Armstrong denies new doping allegations

Lance Armstrong angrily denied the latest allegation that he used performance-enhancing drugs, dismissing the claims of a former teammate’s wife that he admitted it a few days after brain surgery in 1996.

In a two-page denial released Friday, the seven-time Tour de France champion called the allegations reported in Le Monde, France’s most prestigious newspaper, “stale, unfounded and untrue.”

The newspaper reported Friday it received a copy of Betsy Andreu’s sworn statements before an arbitration panel in January. She claimed Armstrong told a doctor he had used the blood-boosting hormone EPO and other drugs.

Andreu’s husband, Frankie Andreu, rode with Armstrong on his winning Tours in 1999 and 2000 before leaving Armstrong’s team.

Colleges

Adras extends contract

The Arizona Board of Regents has approved a new three-year contract for Northern Arizona basketball coach Mike Adras, who led the Lumberjacks to the Big Sky regular-season title this year. He will receive a base annual salary of $105,000 through the 2008-09 season.

•The University of Iowa announced that Gary Barta has been named its new athletic director, replacing Bob Bowlsby. Barta will begin his new duties on Aug. 1, at an annual base salary of $295,000.

•A woman who accused three Duke University lacrosse players of rape initially told police she was attacked by five men at a team party and at one point denied she had been raped, according to a police report released by a defense attorney.

Tennis

Federer draws Gasquet

Three-time defending champion Roger Federer faces a grass-court rematch against Richard Gasquet in the first round Monday at Wimbledon.

Federer edged Gasquet in the second round last week at Halle, Germany, 7-6 (7), 6-7 (7), 6-4, then went on to win the tournament for the fourth year in a row. If he beats Gasquet again, Federer would break the record of 41 consecutive grass-court victories he shares with Bjorn Borg.

Hockey

Panthers get Bertuzzi

The Florida Panthers acquired forward Todd Bertuzzi in exchange for goaltender Roberto Luongo as part of a five-player trade with the Vancouver Canucks.

•The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to terms with veteran team captain and leader Rod Brind’Amour for a new five-year contract worth $18 million.

Miscellany

Etienne sentenced

Former heavyweight boxer Clifford Etienne was sentenced to 150 years in prison for a crime spree that included an attempt to shoot two police officers in Baton Rouge, La.

•New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Jammal Brown was free on bond following his arrest on a domestic abuse complaint stemming from a 9-11 call placed by his wife.