Lance Armstrong charity sees $78K
Armstrong Defends Himself Against Doping Allegations
If the donations to the Lance Armstrong Foundation are to tail off, it certainly didn't happen the day after Armstrong decided to stop fighting charges that he used performance-enhancing drugs during his cycling career.
The Livestrong foundation's CEO, Doug Ulman, told ESPN on Friday night that unsolicited donations were up almost 25 times as compared to Thursday.
Lance Armstrong - Career Highlights
• Seven-time Tour de France winner
• Four-time ESPYS Best Male Athlete
• Four-time AP Male Athlete of the Year
• 2002 SI Sportsman of the Year
Most Tour de France Wins - All Time
| Cyclist | Country | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Lance Armstrong | U.S. | 7 |
| Miguel Indurain | Spain | 5 |
| Bernard Hinault | France | 5 |
| Eddy Merckx | Belgium | 5 |
| Jacques Anquetil | France | 5 |
| -- ESPN Stats & Information | ||
Ulman said $3,200 came in Thursday to the organization's website, which was in the range of what it typically receives. As of 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Ulman noted $78,000 in donations.
The number of people donating increased as well.
On Thursday, the foundation had 45 people donating through the website. On Friday, hours after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said it had enough information to strip Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles, 411 people felt compelled to donate.
Merchandise sales were up almost threefold, from $4,000 in gear sold on Thursday to $11,000 sold on Friday.
"We've heard from our strongest supporters," Ulman said. "And while they are frustrated with the outcome, they are relieved to put this behind them and get back to business."
Every sponsor of Armstrong or the Foundation chose to publicly stand by them Friday. Nike, Anheuser-Busch, Oakley, Johnson Health Tech, Sporting KC, FRS, Honey Stinger and American Century Investments all issued statements of support.
In the past 15 years, the Lance Armstrong Foundation has raised more than $470 million, more than any athlete charity in history.
Darren Rovell is ESPN's sports business insider.
- ESPN.com's sports business reporter since 2012; previously at ESPN from 2000-06
- Appears on SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com and with ABC News
- Formerly worked as analyst at CNBC
SPONSORED HEADLINES
ESPN TOP HEADLINES
- Sources: Clippers, Celtics talk trade again
- Lawsuit alleged Hernandez shot man in Feb.
- Ramirez, Puig power Dodgers past Yanks
- Bosh to Heat fans: Watch the game at home