Originally Posted by rog
If it were phrased like you have it above, then yes, it would be slimy. One, while they can offer this type of plea bargain, they are not allowed to ask about individual athletes. Two, what are you going to prove by going after Lance now? How badly do you want to hurt cycling in the USA? He's retired - whether he used PED's in the sport or not, he's not going to any more, so move on.
And the reason they can't ask about an indivdual athlete? It would be impossible to conduct an investigation if you couldn't ask a question about someone.
they're not allowed to publicly comment about pending cases, but there is not, and could not be a prohibition to asking questions in the course of an investigation.
And USADA's charge is not to promote or hurt Cycling. It's charge is to enforce the the anti drug rules.
And even though Armstrong is retired, the statute of limitations is 8 years. If they have reason to believe he comitted an investigation in the last 8 years, its absolutely in their authority to investigate it, and to offer leniency for cooperation if its appropriate under the circumstances.