Follow-up tests on backup urine samples by Tour de France champion found traces of synthetic testosterone, the French sports newspaper L'Equipe reported Monday.

The tests on seven ``B'' samples clearly showed traces of the banned substance, the paper said on its Web site. Initial tests on the ``A'' samples from the 2006 Tour had not produced positive results, it added.

The tests were done at France's national anti-doping laboratory of Chatenay-Malabry outside Paris. L'Equipe said the lab used a technique that can distinguish synthetic from natural forms of testosterone, a male sex hormone. The lab is the same one that revealed Landis' positive test for elevated testosterone to epitestosterone levels after he won the 17th stage of last year's Tour.

If doping accusations against the 31-year-old American are upheld, he faces a two-year ban from competition. He also would be the first rider in the 104-year history of the Tour to be stripped of the title. He already has agreed not to compete in this year's event while the case is pending.

The Texas Rangers put closer on the 15-day disabled list after the often-injured right-hander left the game in the middle of just his second save situation for his new team. Gagne, the 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was appearing in consecutive games for the Rangers Sunday when he started favoring his right leg after his 11th pitch. He was diagnosed with a hip injury. After missing most of the past two seasons with elbow and back injuries, Gagne signed a one-year, $6 million deal loaded with bonus opportunities. He had one save in 3 1/3 scoreless innings after starting the season on the disabled list. The Rangers recalled right-hander , who was out of the big leagues for two years with elbow problems before returning late last season.

The Oakland Athletics placed ace right-hander on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder and put center fielder on the DL with a strained left hamstring.

's right shoulder still hurts, and the oft-injured Chicago Cubs pitcher will have surgery today. Prior will have an exploratory arthroscopic procedure in Birmingham, Ala., Cubs general manager said Monday. Dr. has been given permission for a more extensive operation if he determines it is necessary.

North Carolina freshman plans to enter the NBA Draft in June. Wright, a 6-foot-9 forward, said during a news conference he doesn't intend to sign with an agent yet -- a move that would keep open the possibility of a return to school next year. But coach said Wright was almost certain to remain in the draft.

Utah State guard will enter the NBA Draft but won't hire an agent so he can retain the right to withdraw by June 18 and return for his senior season.

The United States wound up in a familiar spot: the toughest group at the women's World Cup. The top-ranked Americans were placed in Group B on Sunday with Sweden, North Korea and Nigeria -- by far the most difficult of the four groups for the September tournament. The four teams were in the same group at the 2003 World Cup.

Ohio State students voted to honor legendary former football coach with a statue on campus. The goal is for the statue to be completed by the spring of 2008. Its location has not been determined, with Ohio Stadium, the new Ohio Union and the history building the most commonly mentioned sites.

Fees: Weekdays: 9 for $14.50; 18 for $25. Weekends: 9 for $17; 18 for $32. Seniors (60 or older): 9 for $11; 18 for $20; juniors (17 or younger): 9 for $8.50; 18 for $16. Senior cart special: weekdays before noon, 18 holes and cart, $25 per person.

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