US prosecutors drop case against Armstrong/USPS

[Oldnell]

Perhaps it is time for some of the vermin who occupy this sewer to give up and get a life. I stopped posting more than a year ago because I did not want to associate with the vast majority of people who post here, but if anyone wants to look up my posts. I told you so then.

 

[Hugh Januss]

Explain why the "white" is necessary?

Why do rich friends in high places have to be white. Why would black or hispanic or asian rich friends in high places not count?

The Champions Club!
Now, myself I am colorblind. When I look at a person I see the person not the color. But even I can see there ain't no color in that picture.

 

[Velodude]

Less than 24 hours after the announcement and we already know that Mr Novitzky was only given a 30 minute heads up?

From an un-named source?
odious and ironic

Without secret FBI informant "Deep Throat" leaking the internal coverups relating to the Watergate break-in Nixon would not have resigned, been pardoned by Ford and 43 persons indicted.

Strategic leaks and leaks of conscience occur and are a fact of life. We can expect to hear more on this issue per leaks from disgruntled Federal employees.

"Sources close to the investigation say that the decision came as a surprise to many of them, too. The case was being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Doug Miller and Mark Williams, with the help of FDA Criminal Division investigator Jeff Novitzky. The U.S. Attorney’s office did not indicate who decided to end the investigation, whether it was based on a lack of evidence, whether there were strategic problems with pursuing an indictment or whether pressure came to bear from outside the Central District. Indeed, the Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Novitzky and other investigators were informed of the decision only about 30 minutes before the press release was issued. Somehow, I think we’re going to hear a bit more about what went into this decision."

 

[The Gnome]

Altho I am disappointed... it does not surprise me to see armstrong skate free...Look, America is so entirely corrupt now...on so many levels...why would they go after a guy with the cancer gig going? a biker no less...noone cares... American had the biggest heist of money in history via wallstreet and the banksters...with pols help...and yet, they are prosecuting noone really...people get away with a hundred times the money some small fish like lance did every single day and they turn a blind eye...hell, they do it legally now with pols help...outside of the bizarrely hermetic in talk here on this clinic, what on earth makes anyone think they are going to really go after him in reality when he even had the sense to have a sham cancer charity image thing going? noone cares about cycling except, mostly us...and if they can let wallstreet guys go who destroyed the economy and seriously have no intention of doing anything about that...why would they bother with this? sure he is corrupt as they have ever been via cycling terms...but via american corruption, he is seen as a winner...entertainment pretty much...

 

[happychappy]

noone cares about cycling

Peter Noone?

 

[Benotti69]

Altho I am disappointed... it does not surprise me to see armstrong skate free...Look, America is so entirely corrupt now...on so many levels...why would they go after a guy with the cancer gig going? a biker no less...noone cares... American had the biggest heist of money in history via wallstreet and the banksters...with pols help...and yet, they are prosecuting noone really...people get away with a hundred times the money some small fish like lance did every single day and they turn a blind eye...hell, they do it legally now with pols help...outside of the bizarrely hermetic in talk here on this clinic, what on earth makes anyone think they are going to really go after him in reality when he even had the sense to have a sham cancer charity image thing going? noone cares about cycling except, mostly us...and if they can let wallstreet guys go who destroyed the economy and seriously have no intention of doing anything about that...why would they bother with this? sure he is corrupt as they have ever been via cycling terms...but via american corruption, he is seen as a winner...entertainment pretty much...

I agree with all of the above, but i thought that due to the nature of the sport and no one in the usa caring a fig for it he would get indicted at least as usa justice used him as an example of being seen to be implementing 'laws' and 'justice'.

But he and his cronies know all the right people.

 

[Steel4Ever]

I disagree. Contrarian is a worse example.

BTW, interesting that "Good Karma" and the "Lance Effect" have so much in common. Do goods things for millions of people and good things will happen to you.

KarmaStrong!

Except when the "good things" is constructed out of bad things.
Think of it as blood money.
But, like the economy, people don't care what fraud gets them ahead, as long as they get ahead!

Explain why the "white" is necessary?

Why do rich friends in high places have to be white. Why would black or hispanic or asian rich friends in high places not count?

Because old white rich men run the country and have all the power in politics and business. Period.

