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Scoring the first goal in England's newly formed Premier League in 1992 guarantees a permanent place in football history for former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane.
He went on to score 195 goals in 654 first-team appearances representing the likes of Leeds United, West Ham and Portuguese giants Benfica, as well as winning three England caps.
But following his retirement in 2006, the 44-year-old realised these achievements do not guarantee a easy route back into the coaching side of English football. So he has decided to take his first step on the professional ladder with little-known Norwegian club Sarpsborg.
Deane begins his new role on 3 January ahead of the start of newly promoted Sarpsborg's first season back in the Norwegian top-flight, the Tippeligaen, in March.
His move to Scandinavia mirrors that of current England boss Roy Hodgson, who started his coaching career in Sweden after fears he would not be given an opportunity by English clubs because of his limited playing credentials.
Clearly, Deane does not have the same concerns following a distinguished career spanning 21 years. But, like Hodgson in 1976, he looked abroad because he felt there are still barriers in this country which are stopping him and others being considered for jobs.
The lack of black managers in English football has sparked fierce debate in recent months - although Deane, who is an ambassador for the 'Kick Racism Out' campaign, says that is not behind his decision.
"I've not been applying for jobs long enough to find out if [race] is an issue - I've just decided to go down the route I've gone," he told BBC Sport.
"I want to be successful and don't want to have to rely on somebody saying I should be given a chance. I want to be judged on merit.
"I want to be judged on what experience I've had as a player and think I must have something. It's easier for some people - black, white, yellow, green, whatever - to get into jobs than others. People need to be a little more open-minded."
Deane believes the problem in English football is that only the same pool of people are considered when jobs come up, because of a lack of vision from chairmen and directors who are also worried about upsetting supporters.
"You've got to give somebody an opportunity to find out what they are saying before you discount them and that's where people have failed," says Deane, who also played for Doncaster, Middlesbrough and Leicester.
But he has been given a chance by Sarpsborg after a conversation with Tore Pedersen, a Norwegian agent who had brief playing spells with Blackburn and Oldham in the 1990s, alerted him to the job.
After retiring, Deane took a break from all forms of football before linking up with University of Leeds head coach Ian Burchnall, who had been recommended by his former Middlesbrough team-mate John Hendrie, to study towards his coaching badges. Burchnall, a former semi-professional player who began coaching as a teenager, appointed Leeds-born Deane as director of football and the pair have gone on to forge a successful coaching partnership, helping the red-brick university win the British University and College Sport Premier Division title for the first time in 2010.
Now they are hoping to transfer their success into the professional game with 29-year-old Burchnall joining Deane in Sarpsborg as his assistant.
Deane and Burchnall have already spent a lot of time in Norway to recruit players for their International Academy for Football and Education, while Deane plays in a charity tournament organised by his ex-Sheffield United team-mate Jan Aage Fjortoft.
"I think I've got a good playing CV and if I can do well for two or three years as a manager in Norway then who knows where it might lead," said Deane.
"But once I've done it then I can throw my CV in against anybody and feel more confident that I've been abroad and done it outside of my comfort zone."
As well as his season-long spell at Benfica, Deane spent a short stint with Australian side Perth Glory and is a big advocate for other British players and coaches going abroad. "I wouldn't say Hodgson has been an inspiration but he did a good job and the Scandinavians are quite open to the idea of having English coaches.
"It's an advantage for me because it opens up opportunities in different countries as well as in England perhaps.
"We've got some fantastic coaches here but some need to go abroad. People moan about foreign coaches but what are we exporting?
"Why can't some of our best coaches go abroad? Someone like David Moyes going to Atletico Madrid. Brendan Rodgers - I can see him abroad one day managing in Spain."
Linking up with English clubs is an avenue which he has been exploring - holding talks with a "few" Premier League and Championship clubs about taking young players on loan.
"But it's got to be a two-way street," insists Burchnall. "It's a great experience for a young player to experience a different culture, a different environment, a different style of football, different methods and bringing it back, rather than going to a League Two club where it is more results-driven and physical.
"In Norway it's more technical but slightly lower tempo. We can offer a lot of first-team experience against the likes of Molde, Rosenborg, Lillestrom, Viking, Stromsgodset, teams with European experience and international players."
Deane adds: "If they come out with us and gain that experience then they will be nearer their first team. That's what we hope to give them - an experience unique to playing in the reserves or Under-21s and playing in a top league."
And Deane hopes his own Norwegian experience can propel him up the coaching ladder - whether that's in England or elsewhere.
BBC Sport - Brian Deane ready for Norwegian managerial challenge
He went on to score 195 goals in 654 first-team appearances representing the likes of Leeds United, West Ham and Portuguese giants Benfica, as well as winning three England caps.
But following his retirement in 2006, the 44-year-old realised these achievements do not guarantee a easy route back into the coaching side of English football. So he has decided to take his first step on the professional ladder with little-known Norwegian club Sarpsborg.
Deane begins his new role on 3 January ahead of the start of newly promoted Sarpsborg's first season back in the Norwegian top-flight, the Tippeligaen, in March.
His move to Scandinavia mirrors that of current England boss Roy Hodgson, who started his coaching career in Sweden after fears he would not be given an opportunity by English clubs because of his limited playing credentials.
Clearly, Deane does not have the same concerns following a distinguished career spanning 21 years. But, like Hodgson in 1976, he looked abroad because he felt there are still barriers in this country which are stopping him and others being considered for jobs.
The lack of black managers in English football has sparked fierce debate in recent months - although Deane, who is an ambassador for the 'Kick Racism Out' campaign, says that is not behind his decision.
"I've not been applying for jobs long enough to find out if [race] is an issue - I've just decided to go down the route I've gone," he told BBC Sport.
"I want to be successful and don't want to have to rely on somebody saying I should be given a chance. I want to be judged on merit.
"I want to be judged on what experience I've had as a player and think I must have something. It's easier for some people - black, white, yellow, green, whatever - to get into jobs than others. People need to be a little more open-minded."
Deane believes the problem in English football is that only the same pool of people are considered when jobs come up, because of a lack of vision from chairmen and directors who are also worried about upsetting supporters.
"You've got to give somebody an opportunity to find out what they are saying before you discount them and that's where people have failed," says Deane, who also played for Doncaster, Middlesbrough and Leicester.
But he has been given a chance by Sarpsborg after a conversation with Tore Pedersen, a Norwegian agent who had brief playing spells with Blackburn and Oldham in the 1990s, alerted him to the job.
After retiring, Deane took a break from all forms of football before linking up with University of Leeds head coach Ian Burchnall, who had been recommended by his former Middlesbrough team-mate John Hendrie, to study towards his coaching badges. Burchnall, a former semi-professional player who began coaching as a teenager, appointed Leeds-born Deane as director of football and the pair have gone on to forge a successful coaching partnership, helping the red-brick university win the British University and College Sport Premier Division title for the first time in 2010.
Now they are hoping to transfer their success into the professional game with 29-year-old Burchnall joining Deane in Sarpsborg as his assistant.
Deane and Burchnall have already spent a lot of time in Norway to recruit players for their International Academy for Football and Education, while Deane plays in a charity tournament organised by his ex-Sheffield United team-mate Jan Aage Fjortoft.
"I think I've got a good playing CV and if I can do well for two or three years as a manager in Norway then who knows where it might lead," said Deane.
"But once I've done it then I can throw my CV in against anybody and feel more confident that I've been abroad and done it outside of my comfort zone."
As well as his season-long spell at Benfica, Deane spent a short stint with Australian side Perth Glory and is a big advocate for other British players and coaches going abroad. "I wouldn't say Hodgson has been an inspiration but he did a good job and the Scandinavians are quite open to the idea of having English coaches.
"It's an advantage for me because it opens up opportunities in different countries as well as in England perhaps.
"We've got some fantastic coaches here but some need to go abroad. People moan about foreign coaches but what are we exporting?
"Why can't some of our best coaches go abroad? Someone like David Moyes going to Atletico Madrid. Brendan Rodgers - I can see him abroad one day managing in Spain."
Linking up with English clubs is an avenue which he has been exploring - holding talks with a "few" Premier League and Championship clubs about taking young players on loan.
"But it's got to be a two-way street," insists Burchnall. "It's a great experience for a young player to experience a different culture, a different environment, a different style of football, different methods and bringing it back, rather than going to a League Two club where it is more results-driven and physical.
