Randi Rhodes Accuses Neal Boortz Of Racist Remarks

Summary: On Larry King Live, Randi Rhodes accused nationally syndicated radio host Neal Boortz of making slanderous statements against Muslims, and she urged King, his producers, and viewers to "go to mediamatters.org and look up what Neal Boortz said." The next day on his radio show, Boortz continued smearing Muslims.

On the August 9 edition of CNN's Larry King Live, Air America's Randi Rhodes accused nationally syndicated radio host Neal Boortz of making slanderous statements against Muslims, and she urged King, his producers, and viewers to "go to mediamatters.org and look up what Neal Boortz has said." Rhodes accused Boortz of calling "every Muslim a raghead" and said that he "called Muhammad, who is their prophet, a raghead" and a "phony." Boortz denied Rhodes' accusations, stating, "If Randi can come up with an instance where I called all Muslims ragheads, I have a $5,000 donation to Air America."

Boortz continued smearing Muslims on the August 10 broadcast of Cox Radio Syndication's The Neal Boortz Show, during which he stated, "It is perfectly safe to say all terrorists are Muslims. All of them. If it was not for the religion of Islam, this world would be a much, much, much more peaceful place today. If it were not for the religion of Islam, there would be many thousands, maybe tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of people alive today living peaceful, happy, and fulfilled lives than there are. Agony, misery, death is occurring all over this world, brought to us by the wonderful, peaceful religion of Islam."

Although Media Matters for America has not documented Boortz using the specific term "raghead," on the July 19 edition of his radio program, he called the prophet Muhammad "a phony rag-picker" and stated that Islam is "a religion of vicious, violent, bloodthirsty cretins."

On the August 4, 2004, edition of his radio program, Boortz mocked Shahada (the Islamic creed), which reads, "There is no true God but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God." Boortz then stated, "Say that with conviction, folks, and the next thing you know, you're strapping on a suicide bomb." During the same broadcast, Boortz read from a book titled A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam. Boortz read a list of topic headings -- "It goes into things like the universe, and the cosmos, and how wind moves clouds" -- before making his point: "I'm looking for the part in here where it tells them to go out and kill people who aren't Muslims. And then I don't see it." Boortz then dismissed Muhammad as "a guy who got bored selling secondhand clothes," and then started a religion.

From the August 9 edition of CNN's Larry King Live:

RHODES: You know, Neal, I've heard you call every Muslim a raghead. I've heard you, you know, say horrible things about Muhammad. This doesn't help us in the world. Do you understand? This doesn't help us.

BOORTZ: Now, Randi -- Randi, I'll tell you what.

RHODES: This is really critical mass. It's not fun anymore, OK?

BOORTZ: Randi --

RHODES: If you -- if you don't understand that Lebanon --

KING: Randi --

RHODES: -- that the civilians in Lebanon did nothing, they should be rewarded for getting Syria out of there.

KING: Neal, did you --

RHODES: Condoleezza Rice, Brent Scowcroft, Richard Lugar, Chuck Hagel --

BOORTZ: Larry, Randi's not through talking yet.

RHODES: -- they can't all be wrong, and they all agree with me.

KING: Randi, hold it a second. Randi! Randi, hold it a second. Neal, did you say such a thing about Muslims by the way?

BOORTZ: No and, if Randi can show --

RHODES: No? No, you didn't say --

KING: Randi, don't interrupt. Let him respond.

BOORTZ: Larry, are you kidding? You're asking Randi not to interrupt? You've been doing this longer than that, Larry. You know better than that. If Randi can come up with an instance where I called all Muslims ragheads, I have a $5,000 donation to Air America, so come on, Randi.

RHODES: You owe me $5,000 for Habitat for Humanity. You'll hear the audio on my show because, Larry, I don't know that your producers can get it --

BOORTZ: That's fine.

RHODES : -- but it's on mediamatters.org, the actual audio.

KING: All right, we're off topic, we're off topic.

BOORTZ: Now remember, I called all Muslims ragheads? I don't use that term.

RHODES: You called --

BOORTZ: Oh, Randi, why don't you --

RHODES: You called Muhammad -- you called Muhammad, who is their prophet, a raghead. You called him a phony.

BOORTZ: No, I did not.

RHODES: Let your producers go to mediamatters.org and look up what Neal Boortz has said --

KING: Hold it, hold it, hold it. Guys, we're off topic, or I'm going to cut this short.

RHODES: -- about this religion.

KING: Please stay on topic.

RHODES: You know, it doesn't help, though, Larry. The point is --

KING: The topic -- hold it, Randi.

RHODES: It doesn't help.

KING: Randi, hold it. Randi, hold it!

