PtG Article 04.08.2010

Armstrong’s lawyer criticize the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s dealings

Lawyer Tim Herman has taken issue with the way the U.S. anti-doping agency (USADA) is running its doping investigations against his client, offering deals to cyclists who dish steroid dirt on Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner.

Herman states that he has heard from lawyers representing other riders that they have been offered reduced suspensions by USADA if they agreed to provide information that Armstrong has used performance enhancing drugs, which Herman sees as a violation of the law.USADA chief executive Travis Tygard is surprised by the accusations. "I can assure you there is nothing illegal about asking riders to be truthful about drug use and cycling," Tygart said. "Frankly, the statements by Mr. Herman are very surprising, since his client has asked for an investigation by WADA and USADA and has indicated that he is an open book with nothing to hide."The investigations against Lance Armstrong started after Floyd Landis this spring admitted to doping use, implicating several other riders including Armstrong. Greg LeMond, who on several occasions has been very outspoken against Armstrong, has testified in the case.

SOURCE: Daily News and Daily News