The following is a selected exchange of emails between Lance Armstrong and Betsy Andreu, wife of Armstrong’s former cycling teammate, Frankie Andreu. Armstrong said in his interview with Oprah Winfrey in January that he would apologize to the Andreus after smearing them and trying to ruin Frankie Andreu’s career. Betsy Andreu tried to see him when she traveled to his hometown of Austin for a panel discussion on doping April 22.
The emails from March 8, 9 and 19 reference a long-running issue between the two – a scene at an Indiana hospital in 1996 when Andreu said she heard Armstrong confess to a doctor that he used performance-enhancing drugs. After denying it for years, Armstrong confessed to Winfrey that he had doped for much of his cycling career. But he declined to discuss the hospital scene with Winfrey – a decision that infuriated Andreu because a confession about it would have proved she was the one telling the truth about it all along. The emails were provided by Betsy Andreu to USA TODAY Sports after a person close to Armstrong described her emails as alarming.
On Mar 6, 2013, at 3:43 p.m., Betsy wrote: You going to be around late April?
On Mar 6, 2013, at 4:47 p.m., Lance wrote: Well, that’s a broad question. Around as in alive, yes. Around Austin, dunno. Hawaii in may.
On Mar 8, 2013, 8:35 p.m., Betsy wrote: So “dunno” eh? gonna skedaddle should I come down? Hmmmm, I wouldn’t be surprised.
Anyway, you blew it with SI. If you’re not going to talk about the hospital room, just don’t talk about it. Blame your lawyers, say “that’s a good question, I’ll get back to you on it” but don’t talk about it. You’re digging the hole deeper. On one hand I was kinda mad, on the other I asked, “Why do I care? The world knows the truth of it.” I don’t know who’s advising you but I can almost guarantee you there’s one person who knows you, knows the situation, isn’t wanting to make a dime off you but is concerned for your well being that you should be listening to: (name deleted). I’ve turned down TV appearances, refused to participate with some journalists because this has to play out – you gotta find your way. I’m not going to let your skirting of this issue infuriate me – I know why you’re doing it. So, if I do come to Austin mid to late April, I’m going to take you up on your offer and get together over water, coffee, tequila. If you’re in town.
On Mar 9, 2013, at 5:33 p.m., Lance wrote: Yeah, let me know if you’re coming down. And no, I won’t leave town if you’re coming. Please.
I know you are well invested in the an alleged hospital room conversation from 17 years ago and I know it’s very personal to you. But what I can’t do, and won’t do, is pretend to remember something I just don’t. Having said that I am done calling you a liar re this. You remember it, I don’t. That’s the best I can do Betsy. I know this won’t satisfy you but it’s the best I can do. Hope you can understand.
On Mar 19, 2013, at 9:14 p.m., Betsy wrote: So far I’m coming to town – dates still sketchy but it’ll be April 21/22.
I’m not beating the dead horse about the hospital. You’re pretty good at having a selective memory. Maybe we can meet at the hospital to jog your memory? HA! Believe me, I understand especially with everything you have going on.
On Apr 7, 2013, at 12:18 p.m., Betsy wrote: time and place? that is if you’re still game.
On Apr 7, 2013, at 4:56 p.m., Lance wrote: You bet. I’m free all day so whatever is easier for you.
On Apr 7, 2013, at 9:09 PM, Betsy wrote: can we agree to not tell the media, please, until and unless we both agree?
On Apr 14, 2013, at 7:57 a.m., Betsy wrote: next Monday?
On Apr 14, 2013, at 9:09 a.m., Lance wrote: How many times do I need to tell you “yes”?
Chill.
All good.
On Apr 14, 2013, at 10:50 a.m., Betsy wrote: I didn’t hear back from you and my day is booking up already. Can meet anytime after 10:30. just an fyi darlin’....
On April 20, 2013, at 6:43 p.m., Lance wrote: Betsy
How’s it going?
Can’t do Monday after all. Sorry about the last minute change. Lots going on in my world these days and now is not the best time to meet up. Hopefully one day we can.
Take care and enjoy Austin. It’s a great city.
L
On April 21, 2013, at 6:12 p.m., Betsy wrote: about to head to the airport and no emails on my flip.
Can I at least give you something? A 5 minute hello nothing more. I promise you’ll like what I’m going to give you – it’ll put a smile on your face – something from the past. That’s the least you can do for ten years of hell ;)
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