News Briefs: Rockwell's Green Thumb; Samurai on Two Wheels; Got $10 Million?; Red Bull Down Town

Rockwell Arrested for Growing Marijuana
Durango police uncover former world champ's green thumb

More than $200,000 in high-quality sinsemilla plants were seized from Myles Rockwell's Durango, Colorado, home on Tuesday. The former downhill world champion was booked into La Plata County jail for the class 4 felony and later released on $10,000 bail. While on a search warrant, Southwest Drug Task Force and Durango Police officers uncovered a "hydroponic and fully automated indoor marijuana cultivation operation." Colorado law states that more than an ounce of marijuana is a felony; Rockwell could face up to six years behind bars and a fine of up to $500,000. Rockwell could not be reach for comment, but we'll post updates when we get them.

Next Time, Ride Faster
Sword-wielding, bicycle-riding man accused of attempted murder

Michael Sutherland, 22, got into a disagreement with Kenneth Hartwich, 34, in front of Hartwich's Walton, Indiana, home on the evening of May 10. Apparently, the argument turned into quite the dispute, and when Hartwich said he was going inside to get his sword, Sutherland decided to get the hell out of there. He grabbed his bike and pedaled off, but Hartwich caught up, also on a bike. Sutherland was probably freewheeling and thinking he was home free when Hartwich's 29-inch samurai-type sword sliced open the back of his head.

He suffered a three-inch laceration at the base of his head that took 19 stitches to close. Police received a 911 call from Sutherland, and shortly after, Detective Brad Sommers came across the rather conspicuous sword-wielding, bicycle-riding man. Hartwich was immediately taken into custody and locked up in the Cass County Jail. He's being held on a $10,000 bond for attempted murder. There were no reports on how the dispute started; we're unsure if it was at all related to role playing or bike racing.

Your Name Here
You can be the title sponsor for Lance Armstrong's team for a mere $10 million

According to a recent article in USA Today, the company that manages the U.S. Postal cycling team, Tailwind Sports, is on the hunt for a new title sponsor. The U.S. Postal Service plans on discontinuing its financial support after the end of the season. The strong possibility of Lance Armstrong winning a record six-consecutive Tour de Frances makes him an advertising goldmine, but 2005 may see him without a sponsor at all. The Postal Service was shelling out $9 million per year, but whoever takes over should expect to pay $10 million due to the longer "UCI Pro Tour" racing format.

Will Lance win again this year? Will we all be rooting for Team UPS or Team FedEx in '05? Will the cost of stamps decrease with USPS's extra $9 million lying around? Only time will tell.

Steve Peat Dominates in Lisbon Again
Talented field at Red Bull Down Town gets stomped by Peat

For the third consecutive year, Steve Peat (U.K.) took the win at the Red Bull Down Town. The Down Town is a one-kilometer downhill race held in the steep streets and steps of Portugal's capital, Lisbon. Cedric Gracia (Fr.) posted the fastest qualifying time, but ended up placing third, behind Mick Hannah (Aus.). Nine-time world champion, Anne-Caroline Chausson (Fr.), won the women's event by nearly 4 seconds over Anneke Beerten (Ned.).