Lance Armstrong is considering admitting that he used banned performance-enhancing drugs and blood transfusions during his cycling career, The New York Times reports. The Times says Armstrong “has told associates and antidoping officials that he is considering publicly admitting that he used banned performance-enhancing drugs and blood transfusions during his cycling career.”
Armstrong’s interest in being able to compete in US Anti-Doping Association-sanctioned sporting events is the motivating factor behind his consideration, the report states.
Armstrong was the most decorated cyclist of all time. He was stripped by USADA in August of his record seven Tour de France titles and banned from cycling for life because of overwhelming evidence that he cheated. The lifetime ban also prevented him from competing in running and triathlon events in which he hoped to participate.
Armstrong vehemently fought all cheating accusations he faced. He notoriously battled with the French press during his career following accusations of PED usage and failed drug tests made against him by two separate French newspapers. A published book and several former teammates have accused Armstrong of not only using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career, but also demanding his teammates use them too.
Many considered Armstrong’s decision not to fight the mounting allegations and evidence against him compiled by USADA an admission of guilt. If this report is true, the public may finally get a true admission of guilt from Armstrong.
The Times says there are a few factors that could impede the admission. There is a federal lawsuit Armstrong and several other former members of the US Postal Service-sponsored riding team are facing. Their contract with the USPS forbade them from doping, so an admission from Armstrong would hurt their case. Armstrong also reportedly has been in discussion with a top USADA executive about lessening his punishments from the organization.
Armstrong was forced to distance himself from the famous Livestrong Foundation, a cancer awareness organization he started, after the drug allegations against him mounted. There reportedly is pressure from Livestrong supporters who are urging him to finally come clean.
