Armstrong Lawyers Say USADA Offering Riders Deals
Lance Armstrong's attorneys say the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is offering cyclists a ``sweetheart deal'' if they testify or provide evidence that the seven-time Tour de France winner cheated by doping.
Attorney Tim Herman told The Associated Press on Monday that if riders have been caught doping themselves, the deal from USADA could result in a reduced ban from competition and other incentives.
Federal investigators in Los Angeles are looking at cheating in professional cycling. They have shown interest in Armstrong since former teammate and 2006 Tour de France winner Floyd Landis alleged this spring that Armstrong and others took performance enhancing drugs, which Armstrong strongly denies.
In 2007, Landis said USADA offered him a similar deal to finger Armstrong. At the time, Landis called the offer ``offensive.''
USADA spokeswoman Erin Hannan said Monday that the agency cannot comment in detail about any investigation.