Cycle sport is either worth watching or it isn't. As of right now nothing in the sport has changed with this ruling. Perhaps we will see pro cycling further degraded and thus less enjoyable to watch, as the cycling mafia becomes bolder. But maybe that won't happen. Until it does, why not keep watching?

Pro cycling is definitely a "sport" worth watching -- it's fun and exciting.
The results, however, are utterly worthless.

 

[orbeas]

Armstrong

As someone from the UK, it comes of no surprise that this decision has been made, Armstrong has too many powerful friends and money for him to have a case made against him..
Its a very sad day for the sport of cycling !!!!

 

[Benotti69]

<snip>

Pro cycling is definitely a "sport" worth watching -- it's fun and exciting.
The results, however, are utterly worthless.

This is completely how i view the sport in its current guise with its micro doping, failure of the UCI, failure of riders to call a spade a spade, commentators still calling performances 'superhuman' and 'unbelievable' that are that without insinuating there is more to the performances than meets the eye.

 

[FoxxyBrown1111]

Guys, think more positive!

Before Comeback II Armstrong was hero, we only had Walsh and Betsy and the 7 positives.

Now we also have 2 guys coming clean, Hemassist, bribes and many ex-fanboys turned away from Pharmstrong. 2010 he couldn´t concentrate on doping, racing and intimidating opponents b/c he was on the defense for the first time ever. His comeback was truly spoiled and cut short (thanks to Floyd again, perfect timing back then).

And the true blind fanboys would not have changed their minds anyway. Just read their posts. They are fanatics like those brainwashed people marching in north korea. This guys are lost forever, no matter what.

Don´t get too greedy. At this dark hours we still have more than we could have ever dreamed of when this doper & liar had his infamous speech on the podium in 2005.

And trust me, we´ll get more by time. Bit by bit....

 

[shawnrohrbach]

How is it possible you kept the book this long? Surely there are other items with a better inherent sentimental value than an Armstrong book.

My mother gave it to me after she read it when she was fighting lung cancer. BTW, we have always donated to the American Cancer Society since 1968 when my aunt died of cancer and they were by her side in our home pretty much for the duration.

 

[shawnrohrbach]

Such strong emotions about a skinny little bike racer. I am so sorry. Big Lance fan here, but when my football team, the niners lost two weeks ago, I said to myself , nice run, better luck next year. For me as a cycling fan, to see Lance burn, would have burned pro cycling, and made it look even more ludicrous.
A successful prosecution of Armstrong would have accomplished nada, nunca zip, except to rile up a bunch of folk to hate cycling.
Better to get out in the fresh air, and appreciate life. Hate, life is to short for.

Some thoughts in response. (And mods, the link is not selling anything)

http://www.shawnrohrbach.com/READ

 

[Race Radio]

Perhaps it is time for some of the vermin who occupy this sewer to give up and get a life. I stopped posting more than a year ago because I did not want to associate with the vast majority of people who post here, but if anyone wants to look up my posts. I told you so then.

A lot of hate in your post. Maybe you should go ride your bike?

 

[Hugh Januss]

Perhaps it is time for some of the vermin who occupy this sewer to give up and get a life. I stopped posting more than a year ago because I did not want to associate with the vast majority of people who post here, but if anyone wants to look up my posts. I told you so then.

Yes I remember when you left, although it was not before you informed us multiple times that you were going.
It'd be nice if you would have stayed gone.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/1...rs-to-hand-over-US-Postal-files-to-USADA.aspx

Responding to yesterday’s news that the federal investigation into Lance Armstrong and the US Postal Service team had been called off, the World Anti Doping Agency has indicated that it expects the evidence gathered to be handed over for further consideration.

WADA President John Fahey has backed the US Anti Doping Agency’s statement that it plans to delve into the evidence and to consider if doping violations were committed.

US law doesn’t block the use of performance enhancing drugs, and so the federal investigation was primarily concerned with issues such as fraud. However USADA can prosecute doping violations and impose disciplinary measures against anyone it finds broke the rules.

“WADA has taken note of the decision of the United States Attorney to close the investigation into the US Postal Service cycling team,” said Fahey in statement.

“Of course the investigation was into allegations of fraud, but a large amount of the evidence gathered is likely to be highly pertinent to doping and WADA expects that this evidence will be shared with relevant anti-doping authorities for them to determine whether any breaches of the anti-doping rules have occurred.