RHODES: People are really dying.

KING: Randi, you don't help your cause by talking too much. Hold it, just one at a time. Neal.

From the August 10 broadcast of Cox Radio Syndication's The Neal Boortz Show:

BOORTZ: Why, why, tell me, why won't these news outlets describe these terrorists as Islamic or Muslim? There are, of course, few exceptions, because I'm going to get somebody to call in: "What about Timothy McVeigh?" I mean, there is always, there is always an exception. Damn few. So few that it is perfectly safe to say all terrorists are Muslims. All of them. If it were not for the religion of Islam, this world would be a much, much, much more peaceful place today. If it were not for the religion of Islam, there would be many thousands, maybe tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of people alive today living peaceful, happy, and fulfilled lives than there are. Agony, misery, death is occurring all over this world, brought to us by the wonderful, peaceful religion of Islam.

GOP, Democrats clash over war on terror

WASHINGTON - Republicans and Democrats clashed over the war on terror on Thursday within hours of the disclosure of a thwarted terrorist plot in Britain, each side accusing the other of doing too little to deter the threat of attack. "We must implement the strong recommendations of the independent 9/11 commission to improve airport security screening at checkpoints," said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, stressing one of the party's principal campaign-year promises in its drive to gain control of Congress.

 

Ohio Republicans said the Democratic candidate for the Senate, Rep. Sherrod Brown (news, bio, voting record), had voted against money "for the very types of programs that helped the British thwart these vicious attacks."

"I don't question his patriotism, but the fact is if Sherrod Brown had his way, America would be less safe," said Bob Bennett, chairman of the Ohio Republican Party.

Brown, who is challenging Republican Sen. Mike DeWine (news, bio, voting record), mentioned the billions spent on the Iraq war and said the thwarted attacks "underscore the need to refocus our resources on fighting the war on terror."

The charges served as a reminder that with midterm elections less than three months away, not even an alleged attack to blow up passenger planes was off-limits to politics.

Throughout the day, the accusations grew more heated with Republicans and Democrats criticizing each other for using the day's events for political gain.

To be sure, both sides are seeking political advantage on national security. Voters will choose a new Congress Nov. 7, and polls show the public favoring Democratic control of Congress over Republicans who have been in power for a dozen years.

Additionally, recent polls have found that the Republican edge on terrorism and protecting the country has eroded over the past few months.

An Associated Press-Ipsos poll conducted this week — but before news of the foiled terror plot — found that 40 percent approved of President Bush's performance on foreign policy and terrorism, down slightly from 44 percent in July. The percentage was still higher than the number of Americans who approve of his handling of Iraq, the economy and domestic issues.

The disclosure Thursday that British officials disrupted terrorists' plans to blow up aircraft heading to the U.S. gave both Republicans and Democrats an opportunity to emphasize their positions on national security — and highlight the differences facing voters.

"Freedom is never free, and we must never be complacent in defending it," House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., said. Echoing the GOP's election-year message, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., added: "We must be on alert so that our nation does not suffer another attack like 9/11."

"As a result of mismanagement and the wrong funding priorities, we are not as safe as we should be," Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada countered. Sen. John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, added: "This is a stark reminder that the war on terrorism is global, and extends far beyond Iraq to our very shores."

Not all Democrats echoed their leaders' refrain.

Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who intends to run as an independent after losing his Democratic primary to anti-war challenger Ned Lamont, said the foiled plot "should serve as the latest, most serious evidence that we are in a war against a brutal enemy that intends to attack us over and over again in the most indiscriminate way."

Lamont said the Bush administration has been preoccupied with Iraq while national security and efforts to curb terrorism have suffered. "We need to change course, and that means standing up to this administration and fighting for our security in a rational, serious way," he said.

In 2002 and 2004, the GOP sought to make the case that there hasn't been an attack on U.S. soil since 2001 because the Bush administration and Republicans have been diligent on national security. The GOP portrayed Democrats as weak on the issue and suggested that Democratic rule could endanger the country.

In a sign that the issues will reverberate beyond this fall, potential 2008 presidential candidates weighed in on the scheme.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's office said he will activate the National Guard to help with security at Logan International Airport for the first time since the 2001 attacks. And, New York Gov. George Pataki, also a Republican, said the disrupted terror operation "underscores the need for continued vigilance, intelligence gathering and cooperation among law enforcement agencies and the public."

