Gatlin’s Coach Is Focus of IAAF Doping Probe

Track and field’s world governing body is investigating the coach of sprinter Justin Gatlin for alleged doping violations.

The International Assn. of Athletics Federations said Thursday the probe into the activities of Trevor Graham will be carried out in conjunction with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

At least six athletes who trained under Graham have received doping suspensions. Graham, however, has always denied direct knowledge or involvement with drug use.

Gatlin, the reigning Olympic and world champion and co-world record holder in the 100 meters, tested positive for testosterone or other steroids after a relay race in Kansas in April.

Graham has said Gatlin was the victim of a vengeful massage therapist who rubbed testosterone cream on him without his knowledge.

Gatlin, who denies knowingly using banned substances, faces a lifetime ban if found guilty of a second doping offense.

Graham reportedly is under investigation in connection with the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative steroid probe. If evidence is found that he engaged in doping practices, the USADA will initiate disciplinary proceedings against him, the IAAF said in a statement.

Graham helped launch the federal investigation of BALCO three years ago by anonymously mailing a syringe containing a previously undetectable steroid to the USADA.

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Francis Obikwelu of Portugal became the first man in 28 years to complete a sprint double at the European Championships when he won the 200 meters at Goteborg, Sweden.

Leading from the start, Obikwelu finished strongly to clock 20.01 seconds, the fastest time in Europe this year and a Portuguese national record.

He won the 100 on Tuesday in 9.99.

The last man to win both 100 and 200 was Pietro Mennea of Italy in 1978.

TENNIS

Berdych Upsets Nadal in Toronto

Tomas Berdych upset defending champion Rafael Nadal, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2, in the third round of the Rogers Cup at Toronto.

Berdych frustrated the second-seeded Nadal by keeping his rallies as short as possible. It worked, and the 13th-seeded Berdych earned his second victory over Nadal. He beat him last year in Cincinnati.

Top-seeded Roger Federer also advanced with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-0 victory over Dmitry Tursunov.

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Justine Henin-Hardenne pulled out of next week’s Rogers Cup at Montreal because of a knee injury. She hasn’t played since the Wimbledon final in July, when she lost in three sets to Amelie Mauresmo.

JURISPRUDENCE

Bond for Clarett Is Set at $5 Million

Maurice Clarett’s bond on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon was set at $5 million in Columbus, Ohio, a day after the former Ohio State running back was arrested following a chase with police and four loaded guns were found in his sport utility vehicle.

Prosecutors had asked Franklin County Municipal Judge Andrea Peeples for a bond for Clarett of at least $1 million.

“We feel he’s a threat to the community,” assistant prosecutor Chris Brown said.

Clarett, wearing a jail-issue tan jumpsuit, stood motionless and expressionless against the wall next to his lawyer during the arraignment. He did not say anything and was not asked anything by the judge.

PRO BASKETBALL

Nuggets Deal Patterson to Bucks for Joe Smith

The Denver Nuggets traded guard-forward Ruben Patterson to the Milwaukee Bucks for forward Joe Smith, who averaged 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in 44 games last season.

Patterson was acquired in a deadline deal with Portland on Feb. 23. He averaged 13.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 26 games with the Nuggets. In all, he averaged 12.1 points and 3.4 rebounds.

HOCKEY

Forward Green Returns to Ducks

The Ducks signed veteran forward Travis Green to a one-year, $500,000 contract, bringing him back to the team he played with in 1997-98 and 1998-99.

Green, 35, played all 82 games with the Boston Bruins last season, totaling 10 goals and 12 assists while being a minus-2 in even-strength situations.

In February, Green’s name was mentioned in connection with a New Jersey investigation of a gambling ring that allegedly involved Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet. Ducks General Manager Brian Burke said he wasn’t concerned about Green’s off-ice activities.

-- Eric Stephens

MISCELLANY

Fallon Denied Mount in Arlington Million

Jockey Kieren Fallon, who won the Arlington Million aboard Powerscourt a year ago, will not ride Ace in Saturday’s race after Arlington Park stewards denied his license application. Fallon, also expected to ride Ivan Denisovich in the Secretariat Stakes, was charged with conspiring to defraud bettors in England. His racing license in Britain was revoked last month.

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Unheralded Omar Nino of Mexico outpunched and outworked 2000 U.S. Olympian Brian Viloria to win the World Boxing Council light-flyweight championship with a unanimous decision in Las Vegas.