Newsmakers

Claimed Cyclist Alberto Contador says he will appeal any suspension for his positive doping test at the Tour de France. The Spanish cyclist intends to “defend my innocence until the end.” He spoke at a news conference in Mallorca, Spain, on Friday, two days after Spanish cycling officials proposed a one-year ban after his positive test for clenbuterol. He blames the result on contaminated meat.

Targeted Police say someone shot at a vehicle driven by Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain while he was in his hometown of Decatur, Ala. No one was hurt, and police said they are unsure whether the shooter realized the vehicle belonged to McClain, who starred for the University of Alabama before beginning his NFL career.

Announced Former Boston Red Sox star Nomar Garciaparra will become the analyst for ESPN’s Wednesday night baseball telecasts this season. Dave O’Brien will join him as the play-by-play voice. Aaron Boone and Rick Sutcliffe will be the analysts for the network’s Monday night broadcasts. Sean McDonough will do the play-by-play.

Extended Wisconsin gave football coach Bret Bielema a contract extension after he led the Badgers to their first Rose Bowl since 2000. The University of Wisconsin athletic board approved extending Bielema’s five-year contract through Jan. 31, 2016. Terms were not disclosed.

Signed The Tampa Bay Rays signed veteran free-agent first baseman Casey Kotchman to a minor league contract. Kotchman played last year for the Seattle Mariners, hitting .217 with nine homers and 51 RBIs. Over seven seasons, the 27-year-old Kotchman has a career average of .259 with 49 homers and 284 RBIs.

Pleaded A former consultant to the University of Kansas ticket office has become the sixth defendant to plead guilty in a scheme to steal more than $2 million in tickets. Thomas Blubaugh of Medford, Okla., pleaded guilty in a Wichita, Kan., court to a single count of conspiracy involving wire fraud, transportation of stolen goods and tax evasion. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to forfeit $2 million along with his co-conspirators. Prosecutors contend Blubaugh split the proceeds from selling the stolen tickets with his wife, Charlette Blubaugh, who then headed the school’s ticket office.