Lance Armstrong apologizes to Livestrong staff, according to report

Lance Armstrong met with the staff of the Livestrong Foundation on Monday and issued an emotional apology.

According to a report from the Associated Press, Armstrong told members of Livestrong that he was sorry for letting the foundation down and putting them at risk, but stopped short of admitting to doping or using banned substances. The AP added that Armstrong choked up during the address, while several in the crowd cried.

The meeting on Monday came just before Armstrong was set to give an interview to Oprah Winfrey. That interview is scheduled to air in a 90-minute special on Thursday on Oprah’s cable network. It’s been characterized as a tell-all interview, and Armstrong has said he’ll answer the questions honestly.

Armstrong stepped down as chairman of Livestrong in October, and then resigned from the board of directors one month later. Shortly thereafter, Livestrong announced that it had severed ties with Armstrong and had removed his name from the foundation. While there may no longer be official ties between the two parties, Armstrong reportedly told the staff on Monday that he would also attempt to restore the charity’s reputation.