LANCE ARMSTRONG CONFESSED to Oprah Winfrey during an interview Monday that he used performance-enhancing drugs to win the Tour de France, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the interview is to be broadcast Thursday on Winfrey’s network.
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Armstrong was stripped of all seven Tour titles last year following a voluminous US Anti-Doping Agency report that portrayed him as a ruthless competitor, willing to go to any lengths to win the prestigious race.
USADA chief executive Travis Tygart labeled the doping regimen allegedly carried out by the US Postal Service team that Armstrong once led, “The most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping program that sport has ever seen.”
After a federal investigation of the cyclist was dropped without charges being brought last year, USADA stepped in with an investigation of its own. The agency deposed 11 former teammates and accused Armstrong of masterminding a complex and brazen drug program that included steroids, blood boosters and a range of other performance-enhancers.
A group of about 10 close friends and advisers to Armstrong left a downtown Austin hotel about three hours after they arrived Monday afternoon for the taping. Among them were Armstrong attorneys Tim Herman and Sean Breen, along with Bill Stapleton, Armstrong’s longtime agent, manager and business partner. All declined comment entering and exiting the session.
Soon afterward, Winfrey tweeted: “Just wrapped with (at)lancearmstrong More than 2 1/2 hours. He came READY!” She was scheduled to appear on “CBS This Morning” on Tuesday to discuss the interview.
In a text to the AP on Saturday, Armstrong said: “I told her (Winfrey) to go wherever she wants and I’ll answer the questions directly, honestly and candidly. That’s all I can say.”
Armstrong stopped at the Livestrong Foundation, which he founded, on his way to the interview and said, “I’m sorry” to staff members, some of whom broke down in tears. A person with knowledge of that session said Armstrong choked up and several employees cried during the session.
The person also said Armstrong apologised for letting the staff down and putting Livestrong at risk but he did not make a direct confession to using banned drugs. He said he would try to restore the foundation’s reputation, and urged the group to continue fighting for the charity’s mission of helping cancer patients and their families.
Armstrong spoke to a room full of about 100 staff members for about 20 minutes, expressing regret for everything the controversy has put them through, the person said. He told them how much the foundation means to him and that he considers the people who work there to be like members of his family. None of the people in the room challenged Armstrong over his long denials of doping.
Winfrey and her crew had earlier said they would film Monday’s session at Armstrong’s home. As a result, local and international news crews were encamped near the cyclist’s Spanish-style villa before dawn.
Armstrong still managed to slip away for a run despite the crowds outside his home. He returned by cutting through a neighbor’s yard and hopping a fence.
Every few days its the same Robbie haters on here slagging off the greatest striker this country has ever produced, Its despicable. I’m sure the same trolls would criticise BOD if he wanted to head off for a year to play in Italy or Henry Shefflin wanted to drop down and play some junior hurling before he retired. These people have earned the right to see out their career in whatever fashion they like without being subject to abuse by idiots on here. Robbie is a Legend. COYBIG
I didn’t say robbie was anything at all. If you read my comment you will see that I was merely pointing out the opposition is inferior to what he will meet in the upcoming qualifier. I admire the mans passion for his country but its highly unlikely he will be scoring as many goals past a keeper and a defence such as the one in this clip. end.
Robbie will not have it as easy for the qualifiers. In fairness, for his second goal it looked like the keeper was at mass getting ready to kneel down. I’d score it myself and I’m no robbie keane :-P
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Every few days its the same Robbie haters on here slagging off the greatest striker this country has ever produced, Its despicable. I’m sure the same trolls would criticise BOD if he wanted to head off for a year to play in Italy or Henry Shefflin wanted to drop down and play some junior hurling before he retired. These people have earned the right to see out their career in whatever fashion they like without being subject to abuse by idiots on here. Robbie is a Legend. COYBIG
Well said David. The lad is clearly playing well and hitting a purple patch. We should all be delighted.
I didn’t say robbie was anything at all. If you read my comment you will see that I was merely pointing out the opposition is inferior to what he will meet in the upcoming qualifier. I admire the mans passion for his country but its highly unlikely he will be scoring as many goals past a keeper and a defence such as the one in this clip. end.
Good man Robbie
Robbie will not have it as easy for the qualifiers. In fairness, for his second goal it looked like the keeper was at mass getting ready to kneel down. I’d score it myself and I’m no robbie keane :-P
They must play with no goal keepers in the American league… Good man Robbie…Shame nobody gives a gee…..!
God save our Keane!
What level is he playing at? Vauxall Conference Div 3 maybe
All I asked what level is he playing at? Any red thumbs please reply