Armstrong: Anti-Doping Agency Is Unconstitutional

Cyclist sues to block charges against him
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 9, 2012 10:08 AM CDT
Armstrong: Anti-Doping Agency Is Unconstitutional
Lance Armstrong gestures before the 21st and final stage of the Tour de france cycling race, in this July 24, 2005 file photo.   (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)

Lance Armstrong has filed a lawsuit against the US Anti-Doping Agency, and he's swinging for the fences, if you'll pardon the cross-sports metaphor. Armstrong is arguing that the doping charges against him, and all athletes, are unconstitutional, denying them their due process rights, the AP reports. He's asking the court to block the case, against his Saturday deadline to accept or reject the USADA's proposed penalties.

The lawsuit could have an impact on other athletes' cases as well. "There are so many possible twists and turns," one lawyer tells the Washington Post. "It could either strengthen USADA or damage it significantly." Armstrong argues that the USADA's adjudication process is "rigged" and a "kangaroo court." He also claims the USADA has a vendetta against him personally, and says it has violated its own statute of limitations and perhaps even run afoul of federal bribery laws in order to pursue it. (More Lance Armstrong stories.)

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