Basso is cooperating with doping inquiry

Giro d’Italia champion Ivan Basso has admitted involvement in cycling’s Spanish doping scandal and is cooperating with sports authorities.

The Italian rider “widely acknowledged his responsibilities” in connection with Operation Puerto and offered “full cooperation,” the Italian Olympic Committee said Monday.

Basso’s lawyer, Massimo Martelli, said his client decided to “spill the beans because it was not possible for him to live out his passion, his work, cycling, in this way.” Basso could face a long suspension and it was not immediately clear whether his Giro title was in danger.

Martelli said he could not disclose what Basso told the Italian committee prosecutor because the transcript was sealed. But the lawyer said Basso acknowledged “the moment has come” to speak. Basso will not be implicating other riders in the investigation, Martelli said.

TENNIS

Federer loses to Nadal in doubles

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have met on clay, grass and hard courts, and even in a half-grass, half-clay court exhibition last week.

On Monday, the top two players tried another version of the game -- doubles.

Nadal teamed with Carlos Moya to beat Federer and his Davis Cup teammate Stanislas Wawrinka, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the first round of the Rome Masters.

“I’m getting to know him pretty well,” Federer said. “It was fun.”

Justine Henin beat Alona Bondarenko, 6-1, 6-3, to win the J&S; Cup for the second time in three years in a final delayed because of rain at Warsaw.

PRO FOOTBALL

Alexander’s foot might still be broken

Seattle Seahawks star running back Shaun Alexander said his left foot, broken for the last four months of last season, may still be cracked as he begins the 2007 exhibition season.

“I don’t even want to get another X-ray until after this camp,” Alexander said. “If the X-ray shows it’s still cracked, it’s like, ‘OK. What does that mean?’ ”

Since January 2000, Adam “Pacman” Jones’ attorneys count at least 283 NFL players who have been arrested or charged on offenses ranging from drunk driving to domestic violence to weapons possession. None was suspended a full season for personal conduct, a punishment Jones’ attorneys say was “unprecedented in its severity.” That’s part of the Titans cornerback’s plea for leniency in a 24-page letter sent to the NFL and posted Monday on the Tennessean newspaper’s website.

The Jacksonville Jaguars waived cornerback Ahmad Carroll, two days after he was arrested on weapon and drug violations.... A judge dismissed an assault charge against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend after witnesses said he wasn’t involved in a fight at a nightclub in March.

MISCELLANY

Earnhardt critical of Car of Tomorrow

Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined a growing chorus of critics of NASCAR’s new Car of Tomorrow, saying, “It’s ridiculous that these cars are so bad.”

Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch and Greg Biffle have also been critical of the new car’s handling.

NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said in response to Earnhardt’s remarks, “NASCAR is proud of the four Car of Tomorrow races to date,” adding that they have “produced intense competition and outstanding finishes.”

-- Jim Peltz

The Sparks, who play the Phoenix Mercury today at Phoenix in their exhibition opener, signed free-agent forward LaToya Thomas, who averaged 8.3 points for San Antonio last year.

-- Jerry Crowe

Greg Fox, trainer of Slew’s Tizzy, said his colt was no longer being considered for the Preakness.

-- Robyn Norwood

Drew Gordon, a 6-foot-9 junior basketball player from San Jose Archbishop Mitty High who’s considered the No. 1 big man on the West Coast for his class, announced he had committed to UCLA.

-- Eric Sondheimer

Matthew Lombardi scored three goals to give undefeated Canada a 6-3 victory over the United States and a top seeding entering the quarterfinals of hockey’s world championships at Mytischi, Russia.

Canada next plays Switzerland. The U.S., which finished second in the qualifying round, plays Finland.