Lance was simply the smartest (and most ruthless) cheater in a sport of cheaters. It is the UCI that needs to get on top of the issue and deal with the use of PED's.
Only in the United States do we destroy great athletes with abandon. Why single out Armstrong...what about all the other winners of his era? Were they clean?
1
I heard Bernie Madoff asked for a pardon too.
3
What good has it done baseball to keep Pete Rose out all these years? Any? I doubt it. It's not like Lance is itching to get back and start a new program to cheat again. The only way to find out if someone has learned a lesson is to give them a chance to prove it. I covered Lance in his early years and wrote a book about it. He's always had two sides. Let's see what those sides are like today.
2
Doubling the lifetime ban seems about right. That way, if somebody weakens and lifts a lifetime ban we don't have to see this guy reinstated. Kind of a "top shelf, and I don't know where I put him" sort of ban.
2
On the contrary, I sense there are Armstrong planted comments after nearly each of the negative ones. Leveling the playing field, fighting noble battles, doing what all the others did, blah blah. As an Austinite, and survivor, I think of the dedicated worker bees of Livestrong, confused by the lobby-bulling and the bullying Lance did within the organization when forced to leave.
The foundation was a tribute to himself and a way to gain access. Along the way, it distributed much information on cancer. It was also a hipster cancer center for others. At one point about nine years ago, Livestrong got rid of most of the employees over 40.
The foundation was a tribute to himself and a way to gain access. Along the way, it distributed much information on cancer. It was also a hipster cancer center for others. At one point about nine years ago, Livestrong got rid of most of the employees over 40.
1
I am of two minds on this one. I think of what happened to Marco Pantani while Lance rode on as the hero. I'd be willing to give him a couple of years ban but can't get beyond the merciless way he badgered others to keep his secret. Deep down I always had a hint and it was confirmed when one of the French officials said: "With seven titles I hope Lance Armstrong has decided he has enough" or something along those lines. Let him back in... at this point my heart is broken and I will never view cycling quite the same, so what does it really matter.
5
I support the lifetime ban. Cheating is one thing, but it goes way past cheating when you try to cover it up, coerce other people to lie, and show little remorse.
2
by appealing for reinstatement Lance Armstrong can garner publicity for which he desperately needs to stay in business. It is a business decision not a real quest. Those of his ilk, Pete Rose trying to get in the hall of fame for one, need to be the center of attention, this way they remain in the news.
3
I am just amazed by the addiction to the 'center ring" that some people suffer from. And their ego suffers no shame. Unbelievable !
1
Sure there were a lot of other teams also doping but how many of them tried to destroy the lives of people who just told the truth.
He was ruthless in his own defense, and used his power and money to suppress the truth.
All that grandstanding up there on the podium after each illegitimate win, the arrogance ... makes me want to vomit when I think we are of the same species.
He was ruthless in his own defense, and used his power and money to suppress the truth.
All that grandstanding up there on the podium after each illegitimate win, the arrogance ... makes me want to vomit when I think we are of the same species.
5
Let him race. Enough already. He isn't the same kind of disgrace as pete rosebud.
Why should cheating be rewarded?
Armstrong's lifetime ban should not be overturned. Period. End of discussion.
Armstrong's lifetime ban should not be overturned. Period. End of discussion.
3
In two weeks I am scheduled for cancer surgery. Though mine is aggressive it pales in comparison to the cancer that Lance Armstrong faced and still faces. To think that he is so audacious to want to compete in triathlons just makes me smile. Lance Armstrong is an inspiration to me and countless other people battling cancer. I hope the people that are piling on, never have to face what he has had to endure. Thank you Mr. Armstrong.
2
French joke. "If bike racers didn't dope the Tour de France riders wouldn't get to Paris until Christmas." Anyone who has ever raced or regularly ridden a bicycle at any distance or speed even remotely close to the distances and speeds that bicycle racers maintain day after day for 3 weeks in July during the Tour de France know that it's the most demanding sport in the world. And the 3 week Tours of Italy and Spain are equally demanding. With or without dope it's an almost impossible challenge. If Lance Armstrong wouldn't have lied and bullied and attempted a comeback he'd probably still be riding high. Pun intended. Would this be a good thing? No, but how many dopers in all high profile sports where huge amounts of money is in play are doping and getting away with it?
Mr. Armstrong was at the center of, and a principle beneficiary of a system that reduced pro bicycle racing to a contest of who was willing to be most dishonest and who was willing to take the most risks to gain that last percent of performance. Indeed, some European riders died during the early experimentation with EPO.
