In brief

CYCLING

USADA grants Armstrong extension

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency on Wednesday granted Lance Armstrong an extension of up to 30 days to contest drug charges while the seven-time Tour de France winner challenges the case in federal court.

The move erases the Saturday deadline for Armstrong to either send the case to arbitration or accept sanctions from USADA, which would likely include a lifetime ban from cycling and other sports, along with stripping the Tour titles he won from 1999 to 2005.

Armstrong this week sued in U.S. District Court in Austin, Texas, to block the case from moving forward, arguing that USADA's arbitration process violates his constitutional rights and the agency doesn't have jurisdiction over the alleged doping violations.

Granted the extension, Armstrong attorney Tim Herman on Wednesday withdrew a request for a temporary restraining order while Judge Sam Sparks reviews the complaint and a request for an injunction.

USADA accused Armstrong in June of performance-enhancing drug use throughout much of his career. Armstrong insists he is innocent and says he never failed a drug test.

Three former medical staff members and consultants on Armstrong's winning teams received lifetime bans from USADA on Tuesday.

Also: Thomas Voeckler of France led a five-rider breakaway to win the 10th stage of the Tour de France as the race entered the Alps, while Britain's Bradley Wiggins retained the overall lead. The 120.9-mile ride from Macon-sur-Valserine to Bellegarde-Sur-Valserine, France, marked a return to racing after Tuesday's tumultuous rest day in which a Cofidis rider was suspended by his team following his arrest by police in a doping probe.

Overall, Wiggins leads defending champion Cadel Evans of Australia by 1 minute, 53 seconds.

HORSE RACING

Report probes I'll Have Another injury

A published report said Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another was ailing well before he was retired from racing with a tendon injury, one day ahead of his bid to win the Belmont Stakes and become the first Triple Crown champion in 34 years.

The New York Times reported that veterinary records obtained from New York state racing officials show that I'll Have Another was being treated with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in the weeks after his win in the Preakness on May 19 and before the June 9 Belmont.

According to the records, X-rays of the colt's front ankles and knees taken four days after the Preakness showed that I'll Have Another had osteoarthritis. Two days before the Belmont, the colt was injected with painkillers and a synthetic joint fluid.

Trainer Doug O'Neill said I'll Have Another did not have osteoarthritis. The newspaper had four veterinarians who did not treat the colt review his vet records. O'Neill called the Times report "irresponsible journalism."

In a related matter, O'Neill said he has dropped his appeal of a 45-day suspension stemming from an excess of carbon dioxide in one of his horses in 2010 and will serve the penalty starting Aug. 19.

Also: Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags is out with a ligament injury in his left front leg but could return to race next year, the colt's veterinarian, Kathy Anderson, said.

Union Rags, considered the top 3-year-old in training after his Belmont win, has a "small lesion of his high suspensory," said Anderson, who added his prognosis is "excellent" for a return in 2013. The injury likely occurred after a July 6 workout.

MISCELLANEOUS

Weidman KOs Munoz on UFC card

Chris Weidman remained undefeated and solidified his status as a top contender for the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight title with a second-round knockout of Mark Munoz in San Jose, Calif.

After dominating the first round on the ground, Weidman caught Munoz, who was moving forward and throwing a punch, with an elbow and dropped him early in the second. Weidman followed Munoz to the ground and stopped the fight with a series of right hands before calling out the middleweight champion.

"I want Anderson Silva," Weidman said. "Every time I've had a full training camp, I've got a finish. I'd love a shot at the man, Anderson Silva. Give me a shot, please."

James Te Huna took a unanimous decision over Joey Beltran in a light heavyweight bout on the UFC on Fuel 4 card, and Rafael dos Anjos claimed a unanimous decision over Las Vegan Anthony Njokuani in a lightweight fight.

Also: Defending champion Kentucky will play Duke, and Michigan State will meet Kansas in the Champions Classic Doubleheader that will cap ESPN's 24-hour college basketball Tip-Off Marathon. The network announced that the fifth annual day of hoops will start Nov. 12 at 9 p.m. PST with West Virginia at Gonzaga. Eleven games will follow, capped by the doubleheader in Atlanta's Georgia Dome on Nov. 13.

Star Florida State punt returner Greg Reid was charged Tuesday in Valdosta, Ga., with possession of marijuana and driving without a valid license.

Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said he is aware of Reid's arrest, but didn't have enough information to determine what discipline he might take against the senior cornerback.

Roman Mudd of Reno shot 72 in the final round of the Nevada State Amateur to post a 2-under-par 212 total for a four-stroke victory at TPC Summerlin. Longtime Las Vegas amateur Brady Exber, a two-time champion in the tournament, shot 74 to take second at 2-over 216, and Boulder City's James Mohlman (75) was third at 218.

Las Vegans Zane Thomas (71) and Eric McCardle (77) tied for fourth at 219.

Miami Heat star LeBron James was the big winner at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, collecting three trophies, including male athlete of the year for helping the team win the NBA title. James also won in the championship performance and NBA player categories. He shared in the best team award.