Drug Wars

The saga continues: Lance Armstrong's restraining order against U.S. Anti-DopingAgency quickly dismissed

UPDATE: Late Monday afternoon, the federal judge assigned to Armstrong's lawsuit dismissed the claim filed by his lawyers earlier in the day. The judge, however, did not rule against the merits of Armstrong's claims and has granted him the opportunity to refile an ammended complaint within the next 20 days. A new claim is expected on Tuesday.

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The Lance Armstrong doping saga just won't quit. On Monday morning, news broke that Armstrong's attorneys filed a restraining order to keep the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, a quasi-governmental organization, at bay — at least for now.

The motion was filed to prevent the USADA and its chief executive from moving forward with a drug conspiracy case against Armstrong, which includes a July 14 deadline for the Tour de France winner.

Filed in the U.S. Federal court in Austin on Monday, the restraining order cites the investigation as unconstitutional — a violation of Armstrong's Fifth Amendment rights — calling it the result of a "vendetta" against the retired Tour de France champion.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, "The complaint lists USADA and Travis Tygart, the agency’s chief executive officer, as defendants. It is asking a judge to halt USADA’s case, which it said is 'causing irreparable injury' to Armstrong.'"

As CultureMap reported in June, Armstrong's long battle against doping allegations received new fuel to the fire with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's letter to Armstrong on June 12 and official doping accusations on June 28.

They included "a damning statement that alleges blood samples provided by Armstrong in 2009 were 'fully consistent with blood manipulation including EPO use and/or blood transfusions.'"

The accusations also came with a deadline of July 14 by which Armstrong must agree to USADA proceedings or accept the agency's sanctions, including being stripped of his seven Tour de France championships and a lifetime ban from competitive sports. Armstrong's restraining order aims to change that.

Mr. Armstrong will suffer irreparable harm absent a stay, as he will be forced to accept USADA’s ultra vires sanctions, including the permanent loss of his livelihood and the stripping of all his numerous cycling titles, or be forced to partake in a process that violates his Constitutional and common law due process rights.

Armstrong's complaint also asks that the USADA be prevented from stripping him of his championships, in addition to reimbursing his lawyer fees and "further equitable relief" to which he may be entitled.

But perhaps in its most interesting accusation, the complaint postulates that the entire investigation was prompted by Floyd Landis after his own Tour de France medal was revoked upon positive drug tests.

Given the looming July 14 deadline, this is a battle that won't lose steam any time soon. The restraining order should be approved or denied this week. Until then, Armstrong's esteemed legacy hangs in the balance.

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News on the Court

Huge pickleball franchise serves up first 2 Austin-area locations

The Picklr/Instagram

This growing chain of indoor courts plans five location in the Austin area.

Austin rings with the rubbery pop of pickleball as it takes over as the 2020s-defining sport. Joining the local fray in fall 2024 is The Picklr, a network of indoor pickleball courts that plans to open five locations across Austin and Round Rock over the next year-and-a-half.

The Utah-headquartered network calls itself North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, and its living up that reputation by launching its first two Austin-area locations at once: one at Round Rock Crossing (3021-3023 S I-35 Frontage Rd.) and the other in a former Walmart building in West Austin's Four Points neighborhood (8201 N FM 620).

Even though they're indoors, the courts will feature outdoor-style surfacing, and accommodate unlimited league play, tournaments, and open play. Alongside those courts is dedicated practice and warmup space, plus a pro shop, and a space for private events.

Both are large, but the Austin location is much bigger, coming at 39,000 square feet and encapsulating 11 courts. Sharing a small portion of the Austin space is Wired Fitness & Rehab. Round Rock's location fits eight courts in 25,000 square feet.

The Picklr works on a membership basis without tiers — all players have the same level of access. Bookings are also unlimited in frequency, although only one reservation may be held at once. For more organized play, members can participate in skill-based clinics, which take place on a weekly basis, or one-on-one lessons.

“We’re fortunate that Austin is home to one of the best pickleball communities in the country, and it’s had such a positive impact on our lives. That’s why we’re excited to build a club with pro-level resources and help make pickleball more accessible to everyone,” said The Picklr Round Rock owners Jennifer Zanfardino and Chris Gennarelli.

The owners of the West Austin location, David and Karen Hoisington, are multi-generational Austinites who have taken local sports to heart since childhood. They point out the stores leagues tying together the Austin scene. “Being part of a strategic partnership with leaders in the Pickleball sport has been inspiring and a privilege for us. Pickleball Inc., PPA Tour, MLP and Pickleball Central are all set to drive growth and memberships at The Picklr. We are excited to come alongside the awesome Pickleball community in Austin, Texas.”

The Austin-area locations are among 300 new ones being built "over the next few years," housing about 2,500 courts. Online reviews of Picklr vary, often due to shifts in policy as the fast-growing franchise creates its standardized rule set.

New users can sign up for a $10, 30-day trial. Both the West Austin and Round Rock locations will accept applications for founding members, which are just regular members with a permanent discount as thanks for signing up early. A submission form on each page will notify interested players when presales start.

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