Lance Armstrong has apologized to the staff of his Livestrong Foundation, amid reports that the cyclist may publicly admit doping in an interview with Oprah.
Armstrong made the apology in private conversations in Austin, Texas. His sit-down with Oprah Winfrey tapes today, and will be aired on Thursday.
Armstrong, 41, was stripped of seven Tour de France titles by the sport's governing body after it found he orchestrated an elaborate doping ring.
The cyclist has maintained his innocence, stating only that he "would no longer contest" the charges against him by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
However, reports of an admission began to surface last week.
"He had a private conversation with the staff, who have done important work for the foundation for many years," Livestrong spokeswoman Katherine McLane said.
Armstrong reportedly choked up and said "I'm sorry" for letting everyone down ... yet he was still vague, at no point admitting to doping or cheating.
Armstrong, who received a lifetime ban from governing body the International Cycling Union (UCI) as well as the USADA, was reportedly close to tears.
The TV interview with Oprah, his first since being stripped of his wins, was conducted under the agreement that Winfrey was free to ask any question.
Lance coming clean would allow him to continue his athletic career - in triathlons - which has been jeopardized, to say the least, by the doping charges.