Landis Vows To Clear His Name

Associated Press Posted: 12 minutes ago

PARIS - Floyd Landis was fired by his team and the Tour de France no longer considered him its champion Saturday after his second doping sample tested positive for higher-than-allowable levels of testosterone.   The samples contained synthetic testosterone, indicating that it came from an outside source. 2006 Tour de France Photo gallery... Tour de France Also... 'B' test comes out positive Friends, neighbors still support Landis Synthetic testosterone found in Landis Cycling boss vows doping crusade Spanish rider cautious about Landis Tour director distressed over test 2006 Tour de France awards Major moments of 2006 Tour Stage-by-stage info MSN Health ... How & why testosterone is used to increase bone thickness Andrew Vontz's analysis... A tarnished title Landis king of France America conquers France Landis seeing yellow Landis is the comeback kid 'Crack' kills American's dream Landis: The new American hero? American idols News of the weird Landis in position for podium Americans staying strong Scandal boosts U.S. hopes U.S. has three legit contenders "I have received a text message from Chatenay-Malabry lab that indicates the 'B' sample of Floyd Landis' urine confirms testosterone was taken in an exogenous way," Pierre Bordry, who heads the French anti-doping council, told The Associated Press shortly after the "B" sample results were released. Lab head Jacques De Ceaurriz said the isotope testing procedure was "foolproof." "No error is possible in isotopic readings," he told the AP. Landis had claimed the testosterone was "natural and produced by my own organism," and once again maintained his innocence. "I have never taken any banned substance, including testosterone," he said in a statement. "I was the strongest man at the Tour de France, and that is why I am the champion. "I will fight these charges with the same determination and intensity that I bring to my training and racing. It is now my goal to clear my name and restore what I worked so hard to achieve." The Swiss-based team Phonak immediately severed ties with Landis, and the UCI said it would ask USA Cycling to open disciplinary proceedings against him. "Landis will be dismissed without notice for violating the team's internal Code of Ethics," Phonak said in a statement. "Landis will continue to have legal options to contest the findings. However, this will be his personal affair, and the Phonak team will no longer be involved in that." Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said Landis no longer was considered champion, but the decision to strip him of his title rests with the International Cycling Union. "It goes without saying that for us Floyd Landis is no longer the winner of the 2006 Tour de France," Prudhomme told the AP in a telephone interview. "Our determination is even stronger now to fight against doping and to defend this magnificent sport." Prudhomme said runner-up Oscar Pereiro of Spain would be the likely new winner. "We can't imagine a different outcome," Prudhomme said. If stripped of the title, Landis would become the first winner in the 103-year history of cycling's premier race to lose his Tour crown over doping allegations. UCI lawyer Philippe Verbiest said Landis would officially remain Tour champion pending the U.S. disciplinary process, which involves a series of steps: Documentation from the positive tests will be forwarded to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which gives the evidence to a review panel. The panel will make a recommendation to USADA, which would decide if a penalty - likely a two-year ban - is appropriate. That decision is forwarded to USA Cycling, the UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Landis can accept the decision or begin an appeals process, which can take up to six months. "Until he is found guilty or admits guilt, he will keep the yellow jersey," he said. "This is normal. You are not sanctioned before you are found guilty." The results of the second test come nearly two weeks after he stood atop the winner's podium on the Champs-Elysees in the champion's yellow jersey. Testosterone, a male sex hormone, helps build muscle and improve stamina. The urine tests were done July 20 after Landis' Stage 17 victory during a grueling Alpine leg, when he regained nearly eight minutes against then-leader Pereiro - and went on to win the three-week race. The tests turned up a testosterone/epitestosterone ratio of 11:1 - far in excess of the 4:1 limit. "It's incredibly disappointing," three-time Tour winner Greg LeMond said by phone from the starting line at the Pan Mass Challenge in Sturbridge, Mass. "I don't think he has much chance at all to try to prove his innocence." The case is expected to go to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency; the process could take months, possibly with appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. "It doesn't end here," said Landis' Spanish lawyer, Jose Maria Buxeda. "What matters is the concept. A prohibited substance has been found in the samples, but no immediate sanction comes into effect yet. The rider will defend himself." Landis, a 30-year-old former mountain biker, says he was tested eight other times during the three-week tour and those results came back negative. Landis has hired high-profile American lawyer Howard Jacobs, who has represented several athletes in doping cases. Jacobs plans to go after the UCI for allegedly leaking information regarding the sample testing. Earlier this week, a New York Times report cited a source from the UCI saying that a second analysis of Landis' "A" sample by carbon isotope ratio testing had detected synthetic testosterone - meaning it was ingested. "The offense is complete," World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound said. "All that remains to be seen is what the sanction is. "A doping offense occurs when a presence of a prohibited substance is detected in the urine or blood analysis. That's been done," he said. Since the Phonak team was informed of the positive test on July 27, Landis and his defense team have offered various explanations for the high testosterone reading - including cortisone shots taken for pain in Landis' degenerating hip; drinking beer and whiskey the night before; thyroid medication; and his natural metabolism. Another theory - dehydration - was rebuffed by anti-doping experts. "When I heard it was synthetic hormone, it is almost impossible to be caused by natural events. It's kind of a downer," said LeMond, the first American to win the Tour. "I feel for Floyd's family. I hope Floyd will come clean on it and help the sport. We need to figure out how to clean the sport up, and we need the help of Floyd." In Murrietta, Calif., where Landis lives, an AP reporter was asked by police to leave the gated community when she attempted to approach his house. Several cars were parked in front, and the blinds were drawn. A man who said he was a friend of the family, but didn't want his name used, answered the phone at the Landis' house and confirmed the cyclist was there. "We're drinking some coffee, and that's about it," he said. Despite the latest test results a sign at a nearby freeway exit said, "Welcome Home Floyd Landis, 2006 Tour de France Winner." In Lancaster County, Pa., where Landis was raised in a conservative Mennonite home, neighbors vowed their support. "All he has accomplished, he has attained through his hard work and discipline. We are very confident he will prove his innocence. It is very unfortunate that these tests were revealed before he had a chance to do so," said Tammy Martin, a longtime family friend. Paul and Arlene Landis, who have supported their son since the doping scandal broke, were out of town on a previously scheduled vacation. A note on their door said, "God Bless, Went Camping."