"In Norway it's more technical but slightly lower tempo. We can offer a lot of first-team experience against the likes of Molde, Rosenborg, Lillestrom, Viking, Stromsgodset, teams with European experience and international players."
Deane adds: "If they come out with us and gain that experience then they will be nearer their first team. That's what we hope to give them - an experience unique to playing in the reserves or Under-21s and playing in a top league."
And Deane hopes his own Norwegian experience can propel him up the coaching ladder - whether that's in England or elsewhere.
BBC Sport - Brian Deane ready for Norwegian managerial challenge
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Five-time Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe says he can still make an elite-level comeback, despite failing to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.
The Australian, 30, who last year revealed he suffered from "crippling depression" in his career, could try to return for 2013's World Championships.
"I still have a life in the pool," Thorpe told BBC World Service.
Continue reading the main story
“It would be nice to allow myself to come full circle in my swimming career”
Ian Thorpe
"I simply didn't have enough time [before London] to prepare the way I wanted to and I had to compromise."
He continued: "Now I can do exactly the training that I need to do with time on my side and I can get a preparation that will enable me to swim really well."
Australian head coach Leigh Nugent admits it would be "a big ask" for Thorpe to return to the form in which he won three Olympic titles in his home Games in Sydney in 2000, and two more in Athens four years later.
"Ian is such an enigmatic character and a brilliant athlete, but if you really haven't got that gut burning desire to do it well then maybe you have to look at other things," Nugent told BBC Sport.
"His heart is in swimming but whether it's in the type of work that he needs to do to get where he'd like to be remains to be seen."
Thorpe, who dominated the 400m freestyle event between his World Championship debut in 1999 and the 2004 Athens Olympics, axed the event for his comeback bid.
He admitted taking a "ego bashing" after focusing on the 100m and 200m events as a sprinter and Nugent believes the 10-time Commonwealth champion needs to return to his previous guise as a middle-distance specialist.
"His physiology suits the 200-400m area and to try and break into the sprint area is pretty tough for him," explained Nugent. "He needs to settle down and really apply himself to the sort of types of training that he would need to do for the 200m in particular."
At present Thorpe, who would be 33 by the time of the Rio Olympics in 2016, is only thinking about racing over the next two years, which could potentially include the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
And he admits he dreams of a return to the top of his sport once more.
"It would be nice to allow myself to come full circle in my swimming career," added Thorpe.
"I've gone from a child who loved what they did, to really having that taken away from me and then being told I'm too old and too tired [when attempting a comeback].
"Having success again would be what that younger athlete I once was would tell me to do."
The Australian trials run from 26 April to 3 May, ahead of the World Championships which take place in Barcelona between 19 July and 4 August.
BBC Sport - Ian Thorpe still believes he has an elite "life in the pool" ahead
The Australian, 30, who last year revealed he suffered from "crippling depression" in his career, could try to return for 2013's World Championships.
"I still have a life in the pool," Thorpe told BBC World Service.
Continue reading the main story
“It would be nice to allow myself to come full circle in my swimming career”
Ian Thorpe
"I simply didn't have enough time [before London] to prepare the way I wanted to and I had to compromise."
He continued: "Now I can do exactly the training that I need to do with time on my side and I can get a preparation that will enable me to swim really well."
Australian head coach Leigh Nugent admits it would be "a big ask" for Thorpe to return to the form in which he won three Olympic titles in his home Games in Sydney in 2000, and two more in Athens four years later.
"Ian is such an enigmatic character and a brilliant athlete, but if you really haven't got that gut burning desire to do it well then maybe you have to look at other things," Nugent told BBC Sport.
"His heart is in swimming but whether it's in the type of work that he needs to do to get where he'd like to be remains to be seen."
Thorpe, who dominated the 400m freestyle event between his World Championship debut in 1999 and the 2004 Athens Olympics, axed the event for his comeback bid.
He admitted taking a "ego bashing" after focusing on the 100m and 200m events as a sprinter and Nugent believes the 10-time Commonwealth champion needs to return to his previous guise as a middle-distance specialist.
"His physiology suits the 200-400m area and to try and break into the sprint area is pretty tough for him," explained Nugent. "He needs to settle down and really apply himself to the sort of types of training that he would need to do for the 200m in particular."
At present Thorpe, who would be 33 by the time of the Rio Olympics in 2016, is only thinking about racing over the next two years, which could potentially include the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
And he admits he dreams of a return to the top of his sport once more.
"It would be nice to allow myself to come full circle in my swimming career," added Thorpe.
"I've gone from a child who loved what they did, to really having that taken away from me and then being told I'm too old and too tired [when attempting a comeback].
"Having success again would be what that younger athlete I once was would tell me to do."
The Australian trials run from 26 April to 3 May, ahead of the World Championships which take place in Barcelona between 19 July and 4 August.
BBC Sport - Ian Thorpe still believes he has an elite "life in the pool" ahead
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2006/12/07
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he is "not panicking" over Rio Ferdinand's contract situation.
Ferdinand's deal expires this summer, leaving him free to negotiate terms with continental clubs now, or to leave for free at the end of season. "I don't think Rio wants to leave and, as I have said before, he can play on," said Ferguson of the 34-year-old.
In November, the defender said he was in no rush to sign a new deal.
There is reported to be interest in the former England international from the United States and the Far East.
Ferdinand has made 18 appearances out of United's 30 games in all competitions this season.
And Ferguson is confident that the defender can continue his career in Manchester if he is managed carefully.
"I don't think he has the same issue with his back that he had a couple of years ago. It is manageable now," he said.
"There is no way you would be expecting him to play every four days right through a season anyway.
"Getting rest at the right time definitely helps him and he does a lot of work on his pre-match preparation now, with yoga and a lot of other things to help him sustain his playing time."
Ferdinand's deal expires this summer, leaving him free to negotiate terms with continental clubs now, or to leave for free at the end of season. "I don't think Rio wants to leave and, as I have said before, he can play on," said Ferguson of the 34-year-old.
In November, the defender said he was in no rush to sign a new deal.
There is reported to be interest in the former England international from the United States and the Far East.
Ferdinand has made 18 appearances out of United's 30 games in all competitions this season.
And Ferguson is confident that the defender can continue his career in Manchester if he is managed carefully.
"I don't think he has the same issue with his back that he had a couple of years ago. It is manageable now," he said.
"There is no way you would be expecting him to play every four days right through a season anyway.
"Getting rest at the right time definitely helps him and he does a lot of work on his pre-match preparation now, with yoga and a lot of other things to help him sustain his playing time."
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Lance Armstrong is considering whether to publicly confess to doping, according to the New York Times.
The paper claims the 41-year-old could admit to the findings of a report by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
Usada found Armstrong and his US Postal Service team had run "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen".
He was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and given a lifetime ban.
Cycling's governing body, the International Cycling Union (UCI), accepted Usada's findings and stripped Armstrong of all results since 1 August, 1998.
The Texan, who did not co-operate with the Usada investigation and has always denied doping, has remained silent since the report although he opted not to appeal against the decision.
However, mention of his seven Tour wins was subsequently removed from his Twitter profile.
It is believed he is considering an admission because he wants to resume his athletic career, and has shown an interest in competing in triathlons.
Asked whether the American was set to come clean, his lawyer, Tim Herman, told the New York Times: "Lance has to speak for himself on that".
The newspaper claimed Armstrong had met with Usada chief executive Ty Tygart - who called for the Texan to tell the truth last month - although Herman denied a meeting had taken place.
The paper also also said Armstrong is seeking to meet with David Howman, the director general of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Howman said in a statement the agency had read "with interest" media accounts of Armstrong's possible intention to confess.
"To date, Wada has had no official approach from Mr. Armstrong or his legal representatives, but - as with anyone involved in anti-doping violations - it would welcome any discussion that helps in the fight against doping in sport," Howman said.
World Anti-Doping rules permit under certain circumstances penalties for admitted dopers to be reduced.
BBC Sport - Lance Armstrong may confess to doping - New York Times
The paper claims the 41-year-old could admit to the findings of a report by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
Usada found Armstrong and his US Postal Service team had run "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that sport has ever seen".
He was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and given a lifetime ban.
Cycling's governing body, the International Cycling Union (UCI), accepted Usada's findings and stripped Armstrong of all results since 1 August, 1998.
The Texan, who did not co-operate with the Usada investigation and has always denied doping, has remained silent since the report although he opted not to appeal against the decision.
However, mention of his seven Tour wins was subsequently removed from his Twitter profile.
It is believed he is considering an admission because he wants to resume his athletic career, and has shown an interest in competing in triathlons.
