Lance Armstrong stepped down as chair of the Livestrong charity on Wednesday, a week after the USADA’s doping file on the cyclist went public.
He also lost his Nike endorsement deal the same day based on what the company said was “seemingly insurmountable evidence that he participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade,” as the Guardian reports. While not a shocker given just how damning the USADA file was, Nike’s decision to drop the cancer survivor is certainly noteworthy given the athletic company’s previous unwavering support of the seven-time Tour de France champion.
Armstrong’s announcement explains that he’ll step aside to try and distance the organization he founded from the doping scandal:
“I have had the great honor of serving as this foundation’s chairman for the last five years and its mission and success are my top priorities. Today therefore, to spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career, I will conclude my chairmanship.”
In a statement last week, the USADA called the use of performance-enhancing drugs by Armstrong and his old cycling team “the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen.”