Landis Test "B" Is Positive Title May Be Stripped

This is beyond dissapointing-Mark Lillie Aug 5, 2006

 

Landis backup test also positive; Tour de France title in jeopardy

By JEROME PUGMIRE, AP Sports Writer August 5, 2006 AP - Aug 5, 5:06 am EDT More Photos PARIS (AP) -- Floyd Landis was fired by his team and the Tour de France no longer considered him its champion Saturday after his second doping sample tested positive for higher-than-allowable levels of testosterone. The samples contained synthetic testosterone, indicating that it came from an outside source. "I have received a text message from Chatenay-Malabry lab that indicates the 'B' sample of Floyd Landis' urine confirms testosterone was taken in an exogenous way," Pierre Bordry, who heads the French anti-doping council, told The Associated Press shortly after the "B" sample results were released. Lab head Jacques De Ceaurriz said the isotope testing procedure was "foolproof." "No error is possible in isotopic readings," he told the AP. ADVERTISEMENT Landis had claimed the testosterone was "natural and produced by my own organism." The Swiss-based team Phonak immediately severed ties with Landis, and the UCI said it would ask USA Cycling to open disciplinary proceedings against him. "Landis will be dismissed without notice for violating the team's internal Code of Ethics," Phonak said in a statement. "Landis will continue to have legal options to contest the findings. However, this will be his personal affair, and the Phonak team will no longer be involved in that." Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said Landis no longer was considered champion, but the decision to strip him of his title rests with the International Cycling Union. "It goes without saying that for us Floyd Landis is no longer the winner of the 2006 Tour de France," Prudhomme told the AP in a telephone interview. "Our determination is even stronger now to fight against doping and to defend this magnificent sport." Prudhomme said runner-up Oscar Pereiro of Spain would be the likely new winner. "We can't imagine a different outcome," Prudhomme said. If stripped of the title, Landis would become the first winner in the 103-year history of cycling's premier race to lose his Tour crown over doping allegations. UCI lawyer Philippe Verbiest said Landis would officially remain Tour champion pending the American disciplinary process. AP - Aug 5, 5:04 am EDT More Photos "Until he is found guilty or admits guilt, he will keep the yellow jersey," he said. "This is normal. You are not sanctioned before you are found guilty." If found guilty, Landis also faces a two-year ban from the sport. Despite the second positive test, Landis maintained his innocence. "I have never taken any banned substance, including testosterone," he said in a statement. "I was the strongest man at the Tour de France, and that is why I am the champion. "I will fight these charges with the same determination and intensity that I bring to my training and racing. It is now my goal to clear my name and restore what I worked so hard to achieve." The results of the second test come nearly two weeks after he stood atop the winner's podium on the Champs-Elysees in the champion's yellow jersey. Landis' positive tests set off what could now be months of appeals and arguments by the American, who says the positive finding was due to naturally high testosterone levels. He has repeatedly declared his innocence. Testosterone, a male sex hormone, helps build muscle and improve stamina. The urine tests were done July 20 after Landis' Stage 17 victory during a grueling Alpine leg, when he regained nearly eight minutes against then-leader Pereiro -- and went on to win the three-week race. The tests turned up a testosterone/epitestosterone ratio of 11:1 -- far in excess of the 4:1 limit. "It's incredibly disappointing," three-time Tour winner Greg LeMond said by phone from the starting line at the Pan Mass Challenge in Sturbridge, Mass. "I don't think he has much chance at all to try to prove his innocence." The case is expected to go to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency; the process could take months, possibly with appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. "It doesn't end here," said Landis' Spanish lawyer, Jose Maria Buxeda. "What matters is the concept. A prohibited substance has been found in the samples, but no immediate sanction comes into effect yet. The rider will defend himself." AP - Aug 5, 5:03 am EDT More Photos Landis, a 30-year-old former mountain biker, says he was tested eight other times during the three-week tour and those results came back negative. Landis has hired high-profile American lawyer Howard Jacobs, who has represented several athletes in doping cases. Jacobs plans to go after the UCI for allegedly leaking information regarding the sample testing. Earlier this week, a New York Times report cited a source from the UCI saying that a second analysis of Landis' "A" sample by carbon isotope ratio testing had detected synthetic testosterone -- meaning it was ingested. Since the Phonak team was informed of the positive test on July 27, Landis and his defense team have offered varying explanations for the high testosterone reading -- including cortisone shots taken for pain in Landis' degenerating hip; drinking beer and whiskey the night before; thyroid medication; and his natural metabolism. Another theory -- dehydration -- was rebuffed by anti-doping experts. "When I heard it was synthetic hormone, it is almost impossible to be caused by natural events. It's kind of a downer," said LeMond, the first American to win the Tour. "I feel for Floyd's family. I hope Floyd will come clean on it and help the sport. We need to figure out how to clean the sport up, and we need the help of Floyd." Associated Press Writers Jamey Keaten, Jean-Luc Courthial in Paris, Erica Bulman in Geneva and Sports Writer Vinay Cherwoo in New York contributed to this report.