Unless Armstrong spills his guts and testifies under oath as to who the ringleaders were on the team, in the medical profession, and in the governing bodies and what they did, he should just quietly go away. The sport has suffered enough damage already and is rebuilding itself. If Lance wants to lend a hand with the rebuilding, it should be unconditional. Or just forget it.
Unless Armstrong spills his guts and testifies under oath as to who the ringleaders were on the team, in the medical profession, and in the governing bodies and what they did, he should just quietly go away. The sport has suffered enough damage already and is rebuilding itself. If Lance wants to lend a hand with the rebuilding, it should be unconditional. Or just forget it.
4
What I do not get is the imbalanced treatment.
Take Landis. Just as nasty, career doper, never admitted anything, tried to take USADA down with litigation, threatened Lemond if he testified, defrauded his own "fairness fund". He did not get a life ban. Hincapie may not have been the "attacker" but stood by whilst Armstrong attacked - admitted to supplying drugs to others!. So clearly part of the conspiracy. Then look at other unrepetant dopers. Vinokourov and Riis running teams. Such as Kelly , Roche, Virenque and many others commentating. Riis even gets to keep his titles!. So clearly the life ban is way out of line.
Take Landis. Just as nasty, career doper, never admitted anything, tried to take USADA down with litigation, threatened Lemond if he testified, defrauded his own "fairness fund". He did not get a life ban. Hincapie may not have been the "attacker" but stood by whilst Armstrong attacked - admitted to supplying drugs to others!. So clearly part of the conspiracy. Then look at other unrepetant dopers. Vinokourov and Riis running teams. Such as Kelly , Roche, Virenque and many others commentating. Riis even gets to keep his titles!. So clearly the life ban is way out of line.
1
They should give all of them life time bans, or at least 10 years. The difference in Lance's case is the extent of the corruption involved, and then possibly the lack of disclosure after the fact. Morally, his ruining of his friends lives and and blaming everybody and his mother for the circumstances is another story, but trying to make it seem as if he is coming clean while blaming the rest of the world for his problems, is a bit much. Like Greg LeMond has always said, look at Lances when he was not doping and its pretty clear that he would have been somewhere in the middle of the pack of the big tours, and,maybe finishing the Classics in the pack. The sad part for me is to see Big George being such a big part of the scene after having spent years defending the guy for being a honest solider..
1
I’m not going to say that justice has been meted out fairly to all those involved in doping scandals, but if you look at what Armstrong did — the scope of the operation he created and ran as well as the riders he intimidated and threatened — it’s clear he deserves a special place at the bottom.
4
The greatest cyclist to never win 7 TDF's.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Tour_de_France_winners
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Tour_de_France_winners
4
Given the doping, I think Lance should be treated no worse than others. Give him a two year ban and let him back in.
The thing that really turns my stomach, though, is all the bullying he and his people did to try to maintain the coverup. Publicly accusing individuals of lying, all the while knowing they were telling the truth, was low class. It would have been better if he had just stayed silent. For that, I will not lose sleep if he is made to wait a little while longer.
The thing that really turns my stomach, though, is all the bullying he and his people did to try to maintain the coverup. Publicly accusing individuals of lying, all the while knowing they were telling the truth, was low class. It would have been better if he had just stayed silent. For that, I will not lose sleep if he is made to wait a little while longer.
7
I was never a big Armstrong fan during his racing days, primarily because he seemed quick to launch the attack playbook when accused of any wrong doing, sullying the sport and America in the process. However, since his downfall, I've begun to see him more in the vein of the mythical hero, once the vanquisher, now the vanquished and in doing so, it makes him, like Landis, like Bonds, like many other gods-made-mortal, all the more interesting.
8
He did what one current "respected" rider testified to the commission. "90% of the peloton doped" He just did it better and evened the playing field So all you outraged moralist out there railing against immorality spare your selected outrage. There are many more out there not mention other sports,baseball, football, Olympic sports etc.
3
"He just did it better and evened the playing field"
- he certainly lied, bullied, doped and sued better.
- He certainly did NOT even the playing field - quite the opposite, his behaviour is what put winning out of reach for the few clean riders at the time. He was an average tour rider until his narcissistic behaviour took over. No sympathy here.
- he certainly lied, bullied, doped and sued better.
