US attorney says Armstrong won't be prosecuted following doping confession
Wellington, Feb 6: Banned cyclist Lance Armstrong won't be prosecuted even after he admitted to doping recently in a chat show with Oprah Winfrey, according to Andre Birotte, the US attorney based in Los Angeles, who oversaw the federal investigation.
Birotte claimed Armstrong's public admission that he took performance-enhancing drugs wouldn't not change US prosecutors' decision to spare him of criminal charges, Stuff.co.nz reports.
Birotte said in a press conference they made a decision on that case a little over a year ago, adding obviously, they have been well aware of the statements that have been made by Armstrong in other media reports.
However, Birotte maintained that does not change his view at this time.
The government will continue to look at the case, Birotte added, but Armstrong's admission hasn't changed their view.
In February 2012, Birotte said his office had closed its investigation into possible crimes by Armstrong.
Speculation about charges began anew after Armstrong reversed his past doping denials in an interview with talk show host Oprah Winfrey. He told Winfrey he used performance-enhancing drugs and doping in cycling tournaments.
Legal experts said Armstrong exposed himself to possible charges of perjury or obstruction of justice, the paper added.
Separately, Armstrong faces a civil whistleblower lawsuit filed by former teammate Floyd Landis accusing Armstrong of fraud.
The US Justice Department has not said whether it intends to join the suit, and Birotte did not address the suit at the news conference.
Armstrong has been banned from cycling for life and stripped of race wins, including seven Tour de France victories.
--A! NI