Asked whether the American was set to come clean, his lawyer, Tim Herman, told the New York Times: "Lance has to speak for himself on that".
The newspaper claimed Armstrong had met with Usada chief executive Ty Tygart - who called for the Texan to tell the truth last month - although Herman denied a meeting had taken place.
The paper also also said Armstrong is seeking to meet with David Howman, the director general of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Howman said in a statement the agency had read "with interest" media accounts of Armstrong's possible intention to confess.
"To date, Wada has had no official approach from Mr. Armstrong or his legal representatives, but - as with anyone involved in anti-doping violations - it would welcome any discussion that helps in the fight against doping in sport," Howman said.
World Anti-Doping rules permit under certain circumstances penalties for admitted dopers to be reduced.
BBC Sport - Lance Armstrong may confess to doping - New York Times
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O'Driscoll met with Barnsley's directors over the weekend but has decided not to pursue the role.
The Tykes, who are bottom of the Championship, sacked Keith Hill on 29 December after losing 3-1 to Blackburn.
"I've respectfully declined the opportunity to become Barnsley's next manager," said O'Driscoll's statement. Former Bournemouth and Doncaster boss O'Driscoll was sacked as Nottingham Forest manager after just five months in charge at the City Ground.
He left Forest in eighth place, having collected 36 points from 24 games and was tipped to make an immediate return to management at Barnsley.
"I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to have spoken to Barnsley," added O'Driscoll.
"In my one meeting with the directors I was keen to ascertain exactly what the short and long term strategies and ambitions of the club are and how I may be able to help the club achieve those. At no point were terms discussed by either party.
"It's a well-run club whose achievements in successfully maintaining their Championship status for so many seasons should never be underestimated. The directors' commitment to and passion for Barnsley FC impressed me.
"The directors are understandably keen to make a quick appointment to continue the work of trying to retain the club's Championship status once again.
"But at this moment, and given the extremely disappointing and sudden nature of my departure from Nottingham Forest, I've respectfully declined the opportunity to become Barnsley's next manager.
"I wish the club, players and supporters all the best for the rest of the season."
David Flitcroft remains in temporary charge of the side.
The Tykes, who are bottom of the Championship, sacked Keith Hill on 29 December after losing 3-1 to Blackburn.
"I've respectfully declined the opportunity to become Barnsley's next manager," said O'Driscoll's statement. Former Bournemouth and Doncaster boss O'Driscoll was sacked as Nottingham Forest manager after just five months in charge at the City Ground.
He left Forest in eighth place, having collected 36 points from 24 games and was tipped to make an immediate return to management at Barnsley.
"I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to have spoken to Barnsley," added O'Driscoll.
"In my one meeting with the directors I was keen to ascertain exactly what the short and long term strategies and ambitions of the club are and how I may be able to help the club achieve those. At no point were terms discussed by either party.
"It's a well-run club whose achievements in successfully maintaining their Championship status for so many seasons should never be underestimated. The directors' commitment to and passion for Barnsley FC impressed me.
"The directors are understandably keen to make a quick appointment to continue the work of trying to retain the club's Championship status once again.
"But at this moment, and given the extremely disappointing and sudden nature of my departure from Nottingham Forest, I've respectfully declined the opportunity to become Barnsley's next manager.
"I wish the club, players and supporters all the best for the rest of the season."
David Flitcroft remains in temporary charge of the side.
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2006/12/07
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Here we like to review the best online gambling sites based on player acceptance, history of ownership, and variety of betting options. Sure, there are some gambling sites that have a great sportsbook, but no casino, or a great casino, but no poker room.
Our aim today is to bring you information on online gambling sites that offer a little bit of everything. Firstly, our search brought us to finding an online sportsbook where players from the US could place Super Bowl bets over the Internet for Super Bowl 2013.
Bovada and BetOnline top our list of online gambling sites that offer Super Bowl online betting.
Secondly, we wanted to find a gaming site that also offers casino games. There are a lot of casinos online, however with the current legal climate in the USA it has become increasingly difficult to find American online casinos to play at.
So now that you know where our search to find the best online gambling sites started, we can tell you that it finished with Bovada. Bovada has a great sportsbook, Las Vegas style casino, and one of the best online poker rooms that we have ever played at and best of all the Bovada gaming site accepts players from the US.
Gambling Advisor blog: Online Sports Bets
Our aim today is to bring you information on online gambling sites that offer a little bit of everything. Firstly, our search brought us to finding an online sportsbook where players from the US could place Super Bowl bets over the Internet for Super Bowl 2013.
Bovada and BetOnline top our list of online gambling sites that offer Super Bowl online betting.
Secondly, we wanted to find a gaming site that also offers casino games. There are a lot of casinos online, however with the current legal climate in the USA it has become increasingly difficult to find American online casinos to play at.
So now that you know where our search to find the best online gambling sites started, we can tell you that it finished with Bovada. Bovada has a great sportsbook, Las Vegas style casino, and one of the best online poker rooms that we have ever played at and best of all the Bovada gaming site accepts players from the US.
Gambling Advisor blog: Online Sports Bets
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Lance Armstrong has agreed to a rare televised interview with Oprah Winfrey that will air next week.
According to a release posted on Winfrey's website today, Armstrong will address allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his cycling career.
Armstrong has strongly denied the doping charges that led to him being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, but The New York Times reported Friday he has told associates he is considering admitting the use of PEDS.
The newspaper report cited anonymous sources, and Armstrong attorney Tim Herman told The Associated Press that night that he had no knowledge of Armstrong considering a confession.
Winfrey's interview with Armstrong will air on Jan. 17.
Meanwhile, the chief of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency told "60 Minutes Sports'' that a representative for Lance Armstrong offered the agency a "donation'' in excess of $150,000 several years before a USADA investigation led to Armstrong being stripped of seven Tour de France titles.
In an interview on the show's premiere airing on Showtime Wednesday night, USADA CEO Travis Tygart said he was "stunned'' when he received the offer in 2004.
"It was a clear conflict of interest for USADA,'' Tygart said. "We had no hesitation in rejecting that offer.''
Armstrong's attorney, Tim Herman, denied such an offer was made.
"No truth to that story,'' Herman wrote Tuesday in an email to The Associated Press. "First Lance heard of it was today. He never made any such contribution or suggestion.''
Tygart was traveling and did not respond to requests from the AP for comment. USADA spokeswoman Annie Skinner said Tygart's comments from the interview were accurate. In it, he reiterates what he told the AP last fall: That he was surprised when federal investigators abruptly shut down their two-year probe into Armstrong and his business dealings, then refused to share any of the evidence they had gathered.
"You'll have to ask the feds why they shut down,'' Tygart told the AP. "They enforce federal criminal laws. We enforce sports anti-doping violations. They're totally separate. We've done our job.''
According to a release posted on Winfrey's website today, Armstrong will address allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his cycling career.
Armstrong has strongly denied the doping charges that led to him being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, but The New York Times reported Friday he has told associates he is considering admitting the use of PEDS.
The newspaper report cited anonymous sources, and Armstrong attorney Tim Herman told The Associated Press that night that he had no knowledge of Armstrong considering a confession.
Winfrey's interview with Armstrong will air on Jan. 17.
Meanwhile, the chief of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency told "60 Minutes Sports'' that a representative for Lance Armstrong offered the agency a "donation'' in excess of $150,000 several years before a USADA investigation led to Armstrong being stripped of seven Tour de France titles.
In an interview on the show's premiere airing on Showtime Wednesday night, USADA CEO Travis Tygart said he was "stunned'' when he received the offer in 2004.
"It was a clear conflict of interest for USADA,'' Tygart said. "We had no hesitation in rejecting that offer.''
Armstrong's attorney, Tim Herman, denied such an offer was made.
"No truth to that story,'' Herman wrote Tuesday in an email to The Associated Press. "First Lance heard of it was today. He never made any such contribution or suggestion.''
Tygart was traveling and did not respond to requests from the AP for comment. USADA spokeswoman Annie Skinner said Tygart's comments from the interview were accurate. In it, he reiterates what he told the AP last fall: That he was surprised when federal investigators abruptly shut down their two-year probe into Armstrong and his business dealings, then refused to share any of the evidence they had gathered.
"You'll have to ask the feds why they shut down,'' Tygart told the AP. "They enforce federal criminal laws. We enforce sports anti-doping violations. They're totally separate. We've done our job.''