Landis says testosterone levels that triggered drug test are natural
By MAR ROMAN, Associated Press Writer
July 28, 2006

AP - Jul 28, 2:11 pm EDT More Photos

MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Floyd Landis said the high testosterone that showed up in a drug screening at the Tour de France is the result of his natural metabolism -- not doping of any kind -- and he will undergo more tests to prove it.

"We will explain to the world why this is not a doping case but a natural occurrence," Landis said at a news conference Friday, his first public appearance since the test result cast doubt on one of the most stirring comeback wins in Tour history.

Landis said in a Thursday teleconference that he had no idea what caused his elevated testosterone levels following the race's 17th stage last week, where he made his heroic charge into the Alps. But on Friday, he was adamant that the reading was the result of his natural physiology.

"I would like to make absolutely clear that I am not in any doping process," said Landis, wearing a baseball cap turned backward and a white shirt with the name of his Phonak team. "I ask not to be judged by anyone, much less sentenced by anyone."

Landis is still awaiting results from a backup sample, which will clear him if found to be negative. Switzerland-based Phonak said it would ask that the backup sample be tested in the next few days.

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Landis's lawyer, Luis Sanz, said he fully expected the backup test to come back with the same result, since the elevated testosterone was produced naturally by Landis's body. The 30-year-old cyclist said Friday that he would undergo additional testing to prove it.

"I will procede to under go all these tests ... to accredit that the levels that I've had during the Tour and all my career are natural and produced by my own organism," he said.

Until those tests are conducted, Landis said, "I ask not to be judged, or much less to be sentenced by anyone."

If ultimately proven guilty, he could be stripped of the Tour title and fired from the team.

The team suspended Landis after the International Cycling Union notified it Wednesday that he had an "unusual level of testosterone/epitestosterone" when his test was taken last Thursday, the day he staked his comeback in the Alps.

Landis, a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, said he was shocked when told of the initial positive result. He said he had been tested six other times during the tour, and many other times during the year.

His voice was subdued and at times downcast on the Thursday call, when he said he expected to clear his name but never to truly shake the disgrace of doping. But Landis turned defiant in his Friday appearance, chastising the media for implying that he was accused of doping and defending himself as an honest competitor who devoted his life to his sport.

"I declare convincingly and categorically that my winning the Tour de France has been exclusively due to many years of training and my complete devotion to cycling," he said. "I was the strongest guy. I deserved to win, and I'm proud of it."

Landis' positive test rocked the cycling world, already under a cloud following a wide-ranging doping investigation in Spain that led to the barring of several of the world's leading cyclists from the Tour.

On the eve of the Tour's start, nine riders -- including pre-race favorites Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso -- were ousted, implicated in a Spanish doping investigation. Their names turned up on a list of 56 cyclists who allegedly had contact with a Spanish at the center of the probe.