- He certainly did NOT even the playing field - quite the opposite, his behaviour is what put winning out of reach for the few clean riders at the time. He was an average tour rider until his narcissistic behaviour took over. No sympathy here.
6
Does the end justify the means? In Lance Armstrong's case I certainly hope not.
1
If you never followed pro cycling or followed it just enough to see, yay, an American won again, then you might not be the best judge of Armstrong's sins or accomplishments. I am pretty sure that somewhere within a rounding error of 100% of the cyclists on the podium in any major tour in his era were also doping. Yes, he was better at it and more ruthless in protecting his secrets. But don't waste your outrage on Armstrong or pretend he wasn't a great cyclist - it's a filthy dirty sport and has been for years. Until the governing bodies care more about actually cleaning things up than about singling out people they feel have crossed them and punishing just those people, it will stay filthy dirty - whether Armstrong is banned for life or not is a tiny, tiny part of that.
5
Is this not a little like asking Durst to detail his murders in the hopes of curing murder? To quote this article: "He added of Armstrong: “When you have never been held accountable, when you feel that you run the world, and the people close to you are telling you that you run the world, it can perhaps lead to a response like that."
Looking foward, the real doping in this case would be to believe that an expression of contrition means care for the sport.
Or that contrition now levels the playing field for all of the punished. Oh wait that's why he doped in the first place. To level the playing field.
My guess is that the battle Lance is fighting right now is the same one he's always been fighting. Same ethics. New toys.
Looking foward, the real doping in this case would be to believe that an expression of contrition means care for the sport.
Or that contrition now levels the playing field for all of the punished. Oh wait that's why he doped in the first place. To level the playing field.
My guess is that the battle Lance is fighting right now is the same one he's always been fighting. Same ethics. New toys.
3
A few weeks ago he allowed his girlfriend to take the rap initially when he hit a couple of parked cars and did not stop.
Are you kidding me? And by the way, lots of people would be of more use to society without penalties getting in the way; he struts around like he's special or something. Tell that to my kids who grew up thinking he was a solid guy.
Are you kidding me? And by the way, lots of people would be of more use to society without penalties getting in the way; he struts around like he's special or something. Tell that to my kids who grew up thinking he was a solid guy.
6
Lance competed and won at the highest level of cycle racing. It turns out that he used illegal drugs to help do this. And he was stripped of his titles. Fair enough. Now in fairness, lets go down the line and check the samples of the other racers and subject them to the same scrutiny so that we apply justice equally. It would seem that if the other racers are not treated as Armstrong was what happened with the anti-doping agencies was, in actuality, a witch hunt, solely an attempt to strip the medals from the sole seven time winner.
1
So Tygart is deluded enough to think the *new!* *improved!* Lance Armstrong can have his ban reduced? The same Lance that just a few months ago got in a car wreck and convinced his girlfriend to take the rap? Lying is in Lance's DNA. He is at his very heart, a cheater.
11
It would be a great insult to all people of good faith around the world to lift Armstrong's lifetime ban.
But with the huge amount of money that Armstrong has accumulated, much under false pretenses, it would not surprise me in the least if he found a way to use that money to get the ban lifted.
But with the huge amount of money that Armstrong has accumulated, much under false pretenses, it would not surprise me in the least if he found a way to use that money to get the ban lifted.
7
It's interesting to compare comments here with when the news broke that Lance had sent Livestrong lobbyists to congress in attempt to defund USada and end Tygart's investigation. At that time, Lance could still pay for a team of stooges to post attacks on Tygart. The hackneyed but professionally edited attacks that were undoubtedly funded by the Armstrong machine are easy to identify. Looking over the responses here, it seems that Armstrong can no long afford to hire a group of anonymous hit men to engage in character assassination. I don't think Armstrong can make a deal while he's being sued. The reality is he can't afford to come clean, and the more time passes, the less valuable his insider information.
5
Armstrong has forfeited any right to EVER participate in any sport for his own personal gain ever again. I have a child who used Armstrong as a role model for years and he was devastated by the enormity of his lies and the fraud he committed. It has been difficult for him to trust any athlete again and I'm sure that many other people across the world have been through the same feelings of betrayal.
9
Given what he did to the people who questioned his performances (suing, etc) he doesn't deserve to be allowed to compete in anything. Let him suffer the way everyone else had to when he attacked.
13
Am I missing something?
Why in the world would they withdraw the life ban? Doing so would only encourage future abuse on the part of cyclists (not to mention from Armstrong himself), and on the part of athletes in other sports.
