Sports in brief

COURTS

Prosecutor: Vick not involved in

shooting after birthday bash

The Virginia Beach, Va., lead prosecutor said last night that Michael Vick was involved in a confrontation before a shooting following his birthday bash. Commonwealth's Attorney Harvey L. Bryant told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that Vick was not involved in the shooting and that he left the nightclub "in the 3 to 5 minute range" before it occurred. Bryant would not go into detail about the confrontation, but said there was no evidence the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was involved in "anything that would amount to aggressive or assaultive conduct."

Raiders defend actions

The Oakland Raiders responded to JaMarcus Russell's recent arrest by saying they did all they could to help the former No. 1 overall pick before releasing him two months ago. Russell was charged with possession of a controlled substance - codeine syrup - after being arrested at his home in Mobile, Ala. "We did all that we could to intervene and assist with a myriad of issues with JaMarcus Russell," the Raiders' statement said. "NFL policy restricts our ability to comment publicly at this time."

CYCLINGFlat tire could cost Armstrong

Lance Armstrong's flat tire has done more than just deflate some of his hopes for another Tour de France victory. It's also caused a bit of second-guessing within his RadioShack team. Before yesterday's fourth stage, won by Italy's Alessandro Petacchi, Armstrong said he and his teammates could have better managed the cobblestones where he punctured a tire and lost time the previous day. Yesterday's ride didn't shake up the overall standings, with Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara retaining the yellow jersey.

"You can look at the position we went into the cobbles [in], you can look at perhaps the amount of the time we spent on the sides, which I think has an effect," Armstrong said. "You obviously get more flats" on the roadsides instead of the cobblestones. While Armstrong took about 45 seconds to get a new tire, rivals like Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck zoomed ahead to gain seconds that will be valuable when the race reaches the mountains later on.

NHLSabres sign Niedermayer

The Buffalo Sabres signed free agent center Rob Niedermayer to a one-year deal. Niedermayer has played in 16 seasons in the NHL, and won a Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007. Last year he had 22 points in 71 games with the Devils.- AP