Landis was not implicated in that investigation.

Christian radio To Porn Radio...

KINGSBURG, Calif. (AP) - A Central Valley radio station that once broadcast Christian music, sermons and Bible stories was edged out by a new format centered on sex.

"Porn Radio" has replaced the religious radio format at KFYE-FM. The station was sold earlier this month and now promotes "all sex radio, all the time," by way of songs with suggestive titles and lyrics.

The playlist includes "Why Don't We Do It in the Road" by The Beatles, "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye and "Nasty" by Janet Jackson. Tamer songs are heated up by adding recorded moans and groans.

"It would appear this is another of those promotions that are simply designed to create controversy," said longtime Fresno radio personality Ed Beckman. "This format belongs on Sirius or XM, not on over-the-air."

The station tries not to cross the line, said owner Jerry Clifton.

Landis Win Thrown Into Question

 

2006 Tour de France Photo gallery... Tour de France Also... Spanish rider cautious about Landis German TV may ax Tour coverage Landis a no-show at Denmark race 2006 Tour de France awards Major moments of 2006 Tour Stage-by-stage info Andrew Vontz's analysis... Landis king of France America conquers France Landis seeing yellow Landis is the comeback kid 'Crack' kills American's dream Landis: The new American hero? American idols News of the weird Landis in position for podium Americans staying strong Scandal boosts U.S. hopes U.S. has three legit contenders

The Phonak team suspended Landis, pending results of the backup "B" sample of his drug test. If Landis is found guilty of doping, he could be stripped of the Tour title, and Spain's Oscar Pereiro would become champion.

It wasn't immediately known when the backup sample will be tested.

The Swiss-based Phonak team said it was notified by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on Wednesday that Landis' sample showed "an unusual level of testosterone/epitestosterone" when he was tested after stage 17 of the race last Thursday.

"The team management and the rider were both totally surprised of this physiological result," the Phonak statement said.

Efforts to reach Landis were not immediately successful.

The 30-year-old Landis made a remarkable comeback in that Alpine stage, racing far ahead of the field for a solo win that moved him from 11th to third in the overall standings. He regained the leader's yellow jersey two days later.

Landis rode the Tour with a degenerative hip condition that he has said will require surgery in the coming weeks or months.

Arlene Landis, his mother, said Thursday that she wouldn't blame her son if he was taking medication to treat the pain in his injured hip, but "if it's something worse than that, then he doesn't deserve to win."

"I didn't talk to him since that hit the fan, but I'm keeping things even keel until I know what the facts are," she told The Associated Press in a phone interview from her home in Farmersville, Pennsylvania. "I know that this is a temptation to every rider but I'm not going to jump to conclusions ... It disappoints me."

The Phonak statement came a day after the UCI, cycling's world governing body, said an unidentified rider had failed a drug test during the Tour.

Phonak said Landis would ask for an analysis of his backup sample "to prove either that this result is coming from a natural process or that this is resulting from a mistake."

Phonak said Landis has been suspended and that he will be fired if the second sample confirms the initial finding.

USA Cycling spokesman Andy Lee said that organization could not comment on Landis.

"Because it's an anti-doping matter, it's USA Cycling's policy not to comment on that subject out of respect for the process and Floyd's rights," Lee said. "Right now, we have to let the process proceed and we can't comment on it."

Carla O'Connell, publications and communications director for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, said: "I'll make this very brief: No comment."

UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani said Landis was notified of the test Wednesday morning. He said the cycling body doesn't require analysis of the "B" sample, but that Landis requested it.

"We are confident in the first (test)," Carpani said. "For us, the first one is already good."

Under World Anti-Doping Agency regulations, a ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone greater than 4:1 is considered a positive result and subject to investigation. The threshold was recently lowered from 6:1. The most likely natural ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone in humans is 1:1.

Testosterone is included as an anabolic steroid on WADA's list of banned substances, and its use can be punished by a two-year ban.

Landis wrapped up his Tour de France win on Sunday, keeping the title in U.S. hands for the eighth straight year. Lance Armstrong, long dogged by doping whispers and allegations, won the previous seven. Armstrong never has tested positive for drugs and vehemently has denied doping.

On Thursday, Armstrong was riding in RAGBRAI, an annual bike ride across Iowa that attracts thousands of riders.

At the first break in Sully, Iowa, about 50 miles southeast of Des Moines, Armstrong had little to say at the Coffee Cup Cafe, where he grabbed a slice of coconut cream pie and a big glass of ice water.

When asked about Landis, Armstrong told The Associated Press: "I'm not here to talk about that."

