Lance Armstrong has stepped down from his position as chairman of cancer-fighting charity Livestrong.
Amid the onslaught of allegations that the cyclist used illegal performance-enhancing drugs, Armstrong doesn’t want his doping controversy to tarnish the public view of organization.
“This organization, its mission and its supporters are incredibly dear to my heart,” Armstrong said in a statement. “Today therefore, to spare the foundation any negative effects as a result of controversy surrounding my cycling career, I will conclude my chairmanship.”
Shortly after Armstrong’s resignation from Livestrong, Nike also severed its relationship with him. Nike released a statement explaining the action.
“Due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade, it is with great sadness that we have terminated our contract with him,” the company said. “Nike does not condone the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs in any manner.”
These changes come on the heels of a report released by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency which included detailed allegations that Armstrong and his teammates used illegal drugs between 1999 and 2005. It was during this time that Armstrong won seven consecutive Tour De France titles.
Armstrong denies the doping allegations but says that he will not fight the charges in court.
