Nation in brief

April 11, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

nation

Armstrong says French may ban him

AUSTIN, Texas — Lance Armstrong says he thinks French doping officials may ban him from this year’s Tour de France over a report that he violated protocols during a recent drug test.

In a video statement released on his Web site, Armstrong said there’s a “very high likelihood” he won’t be allowed to race for an eighth Tour de France title.

The French drug testing agency, known as AFLD, has said it could punish Armstrong for not remaining in sight of the official collecting samples of the cyclist’s hair, urine and blood on March 17.

NFL Network, Dish reach settlement

NEW YORK — The NFL Network and Dish Network announced a settlement Friday that ends a lawsuit over how the satellite provider broadcasts the channel.

The agreement includes a multiyear deal for Dish to continue carrying NFL Network. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased that our NFL Network will continue to be distributed in millions of homes on Dish Network,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a release.

Phoenix gets 2011 All-Star game

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks and Chase Field have been chosen to host the 2011 All-Star game.

The formal announcement will be made Saturday by commissioner Bud Selig.

“I’m excited. It’s a long time coming,” Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said Friday before his team played the Los Angeles Dodgers. “With the NBA All-Star game, which was well-received here, I know our building can be shown off for the first time in that type of scenario. I’m sure the fans of Phoenix are excited about it and it will be well-received here.”

DT Golston signs

ASHBURN, Va. — Kedric Golston has signed a $1.54 million, one-year tender to remain with the Washington Redskins.

Golston inked his deal Friday, joining fellow defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery and kicker Shaun Suisham as restricted free agents who have re-signed with the team this offseason.

A sixth-round draft pick from Georgia in 2006, Golston has started 25 games over three seasons, including 13 last year.

Joe Frazier still simmering over Ali

NEW YORK — Muhammad Ali described his third and final fight with Joe Frazier as “death, closest thing to dyin’ that I know of.”

Frazier recalls their brutal matchup outside Manila as something much less grandiose.

“We just did our job,” he said.

The two great heavyweights always have been the ying and yang of boxing. Why should things change nearly 35 years later?

Now 65 and walking with the use of a cane, the slightly stooped Frazier reflected on the iconic fight in Quezon City in 1975 during a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press.

Hall pleas not guilty

BATAVIA, Ohio — Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Leon Hall has pleaded not guilty to a drunken driving charge.

The 24-year-old cornerback was cited early Sunday on counts of operating a vehicle under the influence and driving outside his lane in Union Township, east of Cincinnati.

An attorney for Hall entered his plea Friday in Clermont County Municipal Court, and a preliminary hearing was set for April 20.

Vick in Atlanta prison

ATLANTA — Michael Vick was back in Atlanta, the city where he rose to NFL stardom, but as a prisoner rather than a player, an official said Friday.

Vindicator staff/wire reports