Lance Armstrong Speaks At Livestrong 15th Anniversary
By Jenn Bernstein
AUSTIN, TX (CBS) - Lance Armstrong made his first public appearance Friday night, since the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency released its scathing report last week. Armstrong gave opening remarks at a Livestrong Gala, which celebrated the charity's 15th anniversary.
"It's been an interesting couple of weeks. It's been a difficult couple of weeks for me, for my family, for my friends, for this foundation," Armstrong told event goers.
The disgraced cyclist said he gets asked a lot, how he's doing, "I say this every time," said Armstrong, "I mean it, I say I've been better, but I've also been worse."
Armstrong stepped down as chairman of Livestrong Wednesday, in an attempt to protect the organization from any negative effects from his doping scandal. Sponsors like Nike and Anheuser-Busch also announced they were terminating contracts with Armstrong.
It all came on the heels of the USDA releasing its report, which detailed Armstrong's alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.
During last night's remarks, Armstrong remained adamant, that Livestrong continue to fulfill its cancer-fighting mission.
"There's 28 million people around the world living with this disease," Armstrong said. "Thank you for your support."
Armstrong did not talk about the report, or the allegations of doping.
On Monday, the International Cycling Union is expected to say whether it will be appealing the USDA's punishments, which included stripping Armstrong of his 7 Tour de France wins.
