In brief: Landis on the attack against French lab

Tour de France champion Floyd Landis went on the defensive Tuesday against the French lab that conducted follow-up tests on his backup urine samples and reportedly found traces of synthetic testosterone.

“If it’s going to be objective, the least you could do is send it to a lab that doesn’t have motivation to confirm their work in the first place,” Landis said on CBS’ “Early Show.”

On Monday, the French newspaper L’Equipe reported Landis’ “B” samples had traces of synthetic testosterone. Landis claims it was another result of unethical maneuvers by those who want him stripped of the Tour title.

“Look, I won the Tour de France and I’ve been trying to get that message across by educating people about what happened here in the first place,” Landis said. “When they asked us originally to test it, first of all, we said no. It’s already been tested and it’s been negative.”

During the 2006 Tour, Landis tested positive for elevated testosterone to epitestosterone levels after he won the 17th stage. The 31-year-old, who has denied doping, faces the loss of his title and a two-year ban if an arbitration panel upholds the positive test.

“Giro d’Italia champion Ivan Basso was barred from riding for his Discovery Channel team after the Italian Olympic Committee reopened its investigation into the Spanish doping scandal.

NFL

Colts re-sign Thomas

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Josh Thomas signed a one-year tender worth $1.3 million, keeping him with the Super Bowl champions next season.

“Linebacker Caleb Miller, who was the last of Cincinnati’s restricted free agents, signed a one-year contract to remain with the Bengals.

“Former St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Bobby Jackson was hired as running backs coach for the Miami Dolphins.

College basketball

Lofton will stay

Tennessee guard Chris Lofton, the Southeastern Conference player of the year, will stay for his senior season.

Lofton said he wasn’t projected high enough in the upcoming NBA draft to warrant leaving school early.

“Georgia Tech forward Thaddeus Young entered his name in the NBA draft, yet could return for his sophomore season because he hasn’t hired an agent.

“Division I scoring leader Reggie Williams plans to skip his senior season at Virginia Military Institute and enter the NBA draft.

“Virginia guard Sean Singletary will declare for the NBA draft but is not planning to hire an agent, leaving open the possibility of a return for his senior season.

“Nevada basketball coach Mark Fox was reprimanded by the Western Athletic Conference for unsportsmanlike conduct with referees during two games in March.

He was spared a fine or suspension by the conference.

Miscellany

Mellanby retires

Atlanta captain Scott Mellanby retired, less than a week after the Thrashers were swept in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

Mellanby ended his 21-year career after Atlanta made the playoffs for the first time in its seven-year history, but lost four straight games to the Rangers.

“Kentucky Speedway no longer wants NASCAR to bring a Nextel Cup race to the track as part of its antitrust lawsuit against the racing governing body and International Speedway Corp.

“Undefeated BMW Oracle Racing extended its lead in the Louis Vuitton Cup after beating Italian syndicate Luna Rossa in the fifth flight of racing in Valencia, Spain.