Cycling

Armstrong: Immunity report confirms 'vendetta'

Lance Armstrong accused U.S. Anti-Doping Agency chief executive Travis Tygart on Thursday of waging a "vendetta" against him after reports that several former teammates have received reduced suspensions after admitting to doping in return for testifying against the seven-time Tour de France champion.

"So let me get this straight ... come in and tell them exactly what they wanted to hear and you get complete immunity AND anonymity? I never got that offer," Armstrong wrote in an email to The Associated Press. "This isn't about Tygart wanting to clean up cycling — rather it's just a plain ol' selective prosecution that reeks of vendetta."

Citing anonymous sources, the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf and The New York Times reported that Armstrong's ex-teammates George Hincapie, Levi Leipheimer, David Zabriskie and Christian Vande Velde will testify against him.

De Telegraaf reported Armstrong's former teammates have been given six-month bans that begin in late September. De Telegraaf also reported that another former Armstrong teammate, Jonathan Vaughters, a team director at Garmin-Sharp, also will testify against Armstrong.

WNBA

Liberty signs Redmon

The New York Liberty signed guard-forward Katelan Redmon. The former Gonzaga and Washington star was a third-round selection, 36th overall, by the Liberty in this year's WNBA draft before being waived during training camp.

In another move, the Los Angeles Sparks signed guard Andrea Riley, bringing her back to the team that drafted her in 2010.

Toliver, Parker lead Sparks

Kristi Toliver scored 29 points and Candace Parker had 28 points and 13 rebounds as the host Los Angeles Sparks beat the Minnesota Lynx 96-90. The Sparks (11-6) led by 20 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter before weathering Minnesota's furious rally.

Seimone Augustus scored 18 points to lead the defending-champion Lynx (13-3).

In another game, Becky Hammon scored 19 points to lead the San Antonio Silver Stars past the host Indiana Fever 88-72. The Silver Stars (9-5) have won five in a row. Katie Douglas scored 19 points for the Fever (8-6).

NFL

NFLPA, Vilma make more legal moves in bounty case

The NFL Players Association filed a lawsuit against the NFL on behalf of three players suspended in connection with the bounty investigation, calling commissioner Roger Goodell "incurably and evidently biased."

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Will Smith, Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove in federal court in New Orleans, highlighted a flurry of legal activity surrounding the punishment of four players for what the NFL said was their roles in a program that paid improper cash bonuses for hits that injured opponents.

Suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who is suing separately in the same court, asked a judge to overturn his suspension while also requesting a temporary restraining order and injunction that would allow the linebacker to quickly return to work and keep working while his case is pending.

Soccer

Beckham suspended

David Beckham was suspended for one game by Major League Soccer's disciplinary committee for kicking a ball at an opponent late in the Los Angeles Galaxy's loss at San Jose.

Timbers acquire Kimura

The Portland Timbers acquired defender Kosuke Kimura from the Colorado Rapids for allocation money and an international slot.

In another MLS move, the Montreal Impact added former AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta to their growing list of Italian veterans.

Goal-line technology approved

Soccer gave its stamp of approval to goal-line technology and headscarves for female Muslim players. Also adopted was a proposal for a five-referee system to officiate matches — placing an additional assistant beside each goal.

Boxing

Heavyweight Bivins dies

Jimmy Bivins, a heavyweight boxer in the 1940s and 1950s who defeated some of the greatest fighters of his time, died Wednesday in East Cleveland of complications from pneumonia. He was 92.

Bivins never was able to compete for a world title but had winning bouts with world champions Archie Moore, Ezzard Charles, Gus Lesnevich, Melio Bettina, Anton Christoforidis and Teddy Yarosz. He also went the distance with Joe Louis and fought Jersey Joe Walcott to a split decision.

Elsewhere

• Harness racing driver Dave Palone broke Herve Filion's North American record for career victories when he piloted Herculotte Hanover to victory in the eighth race at The Meadows in Washington, Pa. The win was the 15,181st of Palone's 30-year career.

• The NCAA has denied former Auburn running back Michael Dyer's request to be immediately eligible to play this season at Arkansas State.

• Former Georgia running back Isaiah Crowell has enrolled at Alabama State and is expected to play for the Hornets this season.

• Rodney Hood is transferring from Mississippi State to Duke. Coach Mike Krzyzewski said Hood will sit out this season and will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Seattle Times news services