Sponsors Flee Lance Armstrong but Still Back Livestrong

A parade of big brands dropped Lance Armstrong as a pitchman Wednesday after he stepped down as chairman of his foundation, but most said they will continue to work with and support the cancer charity, according to The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press.

Nike, which had vociferously backed Mr. Armstrong in the weeks since he abandoned his legal fight against doping allegations, severed its ties with the cyclist but said it would continue to sell the Livestrong-brand products that are synonymous with the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Profits from those sales benefit the charity, which works with cancer survivors.

Several other firms that had marketing and other ties with the cyclist followed suit, citing the damaging report issued last week by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency detailing the cheating case against Mr. Armstrong. Most, including Trek and Anheuser-Busch, said they would remain Livestrong backers.

Read a Chronicle of Philanthropy opinion column on how Livestrong has positioned itself to survive the Armstrong scandal.