about $5.5 million in income between 1999 and 2004.

The Internal Revenue Service contends Castroneves owes more than $2.3 million in U.S. taxes for those years.

Soccer

UEFA Champions League matches end in draws: English teams Manchester United and Arsenal played draws in the first leg of the quarterfinals in the UEFA Champions League.

Defending champion Manchester United and visiting Porto of Portugal tied 2-2. Arsenal got a 1-1 draw at Villarreal of Spain.

The second leg of the home-and-home, total-goals series will be played next week.

Equestrian

Sheikh Mohammed is being investigated: The ruler of Dubai is being investigated by equestrian authorities because a horse he owns and rides failed doping tests after two 75-mile races earlier this year.

Sheikh Mohammed said he was unaware of the doping but accepts full responsibility.

The International Equestrian Federation is investigating. The federation's president is Princess Haya of Jordan, who is married to Sheikh Mohammed. She will step aside from her official duties when the governing body considers the case. Her husband is one of the world's leading breeders and owners of Thoroughbred racehorses.

Sailing

BMW Oracle wants best-of-nine series: Challenger BMW Oracle says it wants to negotiate a conventional best-of-nine America's Cup series with current holder Alinghi of Switzerland and avoid a one-race showdown between the yachts.

Seattle Times news services