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The 27-year-old doubles specialist was diagnosed on 27 December and tweeted his condition on Sunday. "I want to play again this year, I want to be on court, in tournaments and winning matches," he told BBC Sport. "I think it helps to have a target. I'll be doing everything and fighting every side effect to be there."
He added: "It is a long process and one where there will be some quite tough times ahead but you just want to get it out of you and then get on with life."
Hutchins enjoyed his best-ever season on the ATP Tour in 2012 as he and regular partner Colin Fleming reached four doubles finals, winning titles in Eastbourne and Delray Beach.
However, the first half of 2013 will be consumed by his battle against Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is a cancer of the white blood cells found in the network of vessels and glands throughout the body.
Nearly 1,500 people are diagnosed with the disease each year in the United Kingdom, with almost all young patients fully cured.
Hutchins begins his treatment at London's Royal Marsden on Thursday, with two chemotherapy sessions over a four-week cycle that is expected to repeat for six months.
The Londoner's condition came to light as he struggled with severe back pain that did not respond to physiotherapy.
"I was having a lot of sleepless nights, lying on the floor throughout my three-week China trip in October," he added.
"Eventually, one physio said that he thought that I needed to rule out a kidney pain, a cancer pain or a tumour pain.
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"He said I needed to have some tests because it is not normal to be in this sort of pain for this amount of time."
Hutchins is a close friend of world number three Andy Murray and shared his condition with the Scot on the same day it was diagnosed.
Murray in turn dedicated his victory in the season-opening Brisbane International to Hutchins.
"He has been extremely supportive, asking questions and sending little presents," Hutchins said of his Davis Cup team-mate Murray.
"I guess that is the type of relationship that we have but I did not know that he was going to dedicate that win to me. It meant a lot, it was very special and very touching. He is a true friend."
BBC Sport - Ross Hutchins aims at 2013 return from cancer
He added: "It is a long process and one where there will be some quite tough times ahead but you just want to get it out of you and then get on with life."
Hutchins enjoyed his best-ever season on the ATP Tour in 2012 as he and regular partner Colin Fleming reached four doubles finals, winning titles in Eastbourne and Delray Beach.
However, the first half of 2013 will be consumed by his battle against Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is a cancer of the white blood cells found in the network of vessels and glands throughout the body.
Nearly 1,500 people are diagnosed with the disease each year in the United Kingdom, with almost all young patients fully cured.
Hutchins begins his treatment at London's Royal Marsden on Thursday, with two chemotherapy sessions over a four-week cycle that is expected to repeat for six months.
The Londoner's condition came to light as he struggled with severe back pain that did not respond to physiotherapy.
"I was having a lot of sleepless nights, lying on the floor throughout my three-week China trip in October," he added.
"Eventually, one physio said that he thought that I needed to rule out a kidney pain, a cancer pain or a tumour pain.
Play media
"He said I needed to have some tests because it is not normal to be in this sort of pain for this amount of time."
Hutchins is a close friend of world number three Andy Murray and shared his condition with the Scot on the same day it was diagnosed.
Murray in turn dedicated his victory in the season-opening Brisbane International to Hutchins.
"He has been extremely supportive, asking questions and sending little presents," Hutchins said of his Davis Cup team-mate Murray.
"I guess that is the type of relationship that we have but I did not know that he was going to dedicate that win to me. It meant a lot, it was very special and very touching. He is a true friend."
BBC Sport - Ross Hutchins aims at 2013 return from cancer
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British number one Andy Murray will open his bid for a second Grand Slam title against Dutchman Robin Haase at the Australian Open next week.
The draw, which took place in central Melbourne, pitted the US Open champion against the world number 54.
Murray could face Juan Martin del Potro in the last eight and Roger Federer in the semi-finals.
British number one Heather Watson will play Alexandra Cadantu and Laura Robson will take on Melanie Oudin.
Murray has been drawn in the opposite half to world number one and defending champion Djokovic, meaning they could only meet in the final. The Scot has a 1-1 record against Haase, and their last match was a dramatic five-set victory for Murray at the 2011 US Open.
Speaking before the draw, he said: "It sounds cliched but I don't really ever look beyond the first round of the draws.
"The strength of the men's game right now means it's dangerous to look too far ahead, so I'm happy taking it match by match."
He added: "I always love coming out to Australia, it's a great Slam and all the players love it, there's a laid-back atmosphere here and it definitely beats the weather back home this time of year.
"Having said that, it can hit 40 degrees during the day, so fitness and recovery definitely play a big part.
"I've performed consistently here and have been in two Grand Slam finals here in the last few years, but I'm aiming to go one better this year."
Djokovic plays Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu in round one, and fourth seed David Ferrer is a potential semi-final opponent.
In-form Australian Bernard Tomic will open against Leonardo Mayer of Argentina, with Roger Federer potentially waiting in round three. The Swiss plays France's Benoit Paire in round one.
Watson, ranked 47, looks to have the better draw of the two British women as she starts against Romania's world number 89.
Cadantu won their only previous encounter on clay last year but Watson has since moved into the world's top 50 and won her first WTA title.
Robson will meet former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova or former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone in round two, should she get past American Oudin.
The pair have met once before in the seniors, with Robson winning in Melbourne 12 months ago.
Reigning champion and world number one Victoria Azarenka plays Romanian Monica Nicolescu in round one, while five-time champion Serena Williams meets another Romanian, Edina Gallovits-Hall.
Williams and Azarenka are in the same half of the draw, which could also see Venus Williams take on Maria Sharapova in round three.
The order of play will be announced on Saturday, with first-round matches played on Monday and Tuesday.
The draw, which took place in central Melbourne, pitted the US Open champion against the world number 54.
Murray could face Juan Martin del Potro in the last eight and Roger Federer in the semi-finals.
British number one Heather Watson will play Alexandra Cadantu and Laura Robson will take on Melanie Oudin.
Murray has been drawn in the opposite half to world number one and defending champion Djokovic, meaning they could only meet in the final. The Scot has a 1-1 record against Haase, and their last match was a dramatic five-set victory for Murray at the 2011 US Open.
Speaking before the draw, he said: "It sounds cliched but I don't really ever look beyond the first round of the draws.
"The strength of the men's game right now means it's dangerous to look too far ahead, so I'm happy taking it match by match."
He added: "I always love coming out to Australia, it's a great Slam and all the players love it, there's a laid-back atmosphere here and it definitely beats the weather back home this time of year.
"Having said that, it can hit 40 degrees during the day, so fitness and recovery definitely play a big part.
"I've performed consistently here and have been in two Grand Slam finals here in the last few years, but I'm aiming to go one better this year."
Djokovic plays Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu in round one, and fourth seed David Ferrer is a potential semi-final opponent.
In-form Australian Bernard Tomic will open against Leonardo Mayer of Argentina, with Roger Federer potentially waiting in round three. The Swiss plays France's Benoit Paire in round one.
Watson, ranked 47, looks to have the better draw of the two British women as she starts against Romania's world number 89.
Cadantu won their only previous encounter on clay last year but Watson has since moved into the world's top 50 and won her first WTA title.
Robson will meet former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova or former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone in round two, should she get past American Oudin.
The pair have met once before in the seniors, with Robson winning in Melbourne 12 months ago.
Reigning champion and world number one Victoria Azarenka plays Romanian Monica Nicolescu in round one, while five-time champion Serena Williams meets another Romanian, Edina Gallovits-Hall.
Williams and Azarenka are in the same half of the draw, which could also see Venus Williams take on Maria Sharapova in round three.
The order of play will be announced on Saturday, with first-round matches played on Monday and Tuesday.
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Almost nine in 10 (89%) sports clubs saw no change in the number of people with disabilities joining their ranks in the months after the London Games.
A study of hundreds of clubs throughout the UK by the Sport and Recreation Alliance raises questions over the sporting legacy of the 2012 Paralympics, widely regarded as the most successful ever.
Andy Reed, Chairman of the Alliance, said the findings were "a massive wake-up call not just for government but all of us in the [sport] sector".
He added: "We all have to take some responsibility for not being as ready as we probably thought we should be. "Clearly we've not demonstrated in the past that sport is welcoming to people with disability, and that's the difficult message from these figures, from our point of view."
The Alliance, which represents all governing bodies and 150,000 grassroots sports clubs, also discovered that:
86% of clubs said they had noticed no change in the number of enquiries they had received from people with disabilities wanting to take part.
96% reported no change in the number of people with disabilities volunteering at their clubs.
