Judge Rejects Armstrong Lawsuit in Doping Case

Yet another Lance Armstrong lawsuit has bit the dust. A federal judge today tossed out the athlete's latest lawsuit and allowed the anti-doping case against him to continue, USA Today reports. Armstrong's suit alleged that the US Anti-Doping Agency was violating his rights and overextending its authority by accusing him of doping to win every Tour de France from 1999 to 2005. But US District Judge Sam Sparks said the USADA did not show "wanton disregard for its rules."

However, if other US team cyclists are facing weaker sanctions for testifying against Armstrong, "it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that USADA is motivated more by politics and a desire for media attention than faithful adherence to its obligations," said Sparks. Armstrong now has three days to appeal, enter arbitration with the USADA, or accept harsh sanctions. Another judge dismissed Armstrong's last suit in July, on the very day it was filed. (More Lance Armstrong stories.)