Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong on Wednesday that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and others are “owed an apology.” He also mentioned that WADA director general David Howman refused to see him when Armstrong requested a meeting two years ago.
Armstrong’s statement was prompted by Howman saying earlier this week that he was disappointed that Armstrong hadn’t apologized for the costly and time-consuming lawsuits before he admitted to doping, . “He was able to beat the system in ways and means where others were complicit and others understood what he was trying to do, Howman told the AP. “And I’m not just talking about his team. There was a healthy disrespect for the rules. I don’t think that will happen again.” He also noted that there’s no way WADA can recoup the money and time it spent on Armstrong’s cases.
Along with his apology, Armstrong revealed an email exchange he had with Howman in 2013. The WADA chief initially indicated he could meet but backed off on the advice of WADA’s lawyers. The Guardian reports that Armstrong wanted to meet with Howman to discuss which agency could best handle a potential investigation into doping and cycling, but Howman’s response was that “little, if anything, can be gained from such a meeting.”
Armstrong that he doesn’t know if he would have apologized to Howman had they met in 2013. “I was in a different headspace,” he said. “There’s no doubt that a lot of people like them, like USADA, are owed an apology.”