Only one in four clubs (24%) said they had suitable facilities for people with disabilities to participate, suitably trained staff and the appropriate equipment to deliver this, indicating that three quarters of clubs need some form of additional support in order to facilitate disabled participation.
The report concluded: "If the interest around participating in sport and recreation is ever to translate into reality, clubs will undoubtedly need help and support to develop their offer, along with access to facilities that can cater for all, and it's worrying that these foundations weren't laid sooner."
With home medal success, record ticket sales and unprecedented media coverage, the 2012 Paralympics managed to achieve a shift in perceptions towards those with disabilities that extended well beyond merely sport.
The early signs that inspirational performances at London could trigger a growth in participation among an estimated 10 million disabled people in Britain were good; in October, the British Paralympic Association's Parasport website, which gives information about disability sports, reported a 2,000% increase in web traffic during the Paralympics compared with the same period a year before.
"We were quite confident many people would be looking to join sports clubs around the country, so these figures are very disappointing," said Reed.
"It probably demonstrates we haven't got that part of the planning right for legacy.
"We all have to take a collective responsibility for this... many of us didn't expect the type of lift-up that we saw. The Paralympics caught the nation off-guard.
"We need to understand why people who were inspired then didn't take those steps to join their local sports clubs."
When asked what could have been done better, Reed said: "There was a feeling that legacy planning was slightly behind the curve compared to the rest of the planning for a very successful Games, so it would have been having funding in the right place at the right time. Some things for disability sports are only just coming on stream now.
"Some research we've done shows sports clubs are scared of opening their doors which they don't need to be - perhaps there was a bit of complacency thinking we'd wait until afterwards and we should have got programmes in place earlier.
"I think we only have a short window in 2013 to get this sorted."
Of the £493m over the next four years that Sport England last month said it was investing into grassroots sport, £13.6m was specifically earmarked for disability sport programmes, with an additional £10.2m invested into an Inclusive Sport Fund to be shared among 44 projects.
Sport England has recently announced it will be investing £2m in the English Federation of Disability Sport over the next two years.
Sports are now encouraged to develop participation programmes in an inclusive way, making them accessible for disabled participants, with 40 out of 46 sports governing bodies signing up to that ambition. Sports that have not signed up to that commitment, such as boxing, wrestling and taekwondo, will soon be asked how they intend to help attract more disabled people.
Sport England says 362,000 more disabled people now play sport than in 2005, but it is estimated that only 18% of disabled adults undertake physical activity for more than 30 minutes a week, and those with impairments are still around half as likely to be active than their able-bodied counterparts.
Equestrian Sophie Christiansen, who was born with cerebral palsy, and won three gold medals for ParalympicsGB at London 2012, told BBC Sport: "The Paralympics was a really good chance to get more people involved in sport.
"I think maybe in the years to come you might see an increase when people have time to think about how great 2012 was and get round to researching about getting involved in sport. "I think being disabled it is certainly harder to find clubs that can cater to your needs, however with the internet and Facebook and Twitter it's never been easier to find clubs that can help you or get advice from people. So I don't think there's an excuse to say there isn't any info out there. There is but it just takes a bit more effort.
"I think Locog and the government did a phenomenal job at the Games. We showed the world how it was done.
"But the word legacy has been bandied about ever since the bid. It's just a word, until it's put into action. And I think that should be done properly."
When asked what needs to change, Christiansen said: "I think advertising about getting fit and helping with disability, and maybe people are put off because they see elite sportspeople at the top of their game. Not everyone able-bodied or disabled is going to be an elite sportsperson.
"If we get the message across that being fit
A study of hundreds of clubs throughout the UK by the Sport and Recreation Alliance raises questions over the sporting legacy of the 2012 Paralympics, widely regarded as the most successful ever.
Andy Reed, Chairman of the Alliance, said the findings were "a massive wake-up call not just for government but all of us in the [sport] sector".
He added: "We all have to take some responsibility for not being as ready as we probably thought we should be. "Clearly we've not demonstrated in the past that sport is welcoming to people with disability, and that's the difficult message from these figures, from our point of view."
The Alliance, which represents all governing bodies and 150,000 grassroots sports clubs, also discovered that:
86% of clubs said they had noticed no change in the number of enquiries they had received from people with disabilities wanting to take part.
96% reported no change in the number of people with disabilities volunteering at their clubs.
Only one in four clubs (24%) said they had suitable facilities for people with disabilities to participate, suitably trained staff and the appropriate equipment to deliver this, indicating that three quarters of clubs need some form of additional support in order to facilitate disabled participation.
The report concluded: "If the interest around participating in sport and recreation is ever to translate into reality, clubs will undoubtedly need help and support to develop their offer, along with access to facilities that can cater for all, and it's worrying that these foundations weren't laid sooner."
With home medal success, record ticket sales and unprecedented media coverage, the 2012 Paralympics managed to achieve a shift in perceptions towards those with disabilities that extended well beyond merely sport.
The early signs that inspirational performances at London could trigger a growth in participation among an estimated 10 million disabled people in Britain were good; in October, the British Paralympic Association's Parasport website, which gives information about disability sports, reported a 2,000% increase in web traffic during the Paralympics compared with the same period a year before.
"We were quite confident many people would be looking to join sports clubs around the country, so these figures are very disappointing," said Reed.
"It probably demonstrates we haven't got that part of the planning right for legacy.
"We all have to take a collective responsibility for this... many of us didn't expect the type of lift-up that we saw. The Paralympics caught the nation off-guard.
"We need to understand why people who were inspired then didn't take those steps to join their local sports clubs."
When asked what could have been done better, Reed said: "There was a feeling that legacy planning was slightly behind the curve compared to the rest of the planning for a very successful Games, so it would have been having funding in the right place at the right time. Some things for disability sports are only just coming on stream now.
"Some research we've done shows sports clubs are scared of opening their doors which they don't need to be - perhaps there was a bit of complacency thinking we'd wait until afterwards and we should have got programmes in place earlier.
"I think we only have a short window in 2013 to get this sorted."
Of the £493m over the next four years that Sport England last month said it was investing into grassroots sport, £13.6m was specifically earmarked for disability sport programmes, with an additional £10.2m invested into an Inclusive Sport Fund to be shared among 44 projects.
Sport England has recently announced it will be investing £2m in the English Federation of Disability Sport over the next two years.
Sports are now encouraged to develop participation programmes in an inclusive way, making them accessible for disabled participants, with 40 out of 46 sports governing bodies signing up to that ambition. Sports that have not signed up to that commitment, such as boxing, wrestling and taekwondo, will soon be asked how they intend to help attract more disabled people.
Sport England says 362,000 more disabled people now play sport than in 2005, but it is estimated that only 18% of disabled adults undertake physical activity for more than 30 minutes a week, and those with impairments are still around half as likely to be active than their able-bodied counterparts.
Equestrian Sophie Christiansen, who was born with cerebral palsy, and won three gold medals for ParalympicsGB at London 2012, told BBC Sport: "The Paralympics was a really good chance to get more people involved in sport.
"I think maybe in the years to come you might see an increase when people have time to think about how great 2012 was and get round to researching about getting involved in sport. "I think being disabled it is certainly harder to find clubs that can cater to your needs, however with the internet and Facebook and Twitter it's never been easier to find clubs that can help you or get advice from people. So I don't think there's an excuse to say there isn't any info out there. There is but it just takes a bit more effort.
"I think Locog and the government did a phenomenal job at the Games. We showed the world how it was done.
"But the word legacy has been bandied about ever since the bid. It's just a word, until it's put into action. And I think that should be done properly."
When asked what needs to change, Christiansen said: "I think advertising about getting fit and helping with disability, and maybe people are put off because they see elite sportspeople at the top of their game. Not everyone able-bodied or disabled is going to be an elite sportsperson.
"If we get the message across that being fit
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2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Sports betting is booming on the back of a big year, which included massive events like the 2012 London Olympic Games and Euro 2012 football championships, in addition to the explosion of mobile and in-play betting, live streaming, and other innovative promos.
The biggest brands know that customers are after more of everything: more sports, more wagering options, more promos, and more special features. The top sportsbooks are those that are able to satisfy this demand, and below we look at the best of the past year and what is to come in the next.
Sports betting in 2012
Live or In-Play Betting, complemented by live streaming facilities, became all the rage in 2012, as punters demanded more than just the regular pre-game wagering options. Most of the top bookmakers now offer a live betting page, with updated odds and betting options on a number of sports, plus updated scores and running clocks.
