Fallen cycling legend Lance Armstrong took a major legal risk in confessing to drug use in a television interview and has exposed himself to significant litigation, lawyers warned Friday.
The seven-time Tour de France champion already faced several potential lawsuits from former teammates and sponsors who claim they were hurt by his doping and by his ferocious but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to cover it up.
Yet by appearing with talk show queen Oprah Winfrey and bluntly admitting to taking a cocktail of banned substances over a decade and a half while bullying those around him, he may have put more than his reputation at risk.
"I think it's going to be a big judgment against him. I think he's going to have a gigantic money judgment," said Peter Keane, a law professor at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.
Armstrong's admission of guilt could force him to pay substantial out of court settlements to many of his detractors, and may encourage US authorities to add their weight to one of the most serious cases against him.
Meanwhile, his aggressive demeanor and perceived lack of contrition in the interview could turn judges and jurors against him if cases come to court, and will increase the determination of those seeking to sue him.
"He did a terrible job," said Jordan Kobritz, a former lawyer and head of sports at SUNY Cortland university, reflecting the view of many sports fans and professionals reacting on social networks and in television studios.
"I didn't think he was sincere, contrite, forthright or remorseful," he told AFP after the first part of the interview was broadcast late Thursday.
"As a former attorney, I think his attorneys probably weren't in favor of what he did, because of the many potential legal consequences. I think they were right."
Kobritz said Armstrong missed an opportunity to make a genuine apology to two women, former team masseuse Emma O'Reilly and a teammate's wife Betsy Andreu, whom he had insulted when they attempted to reveal his doping.
"He ruined their life, he called them some violent names," said Kobritz, predicting the women would launch defamation suits. "He basically blew that opportunity. He basically incited them to come after him.
"The most logical result would be a settlement. He will be buying them off."
But that might not even be Armstrong's biggest legal challenge.
The US Department of Justice is close to making a decision on whether to add the government's name to a complaint lodged in 2010 against Armstrong by former fellow US Postal Service teammate Floyd Landis.
The Postal Service, a federal agency, paid $30 million in public money to sponsor Armstrong's team -- and may now seek to get it back.
Keane said that a decision to drop a previous Department of Justice probe into Armstrong had been unpopular within the agency, and that many officials would be keen to reopen the inquiry following his admission.
"Now with him coming out, sort of daring the government to do anything, there will be tremendous pressure within the government and the Department of Justice to reopen and go forward," he told AFP.
"Otherwise, it looks like this guy is totally above the law."
Keane said that in addition to civil litigation, Armstrong could find himself prosecuted for lying to federal investigators during previous investigations or to obtaining sponsorship through criminal fraud.
And the tone of the interview with Winfrey has not helped his case.
"He's a totally narcissistic, driven person who'd destroy other people to achieve his ends," Keane said.
"It's just so clearly self-serving that he wants to come back into competition and celebrity and to achieve the power that he had. No one is going to believe that."
AFP
Sat Jan 19 2013
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.