WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Lance Armstrong has agreed to pay $5 million to the U.S. government to settle a federal lawsuit over alleged false claims to the U.S. Postal Service.
The Department of Justice announced the settlement on Thursday. The lawsuit had alleged that Armstrong's admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs resulted in the submission of millions of dollars in false claims for sponsorship payments to the USPS, which sponsored Armstrong's team.
"No one is above the law," said acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Division, Chad A. Readler. "A competitor who intentionally uses illegal PEDs not only deceives fellow competitors and fans, but also sponsors, who help make sporting competitions possible. This settlement demonstrates that those who cheat the government will be held accountable."
The allegations against Armstrong were originally brought in a whistleblower complaint filed in June 2010 by Floyd Landis. Under the False Claims Act, Landis will receive $1.1 million as his share of the settlement.
Armstrong released a statement Thursday afternoon.
“I am glad to resolve this case and move forward with my life,” he said. “I’m looking forward to devoting myself to the many great things in my life – my five kids, my wife, my podcast, several exciting writing and film projects, my work as a cancer survivor, and my passion for sports and competition. There is a lot to look forward to.”