Mobile betting was the other big mover last year, with most of the top online sportsbook launching mobile apps. Thanks to these apps, which allow customers to do most of the things they can do from their computer, mobile betting now comprises over three-quarters of all mobile gambling activities.
What to watch for in 2013
This year is one of those odd-numbered years in which there is no Olympic Games and no major football tournament. But fear not, for there are plenty of other events and tournaments to follow, such as the usual tennis and golf grand slams, European football league, and American sports.
Special events to take place in 2013 include: the World Swimming Championships, to be held in Dubai in July-August, the Rugby League World Cup, to take place in England and Wales in October and November, and a whole lot of regional tourneys such as the upcoming African Nations Cup of football.
Wellcome to:Bodog Sportsbook (Online Sportsbook Reviews - Online Sportbooks - Best Bookies)
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Sports Betting With Top Online Sportsbooks - Special Reports - Onlinecasinoreports-com
The biggest brands know that customers are after more of everything: more sports, more wagering options, more promos, and more special features. The top sportsbooks are those that are able to satisfy this demand, and below we look at the best of the past year and what is to come in the next.
Sports betting in 2012
Live or In-Play Betting, complemented by live streaming facilities, became all the rage in 2012, as punters demanded more than just the regular pre-game wagering options. Most of the top bookmakers now offer a live betting page, with updated odds and betting options on a number of sports, plus updated scores and running clocks.
Mobile betting was the other big mover last year, with most of the top online sportsbook launching mobile apps. Thanks to these apps, which allow customers to do most of the things they can do from their computer, mobile betting now comprises over three-quarters of all mobile gambling activities.
What to watch for in 2013
This year is one of those odd-numbered years in which there is no Olympic Games and no major football tournament. But fear not, for there are plenty of other events and tournaments to follow, such as the usual tennis and golf grand slams, European football league, and American sports.
Special events to take place in 2013 include: the World Swimming Championships, to be held in Dubai in July-August, the Rugby League World Cup, to take place in England and Wales in October and November, and a whole lot of regional tourneys such as the upcoming African Nations Cup of football.
Wellcome to:Bodog Sportsbook (Online Sportsbook Reviews - Online Sportbooks - Best Bookies)
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Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has been ruled out of action for three weeks with a calf strain.
The Spaniard, 30, who joined Arsenal in August 2011, suffered the injury in training this week and missed the Gunners' 2-0 defeat by Manchester City.
Manager Arsene Wenger said: "He has a scan on Monday. He will be out for about three weeks. It's a calf strain.
"It is a blow because in midfield he gives us experience, stability and tactical knowledge. We will miss that."
Wenger acknowledged Arteta's injury would add to the pressure to bring in new players before the transfer window closes at the end of January.
"We are in the market, but to find players of the calibre of Arteta in January, I wish you good luck. "We try very hard, believe me. I don't want to talk specifically about names."
French midfielder Abou Diaby returned from a three-month injury lay-off to replace Arteta, who has scored four goals in 26 appearances this season, in the Arsenal midfield.
He lasted an hour before being replaced by Aaron Ramsey.
Wenger added that his side paid for a timid approach against City as they fell 21 points behind league leaders Manchester United.
"Overall we started too timidly, with not enough authority in a game like that, and allowed them to dictate," he said. "We paid very early for that.
"You have to dictate your personality, especially defensively.
"It is frustrating because the team showed great heart and desire after that, but we were a bit too nervous to play in a serene way at home and that is costing us."
The Gunners were on the back foot after 10 minutes when defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off for bringing down Edin Dzeko in the box.
The Arsenal boss said: "What do I make of the decision? That is not really important. You have to live with the decision.
"I was surprised, but honestly. I will watch it again. I have heard it was a penalty. Was it a red card? I don't know."
The Spaniard, 30, who joined Arsenal in August 2011, suffered the injury in training this week and missed the Gunners' 2-0 defeat by Manchester City.
Manager Arsene Wenger said: "He has a scan on Monday. He will be out for about three weeks. It's a calf strain.
"It is a blow because in midfield he gives us experience, stability and tactical knowledge. We will miss that."
Wenger acknowledged Arteta's injury would add to the pressure to bring in new players before the transfer window closes at the end of January.
"We are in the market, but to find players of the calibre of Arteta in January, I wish you good luck. "We try very hard, believe me. I don't want to talk specifically about names."
French midfielder Abou Diaby returned from a three-month injury lay-off to replace Arteta, who has scored four goals in 26 appearances this season, in the Arsenal midfield.
He lasted an hour before being replaced by Aaron Ramsey.
Wenger added that his side paid for a timid approach against City as they fell 21 points behind league leaders Manchester United.
"Overall we started too timidly, with not enough authority in a game like that, and allowed them to dictate," he said. "We paid very early for that.
"You have to dictate your personality, especially defensively.
"It is frustrating because the team showed great heart and desire after that, but we were a bit too nervous to play in a serene way at home and that is costing us."
The Gunners were on the back foot after 10 minutes when defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off for bringing down Edin Dzeko in the box.
The Arsenal boss said: "What do I make of the decision? That is not really important. You have to live with the decision.
"I was surprised, but honestly. I will watch it again. I have heard it was a penalty. Was it a red card? I don't know."
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Along with a top level service, BetOnline offers incentives and high value to the bettor. BetOnline is a good choice for the new or experienced bettor, especially those seeking relatively high wagering limits. BetOnline also excels in phone wagering for those players. BetOnline is the fastest growing sportsbook in the US. North American sports bettors are joining BetOnline-com for the great betting lines including live in-game action. The bonuses and player comps are popular too. A crutial aspect of online wagering for USA and Canada based bettors is the payments - and these guys have it sussed. Lots of secure deposit methods and hassle free, fast payouts.
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The Bovada Sportsbook accepts players from the USA and once you finish reading this Bovada Sportsbook Review you will see why the Bovada sportsbook is the best online sports betting site for American players. This online bookie based in Costa Rica has very deep pockets which means your money is safe. That should be the number one concern when betting online, that your money is safe and not being held by a fly by night operation.
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They are the sportsbook arm of PartyPoker, so they are big players already and you be sure of great free bets here. The Party Bets online bookmaker"s site is huge and its membership is growing at a rapid rate. The simple to use site offers something for every type of gambler from the serious gambler to those who simple like a quick flutter on the horseracing to the slot machine lovers. Their large assortment of betting types and available free bets keep members coming back and referring their friends. Without a doubt, this site will be known world wide in a very short period of time.
Partybets online bookmaker is launched in 2006.
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Partybets online bookmaker is launched in 2006.
Sports betting offered
American footbal betting, aussie rules betting, baseball betting, basketball betting, boxing betting, cricket betting, cycling betting, darts betting, golf betting, handball betting, horse racing betting, ice hockey betting, motor sports betting, pool betting, rugby betting, snooker betting, soccer betting, tennis betting, volleyball betting, winter sports.
Advantages of PartyBets
large betting offer
financial stability
in football matches you can bet on handicap, asian handicap, double chance, under/over or half time
simple navigation
the odds in an even match 1.91 – 1.91
fast payout
other deposits: instant banking, sofort, giropay, ELV, Ewire, POLi, iDEAL, eps or abagoos
free SMS
live betting is possible on tennis, volleyball, soccer, american football, handball or ice hockey
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Members of the online betting community, who have wagered with Bodog in the past, will instantly recognize the sports betting platform at Bovada. The expression, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” comes into play here as Bovada offers finely tuned betting lines that come with the best possible prices. Remember, online sportsbook operators rarely care which team wins, they just want equal action on both sides of their lines. They happily pay the winners and collect the juice, along with the cash, from the losing bets. For this reason, Bovada takes their time to post the most attractive betting lines possible.
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Sign up at Bovada Sports Book and you will receive a 20% free bet bonus up to $100! The rollover requirements are 3X for sports and 20X for casino.
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Lance Armstrong has questioned whether he deserves his "death penalty" punishment which means he is banned from all sports because of his use of performance-enhancing drugs.
The cyclist compared his lifelong ban to six-month penalties given to others.
In the second part of his interview with Oprah Winfrey, the 41-year-old said: "I deserve to be punished. I'm not sure I deserve a death penalty.
"I'd love the opportunity to compete, but that isn't why I'm doing this."
For the second night running, the interview with Winfrey, 58, was broadcast on prime time television on her OWN network in America, and was streamed worldwide through her website.
In the first part of the interview the American ended years of denials by admitting using performance-enhancing drugs during all seven of his Tour de France wins.
