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Clemens denies steroid use in online video broadcast

NEW YORK: Major League pitcher Roger Clemens denied in a video on Sunday he had ever used steroids as alleged in baseball's Mitchell Report.

"Let me be clear, the answer is no," Clemens, one of baseball's all-time great pitchers, said in a YouTube video posted on his foundation's website (www.rogerclemensonline.com).

"I did not use steroids, human growth hormone, and I've never done so," Clemens added, repeating denials he made in statements last week.

Former US Senator George Mitchell devoted nine pages to Clemens in his report on doping for Major League Baseball, including detailed accounts by Clemens' personal trainer, Brian McNamee, of steroid use by the seven-time Cy Young Award winner.

"I did not provide Brian McNamee with any drugs to inject into my body," Clemens said in the video. "Brian McNamee did not inject steroids or human growth hormones into my body either when I played in Toronto for the Blue Jays or the New York Yankees. This report is simply not true."

Brodeur records 95th career shutout to lead Devils

CALGARY, Alberta: Martin Brodeur broke a tie with George Hainesworth for second place on the NHL's career shutout list, making 30 saves in the New Jersey Devils' 1-0 overtime victory over the Calgary Flames on Sunday night.

Brodeur has three shutouts this season to push his career total to 95. Terry Sawchuk tops the list with 103.

Patrik Elias scored the lone goal, beating Miikka Kiprusoff at 25 seconds of the extra period. Kiprusoff finished with 21 saves.

The Devils won after a Calgary turnover deep in the New Jersey end.

Calgary defenseman Cory Sarich dropped the puck back to Craig Conroy, who mishandled the pass and was stripped by Elias. Elias moved the puck ahead to Brian Gionta, then raced up to join Gionta on a 2-on-1.

Gionta crossed the blue line and slid the puck back across to Elias.

Former referee Collina under police protection after threats

ROME: Former referee Pierluigi Collina has been given police protection after receiving threatening letters, Italian media reported on Sunday.

The ANSA news agency said that authorities in Tuscany had decided to issue Collina, well recognized internationally for his bald pate and piercing stare, with an escort after the 47-year-old was sent credible soccer-related threats to his home.

Collina, who officiated at the 2002 World Cup final, is now chief of the referees of Serie A and Serie B, Italy's top two professional tiers.

Loew sees France and Italy as teams to beat at Euro 2008

BERLIN: Germany coach Joachim Loew believes France and Italy are the favorites to win Euro 2008 while Spain and Portugal are also capable of winning the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

In an interview to appear on Monday in the German newspaper Kicker, Loew said he did not see Germany as favorites despite rising expectations following its strong qualifying campaign. Germany got third place at the 2006 World Cup.

"I don't see us as the absolute top favorite," Loew said. "In view of the last 10 years, I see France and Italy at the absolute top. I see Spain and Portugal as very strong as well."

Ballack eyes Euro 2008 and Champions League crowns

BERLIN: After the longest injury break in his 12-year career, Germany captain Michael Ballack wants to compensate by lifting the Champions League trophy with Chelsea and the Euro 2008 title with his country.

In an interview that appeared yesterday in German magazine Kicker, the 31-year-old says he wants to make amends for his eight-month break, after an ankle injury, with plenty of silverware.

"I hope 2008 will be a year of titles for me: the Champions League and the European Championships," the midfielder told Kicker.

Chelsea faces Greek champion Olympiakos in the Champions League's first knock-out round tie in February, while Germany has drawn Poland, Croatia and host Austria for next June's Euro 2008 tournament.

(China Daily 12/25/2007 page23)