Lance Armstrong has reached a $5 million settlement with the U.S. government in a fraud lawsuit that could have forced him to pay as much as $100 million in damages. Armstrong’s former U.S. Postal Service teammate Floyd Landis is eligible to receive as much as 25 percent of the settlement.
Landis told ESPN’s Bonnie Ford he was “relieved” that the legal process had ended without going to trial.
“I really didn’t want to relive it in a courtroom, and I don’t think Lance did either, and I don’t know that that would have really accomplished anything,” Landis said. “Rather than going through that humiliation again, we’re better off. I mean, it was up to Lance, but I think he probably feels the same way.
“He benefited more than everyone else and he’s also paid more than everyone else.”
Armstrong is believed to be worth millions based on his vast investment portfolio and homes in Austin, Texas, and Aspen, Colorado. He also owns a pair of bicycle shops in Austin and WeDu, an endurance events company.
He also hosts a regular podcast in which he interviews other sports figures and celebrities and has provided running commentary on the Tour de France.
Lance is still very wealthy at 46, and will go down as the greatest cheater in the history of cycling. Was it worth it? I think he made out alright.