Landis' inspiring Tour ride reminded many of fellow American Tyler Hamilton's gritty 2003 performance. Hamilton, riding for team CSC, broke his collarbone on the first day of the Tour but rode on, despite the pain, and finished fourth overall.

But, a year later, Hamilton, then riding for Phonak, tested positive for blood doping at a Spanish race and now is serving a two-year ban. He has denied blood doping.

Speculation that Landis had tested positive spread earlier Thursday after he failed to show up for a one-day race in Denmark on Thursday. A day earlier, he missed a scheduled event in the Netherlands.

On the eve of the Tour's start, nine riders - including pre-race favorites Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso - were ousted, implicated in a Spanish doping investigation.

The names of Ullrich and Basso turned up on a list of 56 cyclists who allegedly had contact with Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, who's at the center of the Spanish doping probe.

World Anti-Doping Agency chief Dick Pound, speaking before Landis was confirmed as the rider with the positive test, said it was amazing any cyclist would risk doping after the scandals that rocked the Tour before the start.

"Despite all the fuss prior to the race with all these riders identified and withdrawn, you still have people in that race quite willing and prepared to cheat," he told the AP by phone from Montreal. "That's a problem for cycling."

Landis Tested Positive For High Levels Of Testosterone
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The statement came a day after the UCI, cycling's governing body, said an unidentified rider had failed a drug test during the Tour.

2006 Tour de France Sunday's stage winner: Thor Hushovd Overall winner: Floyd Landis, USA :57 ahead Highest American: Landis Also... Landis' hometown celebrates victory Lance wants Landis on Discovery Lance happy and proud French fans applaud Landis 2006 Tour de France awards Major moments of 2006 Tour Stage-by-stage info Andrew Vontz's analysis... Landis king of France America conquers France Landis seeing yellow Landis is the comeback kid 'Crack' kills American's dream Landis: The new American hero? American idols News of the weird Landis in position for podium Americans staying strong Scandal boosts U.S. hopes U.S. has three legit contenders Photo gallery... Tour de France

The Swiss-based Phonak said in a statement on it Web site that it was notified by the UCI Wednesday that Landis' sample showed "an unusual level of testosterone/epitestosterone" when he was tested after stage 17 of the race last Thursday.

It was on that mountain stage where Landis staged a stunning solo breakaway to overcome a huge deficit and put himself in position to win the Tour.

"The team management and the rider were both totally surprised of this physiological result," the statement said.

Phonak said Landis would ask for analysis of his backup "B" sample "to prove either that this result is coming from a natural process or that this is resulting from a mistake."

Landis has been suspended by the team pending the results. If the second sample confirms the initial finding, he will be fired from the team, Phonak said.

Landis won the Tour de France on Sunday, keeping the title in U.S. hands for the eighth straight year. Lance Armstrong, long dogged by doping whispers and reports that he has vehemently denied, won the previous seven.

Landis went into the 17th stage in 11th place, trailing Spain's Oscar Pereiro by more than eight minutes after cracking badly in the previous day's stage. But he went on the offensive on one of the hardest Alpine stages, breaking free of the pack and racing to a spectacular solo victory in Morzine.

That performance vaulted Landis into third place overall, within 30 seconds of the lead. He claimed the leader's jersey in the time trial on Saturday and cruised to victory the next day with a 57-second advantage on the Champs-Elysees.

Pereiro finished second and Germany's Andreas Kloden third.

Speculation that Landis may have tested positive spread earlier Thursday after he failed to show up for a one-day race in Denmark on Thursday. A day earlier, he missed a scheduled event in the Netherlands.

On the eve of the Tour's start, nine riders — including pre-race favorites Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso — were ousted, implicated in a Spanish doping investigation.

The names of Ullrich and Basso turned up on a list of 56 cyclists who allegedly had contact with Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, who's at the center of the Spanish doping probe.

Landis Wins Tour de France

Tour de France final standings Tour de France final standings July 23, 2006   Thor Hushovd wins the 20th stage. The following are the top 10 cyclists: 1. Floyd Landis (USA), 89 hours, 39 minutes, 30 seconds 2. Oscar Pereiro (ESP) 0:57 3. Andreas Kloden (GER) 1:29 4. Carlos Sastre (ESP) 3:13 5. Cadel Evans (AUS) 5:08 6. Denis Menchov (RUS) 7:06 7. Cyril Dessel (FRA) 8:41 8. Christophe Moreau (FRA) 9:37 9. Haimar Zubeldia (ESP) 12:05 10. Michael Rogers (AUS) 15:07