Also, let me put on my Idealism and Nerd hats for just a moment: what kind of message does this send to young people? Here is a person who lied through his teeth, trashed the reputations of others and encouraged felonious drug use. And we’re supposed to forget that because he decided to tell the truth when the net was closing in?
In my life, I’ve had to live with the consequences of my actions. Sometimes it’s been embarrassing and chastening, but I always knew who was responsible and I tried to make amends. Armstrong’s only card to play appears to be informing on others.
I hope there is still some respect left for those who play by the rules and do the honest thing, even when there are not millions of dollars at stake.
Why in the world would they withdraw the life ban? Doing so would only encourage future abuse on the part of cyclists (not to mention from Armstrong himself), and on the part of athletes in other sports.
Also, let me put on my Idealism and Nerd hats for just a moment: what kind of message does this send to young people? Here is a person who lied through his teeth, trashed the reputations of others and encouraged felonious drug use. And we’re supposed to forget that because he decided to tell the truth when the net was closing in?
In my life, I’ve had to live with the consequences of my actions. Sometimes it’s been embarrassing and chastening, but I always knew who was responsible and I tried to make amends. Armstrong’s only card to play appears to be informing on others.
I hope there is still some respect left for those who play by the rules and do the honest thing, even when there are not millions of dollars at stake.
26
You are aware that there were no drugs such as heroin and cocaine involved here, and blood "doping" is not felonious, only banned by the cycling associations?
1
Why not? FDR put Joseph P Kennedy in charge of the SEC.
Pete Rose's only mistake was not asking for a job as gambling enforcer for MLB.
Pete Rose's only mistake was not asking for a job as gambling enforcer for MLB.
In other news Charles Manson had another parole hearing, and parole was denied.
Any talk of lifting the ban now is ridiculous. Knowing the mind of the athlete though, I can't help but think that a harsher punishment than a lifetime ban might be lifting it at age 55, when aging will have certainly depleted his abilities significantly (which isn't the case now). Every pedal stroke a reminder of the lost years of competition that can never be recovered. Symbolic retribution, no? For all the non-doping athletes who might have won those grand Tours, and had much different cycling careers, but for Armstrong and all the others.
Any talk of lifting the ban now is ridiculous. Knowing the mind of the athlete though, I can't help but think that a harsher punishment than a lifetime ban might be lifting it at age 55, when aging will have certainly depleted his abilities significantly (which isn't the case now). Every pedal stroke a reminder of the lost years of competition that can never be recovered. Symbolic retribution, no? For all the non-doping athletes who might have won those grand Tours, and had much different cycling careers, but for Armstrong and all the others.
5
Lance Armstrong is a chronic a liar. I find his quest reprehensible. Let's hope saner minds prevail.
7
Lance spent his entire professional life cheating, perhaps he should spend the rest of his life atoning, and cease chasing the ghost of greatness he'll think he'll find on some race course.
9
A "beneficial spot" both for doping and for Lance? That's what we have now.
Lance doped.
Lance lied about it.
Lance is out.
Keep him there.
That's the lesson young people need.
Lance doped.
Lance lied about it.
Lance is out.
Keep him there.
That's the lesson young people need.
8
He's not just a cheater, he is an incredibly weak excuse for a human being--Ty Cobb, Al Capone and Pinocchio all rolled into one. The only sport he should ever be allowed to compete in until the day he dies is video games.
6
I was a believer. He is a cheater. He is a serial cheater . He is a thief. He stole money from the pockets of the supporters who believed in him. He is a liar. He lied to everyone and against others.
Had he cheated, stolen, lied once or even twice I might be able to get my head around dropping the ban. He is a disgrace to his family, his state, his country but most of all to the sport that he wants back into. Let's see what those who are deciding this disgraceful mans fate really think about their sport and those who didn't cheat.
Had he cheated, stolen, lied once or even twice I might be able to get my head around dropping the ban. He is a disgrace to his family, his state, his country but most of all to the sport that he wants back into. Let's see what those who are deciding this disgraceful mans fate really think about their sport and those who didn't cheat.
8
Armstrong is a serial liar and cheater. He does not belong in any sort of public life.
5
I stand corrected, twice. Thank you.
Lance and Pete Rose should get together for beers.
