Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Justice Department Files Formal Lawsuit Against Lance Armstrong
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: May 1, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Lance Armstrong ahead of the April 23 deadline to file a formal complaint, alleging that he violated his contract with the U.S. Postal Service.
USPS paid roughly $40 million to sponsor Armstrong between 1998 and 2004, and the Justice Department argues that the cyclist violated his contract with the Postal Service by using performance-enhancing drugs to win his seven Tour de France titles, of which he was recently tripped.
The federal lawsuit names Armstrong, team director Johan Bruyneel and team management company Tailwind Sports. The Justice Department is seeking triple the damages assessed by a jury, according to The Associated Press. This may enable the government to recoup as much as $120 million from the former cyclist and cancer survivor.
“Defendants were unjustly enriched to the extent of the payments and other benefits they received from the USPS, either directly or indirectly,” read the complaint.
The AP notes that the Justice Department now bears the responsibility of proving that Armstrong both defrauded the USPS and damaged it. However, those defending Armstrong called the Justice Department’s claims “opportunistic,” noting that the USPS saw significant financial gains – roughly $139 million – a result of its sponsorship of Armstrong and his team over a four-year period. Despite these gains, the USPS contract signed by Armstrong and his team required all to follow the rules that govern cycling and his admission of using performance-enhancing drugs may be considered a sports law violation, the AP notes.
Following Armstrong’s admission of guilt, he has been banned from cycling for life, forced to step down from his Livestrong foundation and made to relinquish his titles and victories.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, like all M&A transactions, it is important to understand the legal nuances and proper due diligence in mergers and acquisitions. What Is a Short Form […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
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.