Livestrong Drops Lance Armstrong's Name From Foundation's Formal Title

The organization formerly called the Lance Armstrong Foundation yesterday announced that it has formally dropped the name of "disgraced cyclist" LANCE ARMSTRONG from its title, marking "the latest move by the cancer charity to distance itself following the biggest doping scandal in the sport's history,” according to Corrie MacLaggan of REUTERS. Livestrong VP/Communications & External Affairs KATHERINE MCLANE said that the foundation, which for years had been informally known as Livestrong, "filed paperwork with the Texas Secretary of State for a name change that became effective on October 30.” It is now formally called the Livestrong Foundation. At the foundation's office, "seven yellow Armstrong Tour jerseys have been removed from the walls” (REUTERS, 11/14). In N.Y., Michael O’Keeffe writes the move “represents yet another step by the organization to separate itself from its founder” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/15).

FIRST OFFER: ROOPSTIGO.com’s Selena Roberts reported Armstrong’s lawyers last Thursday met with Dallas-based insurance company SCA Promotions “in a step to stanch the doping scandal.” A source said that Armstrong “might be open to making SCA ‘whole.’” Sources said that the suggestion by Armstrong’s team of paying $1M “fell flat with SCA officials.” Roberts reported "their number is closer" to $11M. But it is a “notable shift by Armstrong to even hint at reparation.” This may be “a tryout at receptiveness with civil filings on the horizon from corporate partners and a whistleblower, all of whom want to claw back millions paid to Armstrong” (ROOPSTIGO.com, 11/12).