Lance Armstrong Stripped of All Titles, Banned for Life

In the interview, which is scheduled to air Thursday on the Oprah Winfrey Network, the famed cyclist plans to admit to doping throughout his career but probably will not get into great detail about specific cases and events, the person said. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly about it.

After keeping a low profile since October, Armstrong has various possible motives to confess. A big one is his ongoing concern that the controversy might start hurting Livestrong. Another is the icy reception he's received in the media and public in the face of overwhelming evidence that he not only lied for years to deny his involvement in doping, but attacked other cyclists who cooperated with anti-doping officials.

An investigation is underway in Europe to explore Armstrong's relationship with the International Cycling Union (UCI), and how UCI might have enabled or aided Armstrong's doping ring. If Armstrong provided assistance to that investigation, it likely would be considered in reducing his ban.