Newsmakers

Attacked Cyclist Lance Armstrong attacked the credibility of a report aired on CBS’ “60 Minutes” with blustery anger. However, Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News, reacted differently than many of Armstrong’s cycling competitors did during the big race. Fager didn’t back off. Armstrong’s attorney made public Wednesday a letter he’d sent to “60 Minutes” calling the May 22 television report “extraordinarily shoddy to the point of being reckless and unprofessional, or a vicious hit-and-run job,” and demanding an on-air apology. CBS’ response was not at all apologetic. “ ‘60 Minutes’ stands by its story as truthful, accurate and fair,” began a statement by Fager. “Mr. Armstrong still has not addressed charges by teammates Tyler Hamilton and George Hincapie that he used performance-enhancing drugs with them.”

Filed Charlotte Bobcats assistant Charles Oakley isn’t sure he’ll be able to return to his job because of a painful back condition he says was caused during an assault last year in Las Vegas. Oakley has filed a lawsuit against the Aria hotel-casino, claiming he was beaten by security guards in May 2010. Oakley said Saturday that two slipped disks from the incident led to a painful sciatic nerve condition that forced him to miss the Bobcats’ final 13 games. He’s still having trouble walking. It was his first season as an assistant.

Inducted Players Cobi Jones, Eddie Pope and Earnie Stewart have been inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame. Joining the players at a ceremony before the national team’s game against Spain were Bruce Murray, inducted as a veteran, and Bob Gansler, who went in as a builder.

Suspended Acting CONCACAF president Lisle Austin has been suspended by the continental federation for allegedly violating rules. The provisional ban applies to Austin’s activities with CONCACAF and in his native Barbados. CONCACAF, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, is also asking FIFA to extend Austin’s suspension to soccer duties worldwide until his full hearing July 13. CONCACAF vice president Alfredo Hawit of Honduras is acting president. The suspension drew and angry response from Austin, who claimed in a statement that the action was “illegal.” CONCACAF did not say what Austin did to merit the suspension, which took effect Thursday.