US prosecutors drop case against Armstrong/USPS

[BotanyBay]

You're right but I think there will be a lot of leaks. Are they going to bring in an outside prosecutor to prosecute the leaking prosecutors.

They worked close to 2 years on this and made assurances to many people. They know that Armstrong is an outrageous criminal scumbag and I'm sure they are revolted by it. They can't keep secrets this big, even though it's not big in the over all picture.

I agree with you, but any justice on this will come from the bottom UP. Leaks will happen from those who worked the case. But everyone from Birotte-on-up will take a defensive position on this.

I'm just saying: Don't expect some online petition to motivate cabinet-level people to look further into this, when the shutdown probably originated at the cabinet level. Despite Obama's highly inspirational messaging, he plays old-school hockey. Always.

 

[MarkvW]

Were there NO weaknesses in the government's case? NONE???

 

[Anonymous]

Were there NO weaknesses in the government's case? NONE???

I can think of a few;

1. Birotte's decision making process and intestinal fortitude.
2. Boxer's influence in exchange for a $100,000 donation to an abortion provider (has much sooo to do with cancer awareness).
3. Lanny Bruer influenced by his buddies Fabiani and Lehane.

All hypothetically of course.

 

[BotanyBay]

Were there NO weaknesses in the government's case? NONE???

Clearly there were. 2 years is a very long time to keep a guy hanging. And I'm just as interested in seeing the weaknesses as I am in seeing the merits.

I consider this a cell-division now. There is the Tailwind / Lance case, and now there is the "what the hell happened to the Tailwind case?"

 

[Cloxxki]

Cloxxki @Cloxxki
Want our hero #LanceArmstrong 's name to be cleared with a fair trial? He's got nothing to hide after all? SIGN THIS! wh.gov/013

 

[Cloxxki]

I can think of a few;

2. Boxer's influence in exchange for a $100,000 donation to an abortion provider (has much sooo to do with cancer awareness).

All hypothetically of course.

In the good old days, brides were secretive. Now the argument is "if it were a bribe, and we'd never do that, we'd keep it a secret, now wouldn't we?".

The layers of deceit in this global exccuse for a society are stacking up higher and higher.

 

[Oldnell]

Oh my, yes! Unseal all the grand jury files and transcripts, unshackle the poor handcuffed investigators, and let the truth spill out for all to see! Alleluia!!

Grand Jury files are kept under seal for a number of years. The only information forthcoming from them will be leaked and not admissible. It can also get the leaker some time inside looking out.

 

[Oldnell]

Genuine.

I can never figure out WTF you're talkin about?

I think it's politics? We have a thread for that http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=15662&page=162

Keep it real Skip.

The only way you can engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent is if you do so with yourself.

 

[broken chain]

Lance was cleared once and for all.
He never doped and trounced a whole peleton full of dopers at the tour de france.
Greatest athlete in the world!
He's already made life miserable for three of his teamates,who's next on his hit list?

 

[Oldnell]

You're right but I think there will be a lot of leaks. Are they going to bring in an outside prosecutor to prosecute the leaking prosecutors.

They worked close to 2 years on this and made assurances to many people. They know that Armstrong is an outrageous criminal scumbag and I'm sure they are revolted by it. They can't keep secrets this big, even though it's not big in the over all picture.

I think it very unlikely any assistant prosecutors or investigators including the Gestapo trained lead investigator, will leak Grand Jury testimony. This is a serious crime and a good way to lose your career and freedom. ITS OVER!!!

 

[LarryBudMelman]

I agree with you, but any justice on this will come from the bottom UP. Leaks will happen from those who worked the case. But everyone from Birotte-on-up will take a defensive position on this.

I'm just saying: Don't expect some online petition to motivate cabinet-level people to look further into this, when the shutdown probably originated at the cabinet level. Despite Obama's highly inspirational messaging, he plays old-school hockey. Always.

Obama is proving to be quite a repulsive individual.

I can think of a few;

1. Birotte's decision making process and intestinal fortitude.
2. Boxer's influence in exchange for a $100,000 donation to an abortion provider (has much sooo to do with cancer awareness).
3. Lanny Bruer influenced by his buddies Fabiani and Lehane.

All hypothetically of course.

I'm working on those latter 2 hypotheticals but I'm just a peon....

Maybe this jerk James O'Keefe???

 

[Hugh Januss]

Here come the idiots.

 

[Race Radio]

ESPN legal Lester Munson on the case

Suspicious call on Lance Armstrong

 

[Oldnell]

I can think of a few;

1. Birotte's decision making process and intestinal fortitude.
2. Boxer's influence in exchange for a $100,000 donation to an abortion provider (has much sooo to do with cancer awareness).
3. Lanny Bruer influenced by his buddies Fabiani and Lehane.

All hypothetically of course.

You have no idea as to the quality of the case that was developed. The only solid evidence that has come to light is the testimony of Landis and Hamilton, who are both very soiled goods and easily discredited. I suspect Birotte's decision was made because he did not wish to lose a case against someone who is a hero to nearly everyone outside of this forum. I doubt seriously if he even attempted to get the Grand Jury to return an indictment.

