Nike fights subpoena in lawsuit against Lance

Austin - Athletic apparel giant Nike Inc. is fighting subpoenas for documents and witness depositions in the federal government's lawsuit against former cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Armstrong and the government both have subpoenaed Nike, which was one of Armstrong's major sponsors until dropping him in 2012 after his use of performance enhancing drugs was exposed.

The government is suing Armstrong to recover more than $30m the US Postal Service paid to sponsor his teams. Damages could hit the $100m mark.

The subpoenas seek Nike financial records and documents of any discussions about Armstrong's doping.

In a filing in Oregon federal court, Nike says its financial records are irrelevant to Armstrong's Postal Service sponsorship. And if ordered to provide documents, the company says trade secrets should be kept private by court order.