Just a few day after Los Angeles U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte announced the two-year doping probe of cyclist Lance Armstrong was over, reports show that some in his office disagreed with the decision.
Birotte reportedly did not follow a recommendation by his assistants to file criminal charges against the seven-time Tour de France winner. According to a Wall Street Journal report, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office said Birotte made the decision after reviewing evidence and consulting other top officials.
Birotte told at least one investigator that there would be no swaying his decision not to prosecute Armstrong, and that the matter was over, according to the report. Douglas M. Miller and Mark Williams, the two assistant U.S. Attorneys who handled the probe, declined comment to the Wall Street Journal.
Armstrong came under scrutiny in 2010 after his former teammate Floyd Landis accused him of participating in a performance-enhancing drug program. The 40-year-old record holder has always denied the allegations, and he accused Justice Department officials of trying to ruin his legacy by releasing details of the grand jury investigation last summer. The department then filed a sealed response to the allegations.
The probe, which began in May 2010, centered on his record seven consecutive Tour victories from 1999 to 2005.