“As there are no court cases pending from the federal agencies, WADA anticipates that this can be handed over quickly for the anti-doping agencies to take appropriate action.”

A source close to the previous investigation told VeloNation that there were concerns that evidence might not necessarily be transferred to USADA, thus forcing the agency to work with less material. However Fahey makes it clear that due to prior agreements, he expects this to happen without delay.

“The US is of course a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, and the US Government has ratified the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, so WADA is confident that they will carry out their responsibilities as outlined in these documents,” he said.

“That was the case with the investigation into BALCO and WADA looks forward to the same approach happening shortly.”

Although an eight year statute of limitations normally exists, USADA ruled this week that rule can be overturned in specific circumstances. It had previously stripped track and field athlete Eddy Hellebuyck’s results going back to 2004, the date of his positive test for EPO, but then successful extended the penalty back to 2001.



Read more: http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/1...r-US-Postal-files-to-USADA.aspx#ixzz1lSPVyKqa

 

[online-rider]

Guys, think more positive!

Before Comeback II Armstrong was hero, we only had Walsh and Betsy and the 7 positives.

Now we also have 2 guys coming clean, Hemassist, bribes and many ex-fanboys turned away from Pharmstrong. 2010 he couldn´t concentrate on doping, racing and intimidating opponents b/c he was on the defense for the first time ever. His comeback was truly spoiled and cut short (thanks to Floyd again, perfect timing back then).

And the true blind fanboys would not have changed their minds anyway. Just read their posts. They are fanatics like those brainwashed people marching in north korea. This guys are lost forever, no matter what.

Don´t get too greedy. At this dark hours we still have more than we could have ever dreamed of when this doper & liar had his infamous speech on the podium in 2005.

And trust me, we´ll get more by time. Bit by bit....

+1


kljgijklgu7iklgil

 

[Velodude]

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/1...rs-to-hand-over-US-Postal-files-to-USADA.aspx

That is why the Lance team are not high fiving. There is unfinished business at hand.

 

[Dr. Maserati]

Perhaps it is time for some of the vermin who occupy this sewer to give up and get a life. I stopped posting more than a year ago because I did not want to associate with the vast majority of people who post here, but if anyone wants to look up my posts. I told you so then.

Thanks - I took you up on your offer.

This was your very post, bless. good to see you have a sense of humour.

This is my first and probably last post as I am appalled and disgusted by what I have read here. I find it very sad that so many apparently literate people so hate excellence that they spend their time trying to tear down anyone who has achieved it. Lance is a favourite target because he does not take **** from anyone, including the media, and is willing and able to fight back.

I strongly suggest that you read the Vrijman report (prepared at the request of the UCI by a Dutch Lawyer who is a recognized expert on athletic doping issues) before making any more false accusations regarding the "retesting" of 1999 TDF urine sample. The following link is to a "Velo News" summary article which also gives a link to the full report: http://velonews.com/article/9932
The full report should be read in order to fully understand the issue, but I doubt seriously if any of you bashers would be willing to do so. Your minds are made up and you do not want to be confused by facts.

 

[goober]

Wait until you guys get to see the evidence USADA is going to receive! Some US cyclists are gonna be sheeting their pants. And not the big names that ride international. This is finally going to get good. Oh, don't expect Lance to get any of it - there is nothing there...

 

[webvan]

Guys, think more positive!

Before Comeback II Armstrong was hero, we only had Walsh and Betsy and the 7 positives.

Now we also have 2 guys coming clean, Hemassist, bribes and many ex-fanboys turned away from Pharmstrong. 2010 he couldn´t concentrate on doping, racing and intimidating opponents b/c he was on the defense for the first time ever. His comeback was truly spoiled and cut short (thanks to Floyd again, perfect timing back then).

And the true blind fanboys would not have changed their minds anyway. Just read their posts. They are fanatics like those brainwashed people marching in north korea. This guys are lost forever, no matter what.

Don´t get too greedy. At this dark hours we still have more than we could have ever dreamed of when this doper & liar had his infamous speech on the podium in 2005.

And trust me, we´ll get more by time. Bit by bit....

Thanks, always a good idea to put things into perspective.

 

[goober]

That is why the Lance team are not high fiving. There is unfinished business at hand.

Nope. Nothing there. Think of another name for a stone and you will get on the right track....

 

[QuickStepper]

Any action by USADA is not out of time and would embrace the 8 years back from 2010 to 2002.

USADA were running their investigation in parallel with and in travels with the Feds.

If you listen to the Irish radio interview with Pat McQuaid that had taken place within days of the public release of Floyd's emails he was pi**ed off with Floyd's timing.

None other than the clinic's resident legal expert has confirmed the above interpretation.

A recent USADA decision gives the oportunity to extend back beyond 8 years if certain circumstances exist.

The "recent USADA decision" is being broadly misinterpreted in my view. The AAA (American Arbitration Association) decision by a single arbitrator in the case of Eddy Hellebuyck, a marathoner who was first prosecuted by USADA in 2004 for violations occuring within 2 years of the date of the original prosecution, does not have any factual or legal applicability to anything that could apply to Armstrong as I see it. In Hellebuyck's case, he was formally sanctioned and given a 2 year ban on competition. After his case was pending and the sanction imposed, he gave an interview to a journalist in which he admitted to having used EPO more than two years before the time that he tested positive and for which he had been sanctioned. Based on his own admissions and confessions, USADA reopened his case and imposed additional sanctions and bans. Heelebuyck protested this additional penalty, and appealed. The AAA arbitrator sided with USADA and held that his original case, which had been timely prosecuted, could be amended to impose the additional penalty for the other violations that would also have been well-within the original statute of limitations in the original proceeding had they been known and discovered at that time. While the principal of delayed accrual for fraud is really what seems to have been applied in Hellebruyck's case, the actual basis for its applicaiton was that the original proceeding was timely commenced against him.

I have not listened to the Irish Radio interview, but I do not believe any formal "action" that has yet been "commenced" against Armstrong by USADA. And if that's so, we are now well more than 8 years out from the time when some have said Armstrong and USPS doped. If that's the case, then USADA can investigate all they want, but any prosecution or action against Armstrong, having not been commenced within 8 years from the time of the violations would be appear to be time-barred.

In other words, I disagree with the journalists who are attempting to put a spin on the legal interpretation of the applicable statute of limitations and the posssible exceptions to its appplication in this instance.

Now if what you're saying is that an "action" has already been commenced, and was considered "commenced" in 2010, such that it would be timely, i.e., going back to as far as 2002, then I would stand corrected. But I don't believe merely conducting a broad and unspecified investigation of doping in cycling, even if it happens to focus its attention on one cyclist in particular, actually constitutes the "commencement of an action" in the sense that is intended by the WADA Statute of Limitations language.

 

[LarryBudMelman]

Alternative A: You're wrong.
Alternative B: Massive Corruption.

For the time being, I'll stick with alternative A.

Of course you will because as soon as this thing was announced you reverted by to your hater line.

Alternative A: Armstrong doped himself and the whole team for years using USPS funding and the proceeds from the sales of bikes. He transported drugs across intl borders. He hire atty's with very close professional relationships with the Asst. U.S. Atty General for the Criminal Division.

Alternative B: Lance is as pure as the driven snow.

With what angle on the story?

If you want to predict they will go after LA further in the negative, I'll offer a bet on that, because I don't think they will.

I'll offer EUR 100 (USD 131.54) on a charity of your choice if you will do the same. 12 months timeframe.

I don't subscribe to your characterization of "going after LA." I call it telling the truth.

Lance should be very afraid of the truth coming out and it will keep coming out. Lies keep getting exposed until everybody involved with them dies off.

 

[thehog]

That is why the Lance team are not high fiving. There is unfinished business at hand.

No chance. Right now Fabani is writing thank-you letter to various "people" and making a submission to have ALL evidence sealed. The only intel USADA will get is from disgruntled ex-teammates.

Lance is being "nice" because it took a lot of pressure to shut this thing down. He dodged a bullet and he's not going to push his luck. He's obviously been instructed not to belittle the government. The cult can do that in the comments section of various news reports.

 

[LanceInMyPants]

Some thoughts in response. (And mods, the link is not selling anything)

http://www.shawnrohrbach.com/READ

An excerpt from Shawn's response:

I interviewed several more competitive cyclists, mostly amateur men who competed in small, unknown local races, who freely admitted they used performance enhancing drugs to win. I did not focus on their method, but rather their rationale. To the person, the interview experience was the same; every one of these cyclists was ill at ease, abrasive, defensive and narcissistic.

Nicely done, Shawn. Everyone should read this.