3
I strangely feel for Armstrong. One the one hand, yes, his desire to get back into sports could be greed and hubris, but on the other he is an athlete. That just simply doesn't go away. I imagine it would be devastating to lose that, bullying and illegal activity notwithstanding. I'm not saying it's right, but it make sense.
Further, I respect his decision not to snitch. I can easily see why many others would disagree with that but competitive cycling has fostered a culture of doping that goes well, well beyond Armstrong. See: CIRC report.
That doesn't mean he should be allowed compete again or that this exonerates his behaviour, but this is more complex than he doped, he's out.
Further, I respect his decision not to snitch. I can easily see why many others would disagree with that but competitive cycling has fostered a culture of doping that goes well, well beyond Armstrong. See: CIRC report.
That doesn't mean he should be allowed compete again or that this exonerates his behaviour, but this is more complex than he doped, he's out.
3
A "beneficial spot" for antidoping would be to have Lance go away. Reducing his ban in anyway would just once again show that if you get good enough results you'l get beneficial treatment, which would seem to encourage doping. Most people of tired of Lance. Also, his behavior since "coming clean" hasn't exactly been impressive.
1
Yuck - why won't this guy just go away?
1
How does it go? Fool me once....
2
Wow so much venom and so little knowledge or facts. The author seriously misread and misrepresents the UCI report's findings re Lance. GO back and read it-it is far from highly condemnatory. It points out that his doping was inexcusable but essentially no different and probably far more safe and conservative than what other teams were doing.
Tygart has definitely made this a personal crusade and vendetta. Point being, every other top ten Tour de France rider was on a full doping program (or top 180 rider for that matter) and not one, even those busted, not one has a lifetime ban. I think a measure of fairness is called for.
And for all the commenters who say they are sick of Armstrong and want him to go away--I will point out that you made the decision to read the article, then logged in and commented--reinforcing the editors, Lance, Tygart (who himself is a headline seeking personality not unlike Lance from what I can tell--spare no effort, cost, or person to catch and destroy the target). If you want Lance to go away, look the other direction or cross the street when you see him coming.
Tygart has definitely made this a personal crusade and vendetta. Point being, every other top ten Tour de France rider was on a full doping program (or top 180 rider for that matter) and not one, even those busted, not one has a lifetime ban. I think a measure of fairness is called for.
And for all the commenters who say they are sick of Armstrong and want him to go away--I will point out that you made the decision to read the article, then logged in and commented--reinforcing the editors, Lance, Tygart (who himself is a headline seeking personality not unlike Lance from what I can tell--spare no effort, cost, or person to catch and destroy the target). If you want Lance to go away, look the other direction or cross the street when you see him coming.
4
Keep this monster out of any and all athletic competition. He has abundantly proved that he is a recidivist drug-cheat and liar, as well as an egomaniac who will destroy other people's lives to advance his corrupt, petty sports whims and line his pockets with sponsors' cash.
There is no rehabilitating this man. He can do no good; his only value comes as an example of everything one should not do.
Let the sordid story of Lance PHARMstrong serve as the morality tale that it is. Relegate PHARMstrong to the pages of history.
One thing's for sure, I don't want my kids competing in a race against this slimeball.
There is no rehabilitating this man. He can do no good; his only value comes as an example of everything one should not do.
Let the sordid story of Lance PHARMstrong serve as the morality tale that it is. Relegate PHARMstrong to the pages of history.
One thing's for sure, I don't want my kids competing in a race against this slimeball.
2
He took drugs that probably will hurt him in the long run.
I'm sure he knew this but he didn't care because winning is everything
to hum.
I know if I was him I would never do anything that might kill me even if
I knew I would win because I did it.
Winning to me isn't worth the risk of dying.
What he did was wrong but because of his dedication to the sport and willingness to die for it I can't help but still admire the guy.
He should be allowed to race.
Everyone else did took drugs and they are still racing, why shouldn't he
I'm sure he knew this but he didn't care because winning is everything
to hum.
I know if I was him I would never do anything that might kill me even if
I knew I would win because I did it.
Winning to me isn't worth the risk of dying.
What he did was wrong but because of his dedication to the sport and willingness to die for it I can't help but still admire the guy.
He should be allowed to race.
Everyone else did took drugs and they are still racing, why shouldn't he
2
The fact that Lance Armstrong is spending his time trying to negotiate the right to compete in any organized sporting event instead of practicing hard at contrition is all I need to know. Don't let the handlebars hit you in the rear as you exit....
