Dennis RomeroLooks like U.S. authorities are building a doping case against champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, and the whole thing could come to a head right here in L.A. That is, at least, according to a report today.
The Associated Press reports today that U.S. investigators have asked anti-doping authorities in France, home of Armstrong's Tour de France stomping grounds, for assistance with their inquiry into Armstrong and into other members of the U.S. Postal Service team.
Any evidence, states AP, would then go to a federal grand jury in L.A., which could make a move, if it does indeed do so, against the rider. AP:
The move indicates federal authorities are looking to bolster their case against Armstrong so they can give a grand jury in Los Angeles the fullest account possible of the cyclist's actions before deciding whether Armstrong, like [Barry] Bonds, also should face criminal charges related to using performance-enhancing drugs.
Riding high? Lance Armstrong's lawyer says no way.; Credit: lancearmstrong.com
The news service adds that people close to Armstrong — including exercise physiologist Allen Lim and Ukrainian cyclist and former teammate Yaroslav Popovych.– have testified before the L.A. grand jury.
Sources told AP the investigation could lead to a grand jury indictment for alleged “fraud and conspiracy” because Armstrong had government sponsorship.
But Armstrong's lawyer, Mark Fabiani, says b.s:
Persistent, inaccurate leaks can't change the facts: This inquiry has been going on for a year now, and the only result has been an enormous waste of taxpayer dollars and diversion of prosecutorial resources
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