During part two, in which he fought back tears as he discussed the impact on his family, he revealed:
he wants the life ban in sports lifted but accepts that is unlikely
he feels "disgraced, humbled and ashamed" by his actions
his "most humbling moment" was being asked to step aside by cancer charity Livestrong
the moment he confessed to his son and said: "don't defend me anymore"
his actions had left his mother a "wreck"
his sponsors leaving him was a "$75m day"
Of his desire to return to sport, Armstrong said he wasn't looking to take part in the Tour de France again, but added: "If you're asking me if I want to compete again, the answer is 'hell yeah, I'm a competitor'. It's what I've done all my life. I want to race, want to toe the line. "There are lots of things I can't do because of the ban. If there is a window of opportunity would I like to run the Chicago Marathon when I'm 50? Yes.
"When you see the punishment... I got a death penalty meaning I can't compete. I'm not saying that is unfair but it is different."
Armstrong said he "selfishly" wanted his life ban to be lifted. "Realistically, I don't think that will happen and I've got to live with that," he added.
Armstrong started the second part of the interview, broadcast in the UK on the Discovery Channel, by telling the US chat show host he felt "disgraced, humbled and ashamed" at his use of performance-enhancing drugs.
"Do I have remorse? Absolutely. Will it grow? Absolutely," he said. "This is the first step and these are my actions. I am paying the price but I deserve it.
"The ultimate crime is the betrayal of these people who support me and believed in me and they got lied to."
He said what he had done hit home when his cancer charity Livestrong asked him to step aside last year. "That was the most humbling moment," he said. Armstrong, who launched Livestrong after battling cancer in the mid-1990s, said sponsors started to leave him following the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) investigation last year.
Usada said he was a "serial cheat" who had led "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme sport has ever seen".
He said: "Nike called and said that they're out. Then the calls started coming.
"A couple of days: everybody out."
Armstrong described the period in which his sponsors dropped him as a" $75m dollar day". "All gone. Probably never coming back," he said. "I've lost all future income."
Outlining the build-up to Livestrong's decision, he added: "The story was getting out of control which was my worst nightmare. I had this place in my mind they would all leave. The one I didn't think would leave was the foundation.
"The foundation is like my sixth child and to make that decision and step aside was big.
"I was aware of the pressure and it was the best thing for the organisation but it hurt like hell."
Armstrong fought back tears as he described the impact of his actions on his five children.
"They know a lot," he said. "They hear it in the hallways. Their schools, their classmates have been very supportive. Where you lose control with your kids is when they go out of that space: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, in the feedback columns.
"When this all really started, I saw my son defending me, and saying 'that's not true'.
"That's when I knew I had to tell him. And he'd never asked me. He'd never said 'dad, is this true?' He'd trusted me.
"I said 'don't defend me anymore, don't'. He has been remarkably calm and mature about it." Armstrong said his mother had been left a "wreck" by what had happened but "she is a tough lady and has got through every other moment".
Despite the fallout from his drugs use, Armstrong said it was not the worst period of his life and pointed to his cancer battle.
"I've been to a dark place that was not of my doing where I didn't know if I would live," he said.
"You can't compare this to an advanced diagnosis. That sets the bar. It is close but I'm an optimist and I like to look forward - this has caused me to look back and I don't like that.
"When I was diagnosed I was better and smarter after that and then lost my way.
"It is easy to sit here and say I feel better but I can't lose my way again.
"Only I can control it and I'm in no position to make promises but that is the biggest challenge for the rest of my life - not to slip up again and not lose sight of what I have to do. I had it but things got too crazy. Epic challenge."
In the first part of the interview Armstrong told the chat show host he was sorry for his "big lie". He admitted that at the time he viewed his actions as levelling the playing field rather than cheating.
He said he would now co-operate with official inquiries into doping.
In the aftermath of the Usada report the Texan opted not to contest the allegations. He had always strongly denied doping, but that all changed within seconds of his first appearance on Winfrey's show.
The cyclist compared his lifelong ban to six-month penalties given to others.
In the second part of his interview with Oprah Winfrey, the 41-year-old said: "I deserve to be punished. I'm not sure I deserve a death penalty.
"I'd love the opportunity to compete, but that isn't why I'm doing this."
For the second night running, the interview with Winfrey, 58, was broadcast on prime time television on her OWN network in America, and was streamed worldwide through her website.
In the first part of the interview the American ended years of denials by admitting using performance-enhancing drugs during all seven of his Tour de France wins.
During part two, in which he fought back tears as he discussed the impact on his family, he revealed:
he wants the life ban in sports lifted but accepts that is unlikely
he feels "disgraced, humbled and ashamed" by his actions
his "most humbling moment" was being asked to step aside by cancer charity Livestrong
the moment he confessed to his son and said: "don't defend me anymore"
his actions had left his mother a "wreck"
his sponsors leaving him was a "$75m day"
Of his desire to return to sport, Armstrong said he wasn't looking to take part in the Tour de France again, but added: "If you're asking me if I want to compete again, the answer is 'hell yeah, I'm a competitor'. It's what I've done all my life. I want to race, want to toe the line. "There are lots of things I can't do because of the ban. If there is a window of opportunity would I like to run the Chicago Marathon when I'm 50? Yes.
"When you see the punishment... I got a death penalty meaning I can't compete. I'm not saying that is unfair but it is different."
Armstrong said he "selfishly" wanted his life ban to be lifted. "Realistically, I don't think that will happen and I've got to live with that," he added.
Armstrong started the second part of the interview, broadcast in the UK on the Discovery Channel, by telling the US chat show host he felt "disgraced, humbled and ashamed" at his use of performance-enhancing drugs.
"Do I have remorse? Absolutely. Will it grow? Absolutely," he said. "This is the first step and these are my actions. I am paying the price but I deserve it.
"The ultimate crime is the betrayal of these people who support me and believed in me and they got lied to."
He said what he had done hit home when his cancer charity Livestrong asked him to step aside last year. "That was the most humbling moment," he said. Armstrong, who launched Livestrong after battling cancer in the mid-1990s, said sponsors started to leave him following the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) investigation last year.
Usada said he was a "serial cheat" who had led "the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme sport has ever seen".
He said: "Nike called and said that they're out. Then the calls started coming.
"A couple of days: everybody out."
Armstrong described the period in which his sponsors dropped him as a" $75m dollar day". "All gone. Probably never coming back," he said. "I've lost all future income."
Outlining the build-up to Livestrong's decision, he added: "The story was getting out of control which was my worst nightmare. I had this place in my mind they would all leave. The one I didn't think would leave was the foundation.
"The foundation is like my sixth child and to make that decision and step aside was big.
"I was aware of the pressure and it was the best thing for the organisation but it hurt like hell."
Armstrong fought back tears as he described the impact of his actions on his five children.
"They know a lot," he said. "They hear it in the hallways. Their schools, their classmates have been very supportive. Where you lose control with your kids is when they go out of that space: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, in the feedback columns.
"When this all really started, I saw my son defending me, and saying 'that's not true'.
"That's when I knew I had to tell him. And he'd never asked me. He'd never said 'dad, is this true?' He'd trusted me.
"I said 'don't defend me anymore, don't'. He has been remarkably calm and mature about it." Armstrong said his mother had been left a "wreck" by what had happened but "she is a tough lady and has got through every other moment".
Despite the fallout from his drugs use, Armstrong said it was not the worst period of his life and pointed to his cancer battle.
"I've been to a dark place that was not of my doing where I didn't know if I would live," he said.
"You can't compare this to an advanced diagnosis. That sets the bar. It is close but I'm an optimist and I like to look forward - this has caused me to look back and I don't like that.
"When I was diagnosed I was better and smarter after that and then lost my way.
"It is easy to sit here and say I feel better but I can't lose my way again.
"Only I can control it and I'm in no position to make promises but that is the biggest challenge for the rest of my life - not to slip up again and not lose sight of what I have to do. I had it but things got too crazy. Epic challenge."
In the first part of the interview Armstrong told the chat show host he was sorry for his "big lie". He admitted that at the time he viewed his actions as levelling the playing field rather than cheating.
He said he would now co-operate with official inquiries into doping.
In the aftermath of the Usada report the Texan opted not to contest the allegations. He had always strongly denied doping, but that all changed within seconds of his first appearance on Winfrey's show.
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2006/12/07
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29893
A Texan company plans to file a lawsuit next week to recoup $12m from disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong.
