Tests show mushers clean

The first 40 finishers in the 1,100-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race have tested clean of any illegal substances, an exoneration of sorts for winner Lance Mackey, who has been criticized for using medical marijuana in past Iditarods.

“There goes all the finger-pointing and accusations and assumptions,” Mackey said Wednesday. “They just got laid to rest.”

Race officials announced the results eight days after Mackey’s unprecedented fourth consecutive win. Test results for 15 remaining mushers are expected early next week.

Mackey, a throat cancer survivor, has been open about his pot use on the trail as a post-cancer painkiller and appetite enhancer. Iditarod officials say it would be hard to argue with his contention that the testing policy was directed at him after other competitors complained that marijuana has given him an edge.

Canada’s Gerry Willomitzer, who finished 13th at Iditarod, believes whatever people might do to enhance their performance wouldn’t really matter.

“It’s a dog race and the best dog team wins,” Willomitzer said.

Nets’ owner has nice bag for fans

NBA: New Jersey Nets chief executive Brett Yormark isn’t one to let a marketing opportunity go astray.

Two days after a brief finger-pointing exchange with a fan who wore a paper bag on his head to protest the Nets’ dismal season, Yormark came prepared for more potential protesters during Wednesday’s game against Sacramento.

Any fan who put a paper bag on his head would be offered a nylon Nets’ bag containing a poster, a pack of player trading cards and a printed note from Yormark that said:

“Thanks for letting us see your face. We hope to see it more often at Nets’ games.”

Associated Press

Wolfpack asking fans to help kids

Football: The Spokane Wolfpack, a member of the Washington Football League, will be asking fans to donate balls at its home game against the South Sound Shockers.

The Wolfpack is partnering A Champion’s Heart ministry to help provide sport and play equipment to children in Kenya and Haiti.

Kickoff is 2 p.m. Saturday at West Valley High School. The Wolfpack is coming off a season-opening 12-5 win over Columbia Basin.