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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Armstrong plans to attend Tour’s final two days

Cycling: A spokesman for Lance Armstrong (pictured above) says the seven-time Tour de France champion plans to attend the final two days of this year’s race.

Speaking Thursday, Armstrong spokesman Mark Higgins says Armstrong will attend the time trial in Grenoble on July 23 before going to Paris on the race’s final day to host a party for Team Radioshack supporters.

Federal authorities are investigating whether Armstrong and his former U.S. Postal team participated in a systematic doping program. Armstrong, who won the Tour every year from 1999-2005, has steadfastly denied doping and has never failed a drug test.

He also plans to ride in part of the 39th annual RAGBRAI in Iowa, set for July 24-30.

Associated Press

Overton enters not-guilty plea

Men’s basketball: Former University of Washington basketball player Venoy Overton pleaded not guilty to a charge of promoting prostitution.

His lawyer, James Bible, said Overton wants to correct misinformation in the accusation that he sent his girlfriend to work as prostitute for a share of her money.

KOMO Radio reports the King County Superior Court judge at the hearing in Kent agreed to reduce Overton’s bail from $150,000 to $25,000.

The 22-year-old Overton graduated earlier in June. Court documents say he told his girlfriend to work as prostitute in May because he needed money. He promised to take care of her when he signed a professional basketball contract.

Associated Press

Ochocinco takes ride with Burton

Auto racing: Chad Ochocinco has turned to NASCAR in his ongoing search for thrills away from the football field.

Ochocinco was strapped in for the ride as Jeff Burton drove his No. 31 car around Atlanta Motor Speedway. Burton estimated he reached speeds of 150 to 160 miles per hour with Ochocinco.

A smiling Ochocino says he has interest in the sport as an owner – for a No. 85 car, of course – but not a driver because “I’d lose every damn day.”

Ochocinco, the six-time Pro Bowl receiver, took the ride about six weeks after visiting the Professional Bull Riders circuit near Atlanta to ride a 1,500-pound bull for 1.5 seconds.

Associated Press