GOLF

PGA Tour says it’s ‘looking into’ Singh’s use of deer-antler spray

Vijay Singh said he has used deer-antler spray and wasn’t aware that it may contain a substance banned by the PGA Tour.

The 49-year-old Fijian first revealed he used the spray in an interview with Sports Illustrated. The magazine said Singh paid one of Sports With Alternatives To Steroids’ owners $9,000 last November for the spray, hologram chips and other products.

The magazine also reported Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis sought help from SWATS in his recovery from a torn right triceps. The company says its deer-antler substance contains a banned performance-enhancer connected to human growth hormone.

Singh released a statement Wednesday at the Phoenix Open.

“While I have used deer-antler spray, at no time was I aware that it may contain a substance that is banned under the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Policy,” Singh said in the statement.

“In fact, when I first received the product, I reviewed the list of ingredients and did not see any prohibited substances. I am absolutely shocked that deer-antler spray may contain a banned substance and am angry that I have put myself in this position. I have been in contact with the PGA Tour and am cooperating fully with their review of this matter. I will not be commenting further at this time.”

PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw said the tour is “looking into the matter.”

TENNIS

OPEN GDF SUEZ: Fifth-seeded Roberta Vinci was eliminated in Paris, losing to Mona Barthel of Germany 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the second round.

CYCLING

SUSPENSION: Cyclist Frank Schleck was suspended for a year and will miss the Tour de France for using a banned substance on last year’s Tour.

Schleck, who finished third in the 2011 Tour, dropped out of the race last year after testing positive for the diuretic Xipamide.

SOCCER

MLS: The New York Red Bulls named former Chivas USA coach Robin Fraser an assistant coach.

BASEBALL

MAJORS: The Yankees are speaking with the agent for free agent Travis Hafner and may try to sign the 35-year-old to compete for time as a left-handed designated hitter.

• Third baseman Chase Headley and the San Diego Padres avoided salary arbitration, agreeing on an $8,575,000, one-year contract that gives him a $5.1 million raise following his huge 2012 season.

• Reliever Shawn Kelley and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a $935,000, one-year contract that avoids salary arbitration.

Kelley gets a raise from $610,000 last season, when he went 2-4 with a 3.25 ERA in 47 appearances. He had asked for $1.2 million this year and was offered $750,000.

—From news service reports