Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong has refused to be interviewed under oath by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), for fear he could face civil and criminal charges.
The USADA were hoping to interview Armstrong regarding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, but Armstrong has missed Wednesday’s deadline with no agreement being made. This means that Armstrong’s lifetime ban from sports will be upheld, a crushing blow to the disgraced cyclist and avid triathlete.
Armstrong’s attorney, Tim Herman, confirmed that no agreement had been made with USADA, as the interview is a process designed “to demonise selected individuals.”
The USADA released a statement, claiming that Armstrong has decided not to help the authorities. “We have provided Mr. Armstrong several opportunities to assist in our ongoing efforts to clean up the sport of cycling.
“Today we learned from the media that [he] is choosing not to come in and be truthful and that he will not take the opportunity to work toward righting his wrongs in sport.”
Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles when it became clear that he was a major player in a sophisticated performance-enhancing drugs ring in cycling, even leading to a US Federal investigation.