4
Armstrong should be banned for life. No second chances. When you listen to him speak even now he is not remorseful. Let him face the consequences of his actions. That would be a statement to anyone who wants to cheat their way through success.
6
He is a liar and a cheater. Let his punishment stand.
2
Lance Armstrong clearly has a lot to offer the world. He should be allowed to reconcile by competing and showing the world that his genuine talent was tainted by the sport of cycling, his peers, and money during a dark time. His second act would not only be thrilling to watch, but healing as well.
1
Why are certain people seemingly bending over backwards to accommodate Armstrong? Cycle racing is better off without him, as is sport in general. Tell him to keep honking (he'll know what it means).
6
If you even dream about lifting the ban on Lance Armstrong, you definitely have to allow Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame.
Pete's violations were committed while he was a manager. That shouldn't disqualify him from being in the Hall as one of the greatest players the game ever produced and the all-time leader in hits.
Armstrong's doping enabled him to win consistently. His crimes were far, far worse than what Pete Rose did. Aren't we supposed to hate double standards, like Gen. Petraeus getting off with a slap on the wrist while others who did less are in jail?
Pete's violations were committed while he was a manager. That shouldn't disqualify him from being in the Hall as one of the greatest players the game ever produced and the all-time leader in hits.
Armstrong's doping enabled him to win consistently. His crimes were far, far worse than what Pete Rose did. Aren't we supposed to hate double standards, like Gen. Petraeus getting off with a slap on the wrist while others who did less are in jail?
4
As Madoff is banned from investments forever and in jail, as he ruined investors and undermined an entire industry, the lifelong ban for Armstrong (who mirrored Madoff in the cycling world -- illegal wins, hurting others and the industry) must continue. Execrable behaviors such as those of such pair cannot be condoned.
2
He's has done far worse in scale than Pete Rose did to his Sport, he should remain banned for life, especially in light of his recent inaction and behavior.
1
"Tygart acknowledged that he was eager for the start of a process that could lead to a role for Armstrong in the fight against doping." Welcome to Lance's third act. It is often said, that in Amercia you get a chance if you just repent. Lance is not that type of person. It is going to be a great field experience on America. How will we react. Perhaps he shows us how you can twist the American public in another way.
I am typically not a resentful person and in a way I do not care; but I do not want to meet him at the starting line in my next triathlon. Fortunately there is little chance of that, because I start way behind him and finish when he is already gone.
I am typically not a resentful person and in a way I do not care; but I do not want to meet him at the starting line in my next triathlon. Fortunately there is little chance of that, because I start way behind him and finish when he is already gone.
3
Does this man not understand that he blew it.We don't want to see him, hear his opinions, or give him any sympathy. Let him live strong with the mess he made and the hurt he caused others with his lies and cheating. Go away Lance.
2
Will he be allowed to openly dope after the ban is lifted?After all he's 43 and has to compete with 20 year olds.Not fair
3
Travis Tygart is a hero. If not for Travis' relentless and fearless investigations, and if not for Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis (who doped but earned respect for their honesty and bravery in exposing doping), the world would still be calling Lance Armstrong a 7-time Tour winner.
2
And since no one else has commented on this: "the U.S. government, which sponsored Armstrong’s Postal Service team and now accuses him of defrauding it by doping, could make it difficult for Armstrong to be candid, since he stands to forfeit millions of dollars if he loses." Lance absolutely should be made to forfeit his ill-gotten gains. As a taxpayer, I for one want my $ back. (Never mind WHY the USPS which is broke, would sponsor a cycling team; who ever approved that should also go).
2
Armstrong has not, will not, perhaps cannot change. Any modification to the current ban would a slap in the face of everyone Armstrong, cheated, lied to, or tried to destroy.
2
Athletes from other sports return after half a year or a year, why not lift the ban ?
Just be consistent. If it's lifetime, then A-Rod should have the same.
Just be consistent. If it's lifetime, then A-Rod should have the same.
1
Keep this monster out of any and all athletic competition. He has abundantly proved that he is a recidivist drug-cheat and liar, as well as an egomaniac who will destroy other people's lives to advance his corrupt, petty sports whims and line his pockets with sponsors' cash.
There is no rehabilitating this man. He can do no good; his only value comes as an example of everything one should not do.
Let the sordid story of Lance PHARMstrong serve as the morality tale that it is. Relegate PHARMstrong to the pages of history.
One thing's for sure, I don't want my kids competing in a race against this slimeball.
There is no rehabilitating this man. He can do no good; his only value comes as an example of everything one should not do.
