Lance Armstrong and the Sunday Times newspaper have agreed to
settle their libel case over doping accusations before it goes
to trial.  On Friday Judge Justice Gray ruled in a preliminary
hearing that the article did suggest Armstrong was guilty of
using performance-enhancing drugs and so the dispute looked set
to go to trial. However a story published on Armstrong?s
official fan website announced a settlement had been reached.
?The Sunday Times and Mr. Armstrong are pleased to announce that
they have settled their legal disputes,? the statement said.
?The Sunday Times has confirmed to Mr. Armstrong that it never
intended to accuse him of being guilty of taking any performance
enhancing drugs and sincerely apologized for any such
impression. Mr. Armstrong has always vigorously opposed drugs in
sport and appreciates The Sunday Times? efforts to also address
the problem.?  Armstrong always maintained that the article
(falsely) alleged that he was guilty of using performance
enhancing drugs. The Sunday Times h