Nike Ends Armstrong Partnership

Nike has terminated its long running sponsorship with Lance Armstrong following the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s (USADA)  report which accused the cyclist of widespread drug use throughout his career. Armstrong has also stepped down as chairman of his charity Livestrong. 

Nike had initially supported Armstrong following the USADA report which stated that the seven time Tour de France winner led ‘the most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme that the sport has ever seen’. 

The 1,000 page report was seen by many as sufficient evidence that Armstrong is guilty of doping however Nike, who have partnered with the cyclist since 1996, initially released a statement confirming that they intended to continue their support of the American.

Nike has now reversed its position ‘due to the insurmountable evidence’ that Armstrong participated in doping and has now ended its sponsorship claiming to have been misled. 

Armstrong has also announced that he will no longer remain chairman of Livestrong saying: ‘To spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career, I will conclude my chairmanship.’ Armstrong will remain on the Livestrong board with vice-chairman Jeff Garvey taking over as chairman. 

Drug doping rumours followed Armstrong throughout his remarkably successful career however he has always denied using performance enhancing drugs. In August Armstrong announced that he would not fight USADA’s charges and the organisation has since stripped him of his titles.