Let the sordid story of Lance PHARMstrong serve as the morality tale that it is. Relegate PHARMstrong to the pages of history.
One thing's for sure, I don't want my kids competing in a race against this slimeball.
2
An exceptional, if sociopathic, cheat was given an exceptional punishment. He has ample opportunity to confess and accept a lesser punishment. But for his intransigence, arrogance, and egomania he received what he deserved: a punishment for life.
Remember, when he was finally unmasked, he tweeted a photo of himself lounging languidly on a couch in a room beneath his seven framed yellow jerseys, as if to say, 'what, me worry?'. Now he's discovered that life as an ex-communicated cheat is sad and boring.
Well, too bad for Lance. He deserves not a shred of mercy. Even if it's for 'charity' - a reason he abused for years to achieve an insulate his cheating from scrutiny.
Remember, when he was finally unmasked, he tweeted a photo of himself lounging languidly on a couch in a room beneath his seven framed yellow jerseys, as if to say, 'what, me worry?'. Now he's discovered that life as an ex-communicated cheat is sad and boring.
Well, too bad for Lance. He deserves not a shred of mercy. Even if it's for 'charity' - a reason he abused for years to achieve an insulate his cheating from scrutiny.
15
Whilst Armstrong clearly is guilty, and is being punished for what he has done, I am not AT ALL convinced by Tygart either! A lot of things do not stack up.
- DATES DON'T ADD UP! That they tried to contact LA when he was out of the country in Nice (provable from twitter), by the thursday his attorneys and USADAs attorneys spoke. And by the monday two days later the charging letter was out , written when?- killing negotiations.. So NO REALISTIC attempt was made to get LA to come in. They had to be seen to ask. They did all they could to frustrate a "yes" answer.
- SANCTIONS DON'T ADD UP. WADA code allows for UP TO a 25% reduction for those who give substantial assistance. So if hincapie gets 6 months. LA should get 2 years for the same offences. But they even threatened Hincapie with life if he did not agree!
- LAW DOES NOT ADD UP. Under WADA code SOL is 8 years. No ifs and no buts. USADA used US precedents, not cycling law to go back to times way before cycling law. And the helleybuck precedent was irrelevant. That was Helleybuck lied to USADA!
TYGART does not even pay lip service to cycling law. Which states that the case against Bruyneel must be kept confidential till after the hearing. He put it into public domain.
I am all for justice. And banning dopers, but it never happens objectively We now have mainly unrepentant ex dopers from Vinokourov, Riis, Mercx, Roche, Kelly, Virenque etc operating teams/ commentating. Only Armstrong gets a life ban. Cannot be right
- DATES DON'T ADD UP! That they tried to contact LA when he was out of the country in Nice (provable from twitter), by the thursday his attorneys and USADAs attorneys spoke. And by the monday two days later the charging letter was out , written when?- killing negotiations.. So NO REALISTIC attempt was made to get LA to come in. They had to be seen to ask. They did all they could to frustrate a "yes" answer.
- SANCTIONS DON'T ADD UP. WADA code allows for UP TO a 25% reduction for those who give substantial assistance. So if hincapie gets 6 months. LA should get 2 years for the same offences. But they even threatened Hincapie with life if he did not agree!
- LAW DOES NOT ADD UP. Under WADA code SOL is 8 years. No ifs and no buts. USADA used US precedents, not cycling law to go back to times way before cycling law. And the helleybuck precedent was irrelevant. That was Helleybuck lied to USADA!
TYGART does not even pay lip service to cycling law. Which states that the case against Bruyneel must be kept confidential till after the hearing. He put it into public domain.
I am all for justice. And banning dopers, but it never happens objectively We now have mainly unrepentant ex dopers from Vinokourov, Riis, Mercx, Roche, Kelly, Virenque etc operating teams/ commentating. Only Armstrong gets a life ban. Cannot be right
1
Why is this even being considered? The man was outrageous in his depravity. If exile from the country was a possibility, it should have been considered in addition to a life time ban from the sport.
2
No sanctions reduction ever, Armstrong had his chances to come clean too often, instead he went after everyone with his ill gotten winnings and destroyed good people in the process. Nothing gained by working with a cheater and liar.
3
He did not. See the letters of the reasoned decision. They contacted when Armstrong was (provably) out of the country, thursday attorneys spoke, Monday they charge him. USADA did not allow time for negotiation.
