How Armstrong's sponsors have responded
August, 24, 2012
8/24/12
6:47
PM ET
By
Darren Rovell | ESPN.com
Lance Armstrong says he will no longer fight doping charges, which in turn led the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to strip him of his seven Tour de France titles, and will instead focus on Livestrong, his foundation to fight cancer. How his sponsors reacted:
Oakley:
"As Lance’s longtime supporter and partner, Oakley respects his decision and his restated commitment to focus on the Foundation he created to help battle cancer. He has inspired many and the Foundation is an example of his work. Oakley will continue to support The Lance Armstrong Foundation, and as we have stated in the past, Oakley supports its athletes who respect and honor the ethics of sports until proven otherwise.”
Sporting Club CEO Robb Heineman, whose Sporting KC soccer club has a stadium naming rights deal with Livestrong:
"The naming rights partnership between our stadium and Livestrong provides an opportunity to spread health and wellness messages that emphasizes the spirit of cancer survivorship. Livestrong’s focus is the fight against cancer and the support of 28 million people around the world affected by this disease, and we believe strongly in this mission. The statements made last night by the Lance Armstrong Foundation speak for themselves: moving forward and continuing the fight against this horrible disease."
FRS, a company that makes natural supplements with quercetin:
"We will continue to support Lance and his commitment in raising awareness and fighting the war against cancer as a proud sponsor of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. His achievements in raising awareness and funds for cancer advocacy embody the spirit of FRS, which is all about health, wellness and life performance."
Nike:
"We are saddened that Lance Armstrong may no longer be able to participate in certain competitions and his titles appear to be impacted. Lance has stated his innocence and has been unwavering on this position. Nike plans to continue to support Lance and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a foundation that Lance created to serve cancer survivors.
Johnson Health Tech, which makes a line of fitness equipment with the Livstrong name on it:
"In light of the recent developments between the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and Lance Armstrong, Johnson Health Tech (JHT) reaffirms our support of Armstrong and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. JHT fully supports the great work they do helping families throughout the world overcome cancer's financial, practical and emotional challenges. With each purchase from our LIVESTRONG line of fitness equipment, a donation is made toward their cause. We look forward to continuing our support of Armstrong and the Foundation as they work tirelessly to support people and families affected by cancer, especially those in underserved communities."
Oakley:
"As Lance’s longtime supporter and partner, Oakley respects his decision and his restated commitment to focus on the Foundation he created to help battle cancer. He has inspired many and the Foundation is an example of his work. Oakley will continue to support The Lance Armstrong Foundation, and as we have stated in the past, Oakley supports its athletes who respect and honor the ethics of sports until proven otherwise.”
Sporting Club CEO Robb Heineman, whose Sporting KC soccer club has a stadium naming rights deal with Livestrong:
"The naming rights partnership between our stadium and Livestrong provides an opportunity to spread health and wellness messages that emphasizes the spirit of cancer survivorship. Livestrong’s focus is the fight against cancer and the support of 28 million people around the world affected by this disease, and we believe strongly in this mission. The statements made last night by the Lance Armstrong Foundation speak for themselves: moving forward and continuing the fight against this horrible disease."
FRS, a company that makes natural supplements with quercetin:
"We will continue to support Lance and his commitment in raising awareness and fighting the war against cancer as a proud sponsor of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. His achievements in raising awareness and funds for cancer advocacy embody the spirit of FRS, which is all about health, wellness and life performance."
Nike:
"We are saddened that Lance Armstrong may no longer be able to participate in certain competitions and his titles appear to be impacted. Lance has stated his innocence and has been unwavering on this position. Nike plans to continue to support Lance and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a foundation that Lance created to serve cancer survivors.
Johnson Health Tech, which makes a line of fitness equipment with the Livstrong name on it:
"In light of the recent developments between the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and Lance Armstrong, Johnson Health Tech (JHT) reaffirms our support of Armstrong and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. JHT fully supports the great work they do helping families throughout the world overcome cancer's financial, practical and emotional challenges. With each purchase from our LIVESTRONG line of fitness equipment, a donation is made toward their cause. We look forward to continuing our support of Armstrong and the Foundation as they work tirelessly to support people and families affected by cancer, especially those in underserved communities."

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