Djokovic an expert backpedaler

Did he or didn't he?

Novak Djokovic, the world's No. 1-ranked male tennis player, has stirred controversy at the U.S. Open regarding his supposed use of a hyperbaric chamber to help his ailing right shoulder as well as boost his performance all year.

Djokovic told The Wall Street Journal on Monday he's had an advantage this year thanks to the spaceshiplike pressurized egg that reportedly helps the body increase oxygen absorption, leading to muscle recovery.

"I think it really helps -- not with muscle but more with recovery after an exhausting set," Djokovic told the Journal.

On Tuesday, he backpedaled, claiming he hasn't used the device in nearly a year and said it has not been a factor in his climb to the top.

"Well, all I can say is that I have used it a couple of times last year, and I haven't used it since," Djokovic said. "You know, it's very interesting technology, but I don't know the effect of it."

But as reporters pressed him on the subject, he said, "Well, it would be great if that machine can fly wherever I am playing. But I haven't used it this year because I'm really not intending to change my routines."

Finally tiring of the questions, he said: "I'm going to repeat it for the last time: It doesn't have any influence on my success."

So is Djokovic getting help or not?

He didn't need it in his first match. But as the tournament moves on, we'll see how he and his shoulder hold up. Regardless, he should learn to stick to his story once he tells it. He sounds like a boxing promoter.

■ THE AIR I CAN'T BREATHE -- NBA players are used to performing in a smoke-free environment. But when they leave David Stern's universe, all bets are off.

Paul Pierce and Michael Beasley found that out the hard way when both had trouble breathing while playing in an exhibition game Monday in China.

Pierce and Beasley reportedly suffered wheezing attacks in the arena at Shaungyshan, where smoking is not only allowed, it apparently is encouraged.

So for any NBA players looking to relocate to China if the lockout extends into November, get one of those surgical masks to filter out the smoke. It might not be a fashionable look, but it could save your life.

■ BLACK'S NOT BAD -- Several members of the Locomotives were wearing black football helmets during practice Wednesday at Sam Boyd Stadium. But the curious headgear had nothing to do with being a rookie or a hazing ritual or being demoted.

Locos president and coach Jim Fassel said there weren't enough silver helmets to go around for the 70 participating players. Still, it was a weird look seeing guys running around in black helmets amid all that silver.

That shouldn't be a problem by next week, when the team's roster is cut to 51. At that point, the black helmets can go back into storage or be put up for sale on eBay in an attempt to cut into that $7 million owner Bill Hambrecht expects to lose on this year's United Football League season.

COMPILED BY STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL