Lance Armstrong. But USADA, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said separately that while the federal case against Armstrong was shut, they would continue a separate inquiry into doping in pro cycling in the United States.So while the cloud over the most storied rider in American history has lifted, a stormy one is now approaching other cyclists who don't have anywhere near the legal wherewithal of the mighty Lance.
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As far as the Armstrong case is concerned, speculation behind the scenes had been on whether or not prosecutors could find a "smoking gun" to prove that Armstrong had been guilty of trafficking in illegal drugs, since even testimony and hearsay that Armstrong had doped among former teammates likely wasn't strong enough to guarantee a conviction. And with the probe now stretching to two years it's not surprising that pressure was mounting on the feds to just put up or shut up -- it is the people's dough they're spending, after all, and it's not like there aren't plenty of other drug traffickers in this country causing a whole bunch of damage elsewhere to society.
Further, with cases like the one against former baseball star Barry Bonds falling to tatters this past year, you could almost hear the whispers behind closed doors about a case against Lance having to be supremely strong or it would only be even more embarrassing to the feds.
In response to the announcement that the investigation was over, Armstrong's spokesman, Mark Fabiani wrote, "This is great news. Lance is pleased that the United States Attorney made the right decision, and he is more determined than ever to devote his time and energy to Livestrong and to the causes that have defined his career."--
Photo courtesy Creative Commons, Story by Michael Frank via Adventure Journal
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