Lance Armstrong Steps Down as Livestrong Chairman; Nike Ends Association

POSTED BY: Marilyn

Amid mounting evidence that he allegedly used performance-enhancing drugs, Lance Armstrong announced on Wednesday that he is stepping down as the chairman of Livestrong, his cancer-fighting foundation.
In a statement posted on the Livestrong website, the cyclist said he came to his decision "to spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career."

Armstrong also said of the organization he founded, "This organization, its mission and its supporters are incredibly dear to my heart," adding, "My family and I have devoted our lives to the work of the foundation and that will not change. We plan to continue our service to the foundation and the cancer community."

Just last week, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency released a report in which 11 of Armstrong's former teammates allege they helped him take performance-enhancing substances, in violation of competitive rules.

The USADA, which banned Armstrong for life from professional competition and stripped him of his seven Tour de France titles, went on to say that Armstrong, his coaches and teammates "ran the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen."

Livestrong Vice Chairman Jeff Garvey will take over as chairman, Armstrong said.

Meanwhile, in other news, Nike announced on Wednesday that it has terminated its contracted with Armstrong.

In a statement, the sports apparel giant said, "Due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade, it is with great sadness that we have terminated our contract with him. Nike does not condone the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs in any manner."

"Nike plans to continue support of the Livestrong initiatives created to unite, inspire and empower people affected by cancer," the company added.