Lance Armstrong settles fraud case for $5m — and not everyone is pleased
Former teammate Floyd Landis, however, is relieved not to have to face him in court
Los Angeles — Lance Armstrong has agreed to pay $5m to settle the looming federal fraud case stemming from his drug-fuelled reign as king of the Tour de France. The former cycling superstar was due to face a trial in May over claims he defrauded the US government when he doped while racing for the US Postal Service-sponsored team. The Postal Service and former teammate Floyd Landis had sought about $100m in damages from Armstrong in the case, which was due to get under way on May 7. However, the prospect of a potentially ruinous judgment going against Armstrong was averted after his lawyers and the US Justice Department brokered a settlement, which was confirmed on Thursday. "No one is above the law," US Justice Department lawyer Chad Readler said in a statement announcing the deal. "This settlement demonstrates that those who cheat the government will be held accountable." Armstrong’s attorney, Elliot Peters, said the settlement "ends all litigation against Armstrong related to his...
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