SCA Promotions insured bonuses paid to Armstrong when he claimed his fourth, fifth and sixth Tour de France wins.
The American has admitted using performance-enhancing drugs for all seven of his Tour de France wins.
"We will likely file that lawsuit as soon as next week unless we get a satisfactory response from Armstrong's camp," SCA lawyer Jeff Tillotson said.
Continue reading the main story
“Lance Armstrong neither has the legal right, nor frankly the moral right to keep those funds”
Jeff Tillotson SCA Promotions lawyer
The insurance policy was taken out by Tailwind Sports, owner of the US Postal team, to cover performance bonuses payable to Armstrong if he claimed his fourth, fifth and sixth Tour victories.
SCA initially refused to pay out money covering the bonus for Armstrong's sixth Tour win in 2004, totalling $5m, because it argued Armstrong was not a clean rider.
Armstrong took the company to an arbitration hearing in Dallas in 2005 and won, because the contract between the parties stipulated the insurance money would be payable if Armstrong was the "official winner" of the Tour.
But, after Armstrong's confession of doping to Oprah Winfrey this week, Tillotson said his client would be looking to recover the money, now assessed at $12m because of legal costs and interest.
"As you can imagine, we paid him $12m for being the official winner of three Tour de France races and swearing under oath he was a clean rider during those races," Tillotson told BBC 5live's BeSpoke programme.
"He's now told us, at least though Oprah, that he lied when he told us he was a clean rider.
"He doped during all those races, and Usada and UCI have stripped him of his official title status. So under those circumstances my client naturally wants his money back.
"We have made a demand for return of the $12m and if that money is not returned to us, my client will pursue litigation.
"He feels Lance Armstrong neither has the legal right, nor frankly the moral right to keep those funds."
The Dallas attorney also gave his reaction to the Armstrong interview with Winfrey, saying he found it "jaw-dropping" that the American had admitted all the things he denied in the arbitration hearing in 2005. "Every question in his testimony that he answered no to when I asked him, he answered yes to Oprah Winfrey," he said.
"So it was pretty clear from the first few minutes of the interview he was admitting that he had committed perjury in our legal proceedings in the US.
"From our perspective we were somewhat floored by how quickly he admitted that."
Tillotson said Armstrong was yet to get in touch with him personally, or SCA Promotions.
"I think the lawyers are the last ones you get around to apologising to so I won't take it personally. But he does need to make amends to my client," Tillotson said.
"We are the ones where he took an oath under US law to tell the truth and pointedly lied to. So I feel we are high on the list of people that need to be told 'I'm sorry I did that to you'.
"We are open to working things out in a way that makes sure justice happens in this."
There have been suggestions that Armstrong could also be charged with perjury for lying under oath in 2005 but Tillotson admits this is unlikely to happen.
"In the US, if you lie under oath in a legal proceeding there are two possible penalties that can happen to you," he explained.
"One is criminal - you can be prosecuted by the authorities for lying under oath. That carries with it though a Statute of Limitations and it must be brought within a certain period of time of your lie.
"It's most likely the limitations have run, so Mr Armstrong could not be criminally prosecuted for perjury.
"But there is a second penalty which is in the civil lawsuit, (which) my client is pursuing. Mr Armstrong can be held accountable for that conduct."
SCA Promotions insured bonuses paid to Armstrong when he claimed his fourth, fifth and sixth Tour de France wins.
The American has admitted using performance-enhancing drugs for all seven of his Tour de France wins.
"We will likely file that lawsuit as soon as next week unless we get a satisfactory response from Armstrong's camp," SCA lawyer Jeff Tillotson said.
Continue reading the main story
“Lance Armstrong neither has the legal right, nor frankly the moral right to keep those funds”
Jeff Tillotson SCA Promotions lawyer
The insurance policy was taken out by Tailwind Sports, owner of the US Postal team, to cover performance bonuses payable to Armstrong if he claimed his fourth, fifth and sixth Tour victories.
SCA initially refused to pay out money covering the bonus for Armstrong's sixth Tour win in 2004, totalling $5m, because it argued Armstrong was not a clean rider.
Armstrong took the company to an arbitration hearing in Dallas in 2005 and won, because the contract between the parties stipulated the insurance money would be payable if Armstrong was the "official winner" of the Tour.
But, after Armstrong's confession of doping to Oprah Winfrey this week, Tillotson said his client would be looking to recover the money, now assessed at $12m because of legal costs and interest.
"As you can imagine, we paid him $12m for being the official winner of three Tour de France races and swearing under oath he was a clean rider during those races," Tillotson told BBC 5live's BeSpoke programme.
"He's now told us, at least though Oprah, that he lied when he told us he was a clean rider.
"He doped during all those races, and Usada and UCI have stripped him of his official title status. So under those circumstances my client naturally wants his money back.
"We have made a demand for return of the $12m and if that money is not returned to us, my client will pursue litigation.
"He feels Lance Armstrong neither has the legal right, nor frankly the moral right to keep those funds."
The Dallas attorney also gave his reaction to the Armstrong interview with Winfrey, saying he found it "jaw-dropping" that the American had admitted all the things he denied in the arbitration hearing in 2005. "Every question in his testimony that he answered no to when I asked him, he answered yes to Oprah Winfrey," he said.
"So it was pretty clear from the first few minutes of the interview he was admitting that he had committed perjury in our legal proceedings in the US.
"From our perspective we were somewhat floored by how quickly he admitted that."
Tillotson said Armstrong was yet to get in touch with him personally, or SCA Promotions.
"I think the lawyers are the last ones you get around to apologising to so I won't take it personally. But he does need to make amends to my client," Tillotson said.
"We are the ones where he took an oath under US law to tell the truth and pointedly lied to. So I feel we are high on the list of people that need to be told 'I'm sorry I did that to you'.
"We are open to working things out in a way that makes sure justice happens in this."
There have been suggestions that Armstrong could also be charged with perjury for lying under oath in 2005 but Tillotson admits this is unlikely to happen.
"In the US, if you lie under oath in a legal proceeding there are two possible penalties that can happen to you," he explained.
"One is criminal - you can be prosecuted by the authorities for lying under oath. That carries with it though a Statute of Limitations and it must be brought within a certain period of time of your lie.
"It's most likely the limitations have run, so Mr Armstrong could not be criminally prosecuted for perjury.
"But there is a second penalty which is in the civil lawsuit, (which) my client is pursuing. Mr Armstrong can be held accountable for that conduct."
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2006/12/07
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29893
Alberto Contador, a two-time winner of the Tour de France who was stripped of a third title for using a banned substance, says cycling needs to take something positive from the Lance Armstrong scandal. Contador spoke to reporters on Sunday on the eve of the Tour de San Luis in Argentina.
The Spaniard said Armstrong's admission that he took performance-enhancing drugs to win his seven Tour de France titles was "hard on the image of cycling," but he said he wanted to "find the good in it."
Contador won the Tour de France in 2007 and 2009 but was stripped of his 2010 title for testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol.
"I know they've spoken a lot about the interview, but what he said surprised nobody in the least," the Spaniard said.
Armstrong acknowledged in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that he used banned substances in winning his seven Tour de France titles.
Armstrong was stripped of the titles and has been banned for life from cycling and from competing in athletic events sanctioned by WADA or the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
The Spaniard said Armstrong's admission that he took performance-enhancing drugs to win his seven Tour de France titles was "hard on the image of cycling," but he said he wanted to "find the good in it."
Contador won the Tour de France in 2007 and 2009 but was stripped of his 2010 title for testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol.
"I know they've spoken a lot about the interview, but what he said surprised nobody in the least," the Spaniard said.
Armstrong acknowledged in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that he used banned substances in winning his seven Tour de France titles.
Armstrong was stripped of the titles and has been banned for life from cycling and from competing in athletic events sanctioned by WADA or the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
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World number one Djokovic went down 6-4 6-4 as Australia took a 1-0 lead against Serbia in Perth.
The defeat came two days after a crowd barricade fell into Djokovic's shin while he was signing autographs.
"I knew I was coming to Australia really late," said Djokovic. "It takes time for me to get used to it."
Djokovic will be anxious to return to winning ways before he launches the defence of his title at the Australian Open , which starts on 14 January.
The 25-year-old has won the Australian Open for the last two years and beat Andy Murray in the 2011 final.
Ana Ivanovic later defeated Australia's Ashleigh Barty 6-2 6-3 to level the tie at 1-1.
BBC Sport - Novak Djokovic loses Hopman Cup tie to Bernard Tomic