Armstrong says 'no' to USADA interview

AUSTIN (AP/KXAN) - Lance Armstrong's attorney says the cyclist won't interview under oath with a U.S. Anti-Doping Agency official who wanted Armstrong to tell them all he knows about doping.

USADA officials had said Armstrong must speak with them if he hoped to reduce his lifetime ban from sports. Wednesday was the deadline for him to agree to interview.

After more than two months of negotiations with USADA, Armstrong attorney Tim Herman now says Armstrong won't participate in a process designed "only to demonize selected individuals."

Armstrong has said he is willing to participate in an international effort to clean up cycling.

For years, Armstrong denied using performance-enhancing drugs. But in January admitted doping to win seven Tour de France titles — which already had been stripped by USADA after a lengthy investigation.

“We have provided Mr. Armstrong several opportunities to assist in our ongoing efforts to clean up the sport of cycling," said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. "Following his recent television interview, we again invited him to come in and provide honest information, and he was informed in writing by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that this was the appropriate avenue for him if he wanted to be part of the solution.  Over the last few weeks he has led us to believe that he wanted to come in and assist USADA, but was worried of potential criminal and civil liability if he did so. Today we learned from the media that Mr. Armstrong is choosing not to come in and be truthful and that he will not take the opportunity to work toward righting his wrongs in sport.

"At this time we are moving forward with our investigation without him and we will continue to work closely with WADA and other appropriate and responsible international authorities to fulfill our promise to clean athletes to protect their right to compete on a drug free playing field.”