Landis Wears Yellow Into Paris

Landis regains yellow jersey, and victory awaits in Paris

By JAMEY KEATEN, Associated Press Writer July 22, 2006 AP - Jul 22, 2:42 pm EDT More Photos MONTCEAU-LES-MINES, France (AP) -- Floyd Landis' wild ride through France should end in the sweetest way possible Sunday on the Champs-Elysees -- barring a crazy finale and as long as his hip holds out. In this Tour de France anything can happen. With yet another stunning comeback in the final time trial, Landis reclaimed the famed yellow jersey of the Tour de France leader Saturday along with a 59-second lead that should land him atop the victory podium in Paris. The American would be picking up where another Yank left off just last year, when Lance Armstrong completed his seventh and final Tour triumph. "I could not be happier," Landis said. "It's one of the best days of my life." ADVERTISEMENT The Phonak team leader, who trailed former teammate Oscar Pereiro of Spain by 30 seconds before the penultimate Stage 19, outpaced the Spaniard by 1 minute, 29 seconds in the race against the clock. Overall, Pereiro fell to second, 59 seconds behind Landis, while German rider Andreas Kloeden, 1:29 back, pushed Spaniard Carlos Sastre off the podium into fourth. Sunday's ride could be the most anticlimactic moment of this unpredictable Tour, marked by Landis' bizarre performance swings -- from despair to elation -- and news that he's been riding with an arthritic hip. Landis and Pereiro have taken turns wearing yellow four times since Landis first won it in the Pyrenees after Stage 11. Seven riders have worn the jersey this time -- one short of the record. "Hopefully, I won't give it away again," Landis said. "But I do think it's over now." Landis became an instant legend among many cycling fans with his rage-fueled comeback Thursday, when he won the last of three Alpine stages to move from 11th to third in the overall standings. After a strong ride Tuesday on the famed L'Alpe d'Huez ascent to take the leader's jersey for the second time in the Tour, Landis planned a conservative, Armstrong-like strategy. That didn't work out. Instead, he was forced to ride all-out after nearly crumbling in Wednesday's uphill finish in La Toussuire -- where he lost the lead and fell 8:08 behind Pereiro. AP - Jul 22, 2:38 pm EDT More Photos The performance left him feeling "humiliation and depression," Landis said. A pep talk from five-time Tour winner and cycling icon Eddy Merckx, the father of his Phonak teammate Axel Merckx, helped. A once-in-a-lifetime ride -- "the best performance in the modern history of the Tour" according to race director Jean-Marie Leblanc -- revived Landis' sagging chances. In his first Tour stage win, Landis closed the time gap to an incredible 30 seconds. Saturday's time-trial was the finishing touch. Landis, who finished second in the stage 7 time trial, had been expected to do well. Pereiro, sensing his lead in danger, mustered a strong ride of his own, finishing fourth and 1:29 behind Landis. It wasn't enough. "When the yellow jersey is on the line, people get inspired," Landis said. "I think we all learned a lesson in persistence." Ukraine's Serhiy Honchar won the time-trial, by dominating the field just as he had in the first time trial two weeks ago. Honchar finished the 35.4-mile course from Le Creusot to Montceau-les-Mines in 1 hour, 7 minutes, 46 seconds. Germany's Kloeden was second, 41 seconds back. Landis placed third, 1:11 off the winner's pace. The Tour got its first jolt on the eve of the July 1 start, when prerace favorites Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich, plus seven other riders, were sent home after they were implicated in a Spanish doping investigation. Asked about those riders, Landis got a bit short-tempered. "It was an unfortunate situation for all of us," Landis said, "and none of us in any way got any satisfaction out of the fact that they're not here." The bum hip will be Landis' first order of business once the race ends. He plans to have surgery this fall to ease the lingering pain in his right hip, damaged in a 2003 crash. AP - Jul 22, 2:27 pm EDT More Photos Winning the Tour before the hip replacement surgery would make it even sweeter. "I'll fight as hard as I have in this race to come back next year, or the following year -- whatever it takes -- to be here again," he said. An acolyte of Armstrong for three years on the U.S. Postal Service squad, Landis said that stint was vital in learning how to ride to win and focus on a single leader. Landis grew up in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, the son of Mennonites. He said he was too "high-strung" for the religion, which shuns organized sports and fame-seeking. As a boy, his parents tried to discourage him from riding his bike. Now, he's at the sport's pinnacle. "At least the people watching got a good show," said Landis, who was raised without a TV at home. "It was probably better for television than it was for us." Landis, unlike Armstrong, speaks little French. He says his vocabulary consists of the words for "beer" and "coffee." Still, his performance has endeared him to fans, and he has made it a point to master one phrase -- "Merci beaucoup." Updated on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 7:17 pm EDT