 

[Oldnell]

ESPN legal Lester Munson on the case

Suspicious call on Lance Armstrong

If there is any truth to this, it is the only worthwhile thing this administration has ever done relating to domestic affairs. More than likely, it's standard conspiracy theory.

 

[Race Radio]

You have no idea as to the quality of the case that was developed. The only solid evidence that has come to light is the testimony of Landis and Hamilton, who are both very soiled goods and easily discredited. I suspect Birotte's decision was made because he did not wish to lose a case against someone who is a hero to nearly everyone outside of this forum. I doubt seriously if he even attempted to get the Grand Jury to return an indictment.

What about George? He confirmed Landis' testimony and said he received drugs from Armstrong

How is it that Armstrong's confrontation with Tyler not witness intimidation?

Lance was called hours before hand by the owner of the restaurant, a friend, to let him know that Outside Magazine reserved a large table for that night and that Tyler would be there. Armstrong was not in Aspen when he got the call but hopped on his jet and flew there in order to confront Hamilton. He then stopped Hamilton and made very clear threats that were meant to intimidate him.

No matter what someone thinks of Lance it is hard to not see that as witness tampering.

 

[Hugh Januss]

What about George? He confirmed Landis' testimony and said he received drugs from Armstrong

How is it that Armstrong's confrontation with Tyler not witness intimidation?

Lance was called hours before hand by the owner of the restaurant, a friend, to let him know that Outside Magazine reserved a large table for that night and that Tyler would be there. Armstrong was not in Aspen when he got the call but hopped on his jet and flew there in order to confront Hamilton. He then stopped Hamilton and made very clear threats that were meant to intimidate him.

No matter what someone thinks of Lance it is hard to not see that as witness tampering.

Hamilton and Landis told the same lies that every pro cyclist does. If Oldguy chooses to believe them when making fantastic claims about their innocence and thinks they are lying when they finally come clean then I don't think there is much chance of convincing him of any of the rest.
Some people you just can't reach.

 

[MarkvW]

The fact is that the haters cannot lay out a coherent case that could be taken to a jury and proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The haters are just assuming that such a case exists. That's how it works in the Clinic, but not how it works in the real world.

 

[MarkvW]

Hamilton and Landis told the same lies that every pro cyclist does. If Oldguy chooses to believe them when making fantastic claims about their innocence and thinks they are lying when they finally come clean then I don't think there is much chance of convincing him of any of the rest.
Some people you just can't reach.

And what are those "some people" called . . . .? They're called JURORS.

 

[Hugh Januss]

The fact is that the haters cannot lay out a coherent case that could be taken to a jury and proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The haters are just assuming that such a case exists. That's how it works in the Clinic, but not how it works in the real world.

The fact is that any comments from the inside seem to indicate that the case was nearly completely laid and then was brought to a halt by one man, who's only explanation is "just because".

 

[MarkvW]

The fact is that any comments from the inside seem to indicate that the case was nearly completely laid and then was brought to a halt by one man, who's only explanation is "just because".

"Comments from the inside . . .?"
Show me a credible comment!

 

[Epicycle]

Normally you might see something like this become an issue in an election year. But Republicans in general have shown that they aren't fans of tarnishing sports stars with doping allegations (that was painfully evident when Roger Clemens testified before the House committee) and they aren't going to win votes with calls to continue an investigations that's seen as costly. I could be wrong but my guess is that this fades from view unless some kind of smoking gun document appears that shows corruption.

 

[peterst6906]

The fact is that any comments from the inside seem to indicate that the case was nearly completely laid and then was brought to a halt by one man, who's only explanation is "just because".

From the public's perspective at least, there are still a lot of questions to be answered. I hope they will be.

But it doesn't seem to have been "just because" on the inside. From the Wall Street Journal article:

Before issuing his statement Friday, Mr. Birotte called and laid out his decision to the federal investigators who had produced the evidence that formed the basis for the indictment recommendation, said people familiar with the matter. Those investigators worked on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.

"In this office in essentially every significant investigation, a prosecution memo is prepared prior to a charging decision to outline the legal theories, the evidence, and the strengths and weaknesses of a particular case. That in fact was done in this case," said Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles. He added that "the prosecution memo was provided to the U.S. attorney and his management team well in advance of the final decision and…was thoroughly reviewed and discussed prior to the decision."

I totally agree with the rest of your statement. Everything suggested charges were recommended and everything was just about ready.

 

[Dr. Maserati]

The fact is that the haters cannot lay out a coherent case that could be taken to a jury and proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The haters are just assuming that such a case exists. That's how it works in the Clinic, but not how it works in the real world.

A coherent case? Until last week you were still trying to convince people that Lance could not be a 'target'.

 

[attila]

Velodude, there is no RICO, no laundering, no tampering.
Investigation has been dropped. Case is closed. February 3rd.
Insufficient Evidence.

Geez, you are like the Black Knight.
And I mean that as a compliment. Grrrrr.

But please step aside and let us fanboys pass. Please.
If you want to call it a "draw" - fine. Whatever.

BTW, or you typing with your nose or just banging your head against the keyboard?

Easily the funniest thing I've read in this thread this week/month/year. Thanks Polish, from a Monty Python fan.