Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Lance Armstrong Appeals to Court to Dismiss Federal Lawsuit

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: July 29, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

Representatives for disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong filed a motion in the District of Columbia requesting that the courts dismiss federal lawsuit claiming that he defrauded the United States government by using banned substances in violation of his team’s contract with the U.S. Postal Service.

Armstrong asked the court to throw out the Justice Department’s False Claims Act lawsuit against him, by asserting that that the Postal Service was aware of the doping allegations but failed to take action because they financially benefited from their sponsorship and talent agreement.

Armstrong’s representatives claim the Postal Service benefited from “tens of millions of dollars worth of publicity” by sponsoring the seven-time Tour de France winner. In addition, he argues that the Justice Department is barred from taking action against him by a six-year statute of limitations.

“Although the government now pretends to be aggrieved by these allegations, its actions at the time are far more telling: Did it immediately fire the Postal Service Team?,” Armstrong’s motion asks. “Did it suspend the team pending an investigation? Did it refer the matter to its phalanx of lawyers and investigators at the Department of Justice for review? It did not. Rather than exercise its right to terminate the sponsorship agreement, it instead renewed its contract to sponsor the team.”

The government paid the cycling team an estimated $40 million through contracts that were in place between 1998 and 2004. The lawsuit is seeking triple the damages, meaning that if Armstrong loses the case, he may be required to pay as much as $120 million in damages.

Armstrong has faced a significant backlash since he admitted to several years of doping earlier in January. Since his admission, Armstrong is facing multiple lawsuits from insurers and has been dropped by all of his sponsors. After being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, Armstrong also made the decision to step down as chairman of the Livestrong Foundation he founded.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy post image

“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy

A “no comment” response is sometimes the right call when a legal problem arises. As a blanket policy, however, it lets allegations go unanswered, deadlines pass, evidence disappear, and manageable disputes grow into expensive litigation. The businesses that fare best are usually the ones that say little publicly while acting decisively behind the scenes. When […]

Author: Sean M. Pena

Link to post with title - "“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy"
Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders post image

Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders

Utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly important component of the electric grid throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. As renewable generation expands, electricity demand increases and grid operators seek greater flexibility, battery storage can help balance supply and demand while providing additional capacity and reliability. For developers, battery storage presents […]

Author: Nicholas Wall

Link to post with title - "Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders"
Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer post image

Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer

A falling out between partners can be disastrous for any business. In many cases, the partnership will not survive. If you are in an unworkable situation with your partners, it may be time to consult a partnership dispute lawyer experienced in handling partnership breakups and dissolutions before the situation deteriorates any further. It is easy […]

Author: Jay McDaniel

Link to post with title - "Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer"
Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know post image

Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know

When a company enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many assume the process will culminate in a lengthy reorganization plan. However, distressed businesses are increasingly being sold through a different mechanism — a sale under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A Section 363 sale allows a company, as a debtor-in-possession in bankruptcy, to sell […]

Author: John D. Giampolo

Link to post with title - "Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know"
Zoning Laws Explained: What You Need to Know Before Buying Property post image

Zoning Laws Explained: What You Need to Know Before Buying Property

Before buying property, it is critical to determine whether local zoning laws may affect your plans. If you plan to redevelop the property, you will want to confirm that local zoning regulations permit development as intended. If acquiring property that is already developed, you must verify that the use is permitted in the underlying zoning […]

Author: Wendy Rubinstein Quiroga

Link to post with title - "Zoning Laws Explained: What You Need to Know Before Buying Property"
Special Needs Trusts in New Jersey: Planning for Your Loved One’s Future post image

Special Needs Trusts in New Jersey: Planning for Your Loved One’s Future

For parents of a child with a disability, estate planning raises concerns that go well beyond deciding who will inherit their assets. Parents may spend years making sure their child has the right care, services, and support. Eventually, they must also confront a difficult question: Who will take over when they can no longer do […]

Author: George McGowan

Link to post with title - "Special Needs Trusts in New Jersey: Planning for Your Loved One’s Future"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.
“If you would like to submit a file, please email it directly to info@sh-law.com.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!