USADA puts bounty on Armstrong

Cycling: Lance Armstrong’s attorneys say the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is offering cyclists a “sweetheart deal” if they testify or provide evidence that the seven-time Tour de France winner cheated by doping.

If those riders have been caught doping, the deal from USADA could result in a reduced ban from competition and other incentives, attorney Tim Herman told the Associated Press.

Federal investigators in Los Angeles are looking at cheating in professional cycling and have shown interest in Armstrong since former teammate and 2006 Tour de France winner Floyd Landis alleged this spring that Armstrong and others took performance-enhancing drugs, which Armstrong strongly denies.

USADA spokeswoman Erin Hannan said the agency could not comment in detail about an investigation.

Thumb won’t sideline Jackson against Tulsa

WNBA: Storm forward Lauren Jackson is expected to play against Tulsa tonight despite spraining and partially tearing a ligament on her left thumb.

The injury occurred Sunday in the second quarter of a one-point loss to Minnesota that snapped Seattle’s 13-game win streak.

The Storm did not practice Monday, traveling for the final matchup in the two-game road trip. Jackson was evaluated, and although X-rays showed no broken bones, she told the Seattle Times via e-mail that she has a sprained thumb and partially torn ligament.

A 10-year WNBA veteran, Jackson’s health has been an annual concern as the franchise heads into the playoffs. Seattle clinched its seventh consecutive berth in July, but played the past two postseasons without Jackson due to ankle and back injuries.

NHL: Marty Turco agreed to a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, replacing Stanley Cup hero Antti Niemi as the Blackhawks’ top goalie.

Turco, 34, went 22-20-11 with a 2.72 GAA, .913 save percentage and four shutouts last season. His deal is believed to be worth $1.3 million.

Niemi, 26, who was awarded a $2.75 million salary by an arbitrator last week, becomes an unrestricted free agent. Niemi’s agent, Bill Zito, said his client was disappointed by the Blackhawks’ decision.

Ohio State favored to win Big Ten again

College Football: The Buckeyes, who return 16 starters from an 11-2 team, were picked to win their sixth straight Big Ten title. That would tie the record they set from 1972-77. The Buckeyes are 36-4 in conference games over the past five seasons.

Leading the way will be quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who was named the Big Ten’s preseason offensive MVP for the second straight season. The junior has led the Buckeyes to conference titles in his first two years. Last season he threw for 2,094 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing (779 yards). He was the Rose Bowl offensive MVP.

Golf: Ben Curtis and Boo Weekley are going to the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits despite falling from the top 100 in the world ranking.

The PGA of America changed its criteria last year to require that members of the most recent Ryder Cup team stay within the top 100.

The PGA Championship gave exemptions to everyone in the top 100 who were not eligible. It also invited three players outside the top 100 – Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain, Simon Khan of England and Seung-Yul Noh of South Korea.

The PGA Championship is Aug. 12-15.