LONDON - Former World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound vowed Tuesday to get to the bottom of allegations of systematic do

LONDON - Former World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound vowed Tuesday to get to the bottom of allegations of systematic doping in Russia as he leads an investigation into a case that has shaken the sport of track and field. Wholesale Lakers Jerseys .Were not there to whitewash anything, Pound told The Associated Press. Were there to get the facts, reach conclusions and make recommendations.WADA announced Tuesday that Pound will head a three-person independent panel that will investigate the grave accusations of widespread doping, coverups and corruption in Russia that were broadcast by German television network ARD.If all these things are true, its extremely serious for sport, for athletics, for the countries involved, Pound said in a telephone interview.Veteran Canadian sports arbitrator Richard McLaren will also serve on the commission, while a third member will be announced later. WADA said the investigation will begin next month.The panel will seek to determine if there have been any violations of the World Anti-Doping Code by athletes, coaches, doctors, trainers and WADA-accredited laboratories that could lead to sanctions against individuals or organizations.WADA said the panel will review the evidence aired by the German broadcaster as well as other information received separately by the agency.Once the investigation is concluded, if it is found that there have been violations or breaches of the rules, WADA will ensure that any individuals or organizations concerned are dealt with in an appropriate fashion under the World Anti-Doping Code, WADA President Craig Reedie said.The appointment of Pound indicates that WADA will investigate fully and without restriction.The outspoken Canadian IOC member took a tough line in his decade as WADAs first chairman from 1999-2008. He previously led the International Olympic Committees internal probe into the Salt Lake City bid scandal that resulted in the resignation or expulsion of 10 members.Its far too early for me to know whats going to happen, how fast we can do it, how much travel we may have to do, Pound said. I think you have to wait and see what evidence you get as opposed to what you may suspect.Pound said he was already familiar with past problems at the Russian doping lab. He chaired the WADA committee that made sure the lab improved its operations to avoid suspension ahead of the Winter Games in Sochi.The appointment of the WADA panel was welcomed by the International Association of Athletics Federations, whose independent ethics commission is also investigating the allegations.The IAAF takes this opportunity to reiterate its full support of the WADA investigation, IAAF President Lamine Diack said. Our primary concern must always be to protect the integrity of competition in support of the vast majority of clean athletes, and we look forward to working with WADA to this end.Earlier this week, Diacks son — Papa Massata Diack — suspended his work as a marketing consultant for the IAAF pending its investigation. IAAF treasurer and council member Valentin Balakhnichev — who heads the Russian athletics federation — relieved himself of his duties while the investigation is continuing. Both men were accused by ARD and French sports daily lEquipe of involvement in coverups.The German documentary appeared to show reigning Olympic 800-meter champion Maria Savinova admitting to using the banned steroid oxandrolone. Three-time Chicago Marathon winner Liliya Shobukhova was also reported to have paid 450,000 euros ($560,000) to avoid a doping ban so she could run at the 2012 London Olympics. Shobukhova was eventually banned for doping and she said some of the money was refunded.ARD also claimed the IAAF did not probe 150 suspicious blood samples from 2006 to 2009. The IAAF said it launched its biological passport only in 2009 and could only use the data collected earlier for target purposes.Pound dismissed comparisons to the scandal surrounding Ben Johnsons positive test after the 100 metre final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.The Ben Johnson thing was a one off, Pound said. It wasnt a Canadian system of doping, whereas in the former East Germany and a number of the Warsaw Pact countries it was a little more organized and systematic.___Follow Stephen Wilson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/stevewilsonap Custom Los Angeles Lakers Jerseys . Just ask Arsenal fans. However, Arsene Wenger has repeatedly told anyone willing to listen that finishing in that spot is more important than winning a cup competition. Lakers Jerseys 2020 . Both sides came closest to scoring in the first half, when Roma had a goal from Mattia Destro waved off for offside and Inters Rodrigo Palacio headed high. "A draw was a fair result. Neither squad had many chances," Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic said. https://www.lakersjerseycheap.com/ . -- The Windsor Spitfires were left with just one goaltender Tuesday after having their starter walk out on them midway through Game 3 of their Ontario Hockey League playoff matchup with the London Knights. HOUSTON -- Dexter Fowler is looking forward to a new beginning with the rebuilding Houston Astros while also dealing with what he calls a bittersweet ending to his time with the Colorado Rockies. Astros acquired the outfielder and a player to be named from the Rockies on Tuesday for outfielder Brandon Barnes and right-hander Jordan Lyles. Drafted by Colorado in 2004, Fowler has spent his entire career with the Rockies. He joins a team that has posted three straight 100-plus loss seasons, including a franchise-record 111 losses in 2013 in its first year in the American League. "There are definitely challenges, but at the same time you just got to look at the positives," Fowler said. "And the positive is that there are young guys here and theyre eager to win and theyre eager to put their (effort) into the game ... anything I can do to help, Im just going to go out and play hard every day and Im sure well definitely see the tides turn." The speedy 27-year-old Fowler hit .263 with 18 doubles, 42 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 119 games last season. Fowler, a switch-hitter who primarily plays centre field, hit .300 in 2012. "One of our goals this off-season was to bring in an outfielder who can spark our offence," Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "Dexter is an exciting player who can help with the bat, with his legs, and with his glove." Fowler missed a big chunk of the last month of the season with an injured left knee, but said Tuesday that the problem was behind him. "Im awesome," he said. "Im healthy and ready to go." Fowler hasnt had any extended conversations with Luhnow, but expects to play centre field for the Astros next season and called the position "home." He isnt worried about navigating Tals Hill in centre field at Minute Maid Park. "I played in the biggest yard in major league baseball, sso I dont think anything is as challenging as Coors is," he said. Stitched Lakers Jerseys. The Astros had the lowest payroll in the majors last season at less than $30 million. Houston owner Jim Crane said this off-season that he planned to start investing money into the payroll this season, and Tuesdays move is a sign that he was serious about that statement. Fowler is set to make $7.35 next season before he is eligible for arbitration in 2015. Fowler said he doesnt know any of the Astros players. He said he does know manager Bo Porter and is looking forward to playing for him. Fowler is spending this off-season in Salt Lake City and said hell train there until spring training because he and his wife are expecting their first child in January. "She cant travel," he said, "so neither can I." The 23-year-old Lyles was 7-9 with one save and a 5.59 ERA in 27 games -- 25 starts -- in 2013. He was a supplemental first-round pick by the Astros in 2008 and fills a need the Rockies have for a starting pitcher. Lyles made his debut at 20 and already has 65 career starts. He feels fortunate to have so much experience at such a young age. "Im going to continue to learn," he said. "Ill never stop trying to learn." But he does know that pitching at Coors Field wont be easy. "The park is obviously different," he said. "A lot of people dont like going there, but Im up for the challenge and I think its going to be fun." Barnes, also 27, hit .240 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs as a rookie last season. He also became known for his knack for hustling to make great catches in centre field. "Im excited for a new chapter and a new experience," Barnes said. "Ive always prided myself on how hard I work and I plan on working really hard there and being a part of the Rockies future and hopefully winning some championships." ' ' '