AUSTIN (January 14, 2013)—Disgraced Texas cycling champion Lance Armstrong apologized Monday to the staff of his Livestrong cancer foundation before heading to an interview with Oprah Winfrey, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Armstrong addressed the staff Monday and said, "I'm sorry."

The person said the disgraced cyclist choked up and several employees cried during the session.

The person also said Armstrong apologized for letting the staff down and putting Livestrong at risk but he did not make a direct confession to the group about using banned drugs.

He said he would try to restore the foundation's reputation.

Armstrong urged the group to continue fighting for the charity's mission of helping cancer patients and their families.

After the meeting, Armstrong, his legal team and close advisers gathered at a downtown Austin hotel for the interview.