1. There is no way VeloNews paid. If they did pay, they didn't disclose it in the story, which is a major no-no for reputable journalism. VeloNews isn't the National Enquirer or Network TV gunning for a Paris Hilton interview. In addition, the text of the story indicates that Richards approached them and offered the story. So if they did pay, they're not only leaving out important information that would be relevant to the veracity of the piece -- they're distorting what they claim happened. Some people may not like VeloNews, but it's not a tabloid.
2. "Suspect" timing? Richards point blank says he timed the story b/c of Chicken saying a bunch of stupid things on the rest day. Chicken burned him and now chicken's burning the sponsors, race organizers and the fans. Sounds like a good reason to go public now to me.
3. Is it enough for ASO to pull Chicken? Last year, no way. Now? I still doubt it, but maybe. As Bro or Helmut pointed out, the best move is to force RaboBank to pull him. Or even better, RaboBank tells chicken to get food poisoning. Tomorrow is too soon. If Chicken gets booted -- or starts booting, I'd say it comes next Monday.
4. Cow blood? WTF is wrong with these people?