DALLAS -- A Texas judge has dealt a blow to Lance Armstrong, clearing the way for an arbitration panel to review $12 million in bonuses the cyclist was paid before admitting he used performance-enhancing drugs.
Judge Tonya Parker declined to stop the panel from considering whether Dallas-based SCA Promotions should be repaid the bonuses it awarded Armstrong for three of his seven Tour de France victories.
Jeff Tillotson, an attorney for SCA Promotions, said Wednesday that the panel will meet next month to consider his request for repayment of $12 million in bonuses and penalties for lying under oath.
SCA Promotions filed one of several lawsuits against Armstrong after he admitted to doping. He has been stripped of all seven victories and received a lifetime ban from the sport.