See my previous, Tygart is just as profligate with cycling law as Armstrong was. Neither acted within it.
See my previous, Tygart is just as profligate with cycling law as Armstrong was. Neither acted within it.
This is a disgusting story. Despite the many others who participated in doping, Armstrong single handedly ruined this sport's reputation for millions of followers and believers of his countless lies. I for one, an avid racing follower, have never watched another bicycle race and don't intend to. I embarrassed myself by supporting him. To even consider allowing him back inside, where he can recover a modicum of respect, is a terrible mistake.
2
Here's a deal: cut the ban and do some jail time. Come on, anything to get the stink off cutting down his lifetime ban.
The story is further evidence of our celebrity double standard.
Instead of seeking a ban reduction, Mr. Armstrong should be serving a long term in a federal correctional institution.
He created and led a racketeering enterprise within the meaning of 18 USC 1961 et seq., the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute. He conspired with others, personally performed acts that are RICO predicate crimes, and defrauded public agencies and the public.
Prosecuted and convicted as a racketeer, he would be a better role model of what not to be than he ever would be as an anti-doping campaigner.
Instead of seeking a ban reduction, Mr. Armstrong should be serving a long term in a federal correctional institution.
He created and led a racketeering enterprise within the meaning of 18 USC 1961 et seq., the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute. He conspired with others, personally performed acts that are RICO predicate crimes, and defrauded public agencies and the public.
Prosecuted and convicted as a racketeer, he would be a better role model of what not to be than he ever would be as an anti-doping campaigner.
2
Cycling has received hammer blows of bad publicity in the past decade. Who better to help return some of the luster the sport had back in the 1990s than Lance Armstrong? He could give tips to younger athletes on how to improve their performances as they age. Look how good he looks in the article's lead photo, with sweat pouring off his body, his face a study in determination. At least, I think that's what that look is. Or it might be saying "Get out of my way, or you will regret it!"
1
Like that monster that wouldn't die.... Lance, please go away!!
His recent DWI brush with the law, hitting another car and trying to say it was actually his girlfriend who was driving. Is this a reformed man??? Liar, liar, liar..
His recent DWI brush with the law, hitting another car and trying to say it was actually his girlfriend who was driving. Is this a reformed man??? Liar, liar, liar..
4
To me it is beyond comprehension that Armstrong be allowed to compete again. I think most people deserve a second, even third chance, but not when they mock and attack those giving them those second and third chances. He was given chance after chance after chance and seems to show no remorse whatsoever.
3
Professional cycling is like other sports extremely competitive filled with extremely competitive individuals. This is a sport that requires training and racing year-round. "Workouts" last for 8 or more hours a day, everyday, every week, every month. It is a grueling job requiring unbelievable ambition. Races are won in fractions of a second after several days worth of racing. Any edge is sought by these athletes including grams of weight removed from the bike to grams of drugs. The Wattage per Kilogram needed to win the big tours took a huge jump upwards about 25 years ago and has never come back down. Nearly every cyclist at the level of Mr. Armstrong continues to use drugs. These tours are nearly impossible human endeavors. To get cycling back to some sort of drug-free place you will need to give life-time bans to each rider caught cheating with no chance of parole.
2
Armstrong made his bed, now he has to lie in it.
And while I wish Lance would just go away, I also believe his lifetime ban is a potent lesson and reminder to those who make a career out of cheating, lying, and trying to destroy other people's livelihoods and lives.
And while I wish Lance would just go away, I also believe his lifetime ban is a potent lesson and reminder to those who make a career out of cheating, lying, and trying to destroy other people's livelihoods and lives.
2
Okay, let's reduce his lifetime ban. Let us forgive all of his actions, which I'm sure he is really, really so sorry.
Yes, let's reduce it to let's say, fifty years. Yes, 50 years. Maybe he will get endorsements with, what were the names of those companies? Gee, I forgot, and maybe everyone else will too.
Yes, let's reduce it to let's say, fifty years. Yes, 50 years. Maybe he will get endorsements with, what were the names of those companies? Gee, I forgot, and maybe everyone else will too.
1
I think many are overly righteous in talking about the fate of Armstrong. He was a typical steroid era athlete, except he rose to the top and was amongst the most famous so it made his fall from grace even more devastating and humiliating. He's not a murderer or felon. He will forever be paying for his lies, and I don't think anyone can imagine what it s like to be in his position. Aside from the cheating scandal, lets not forget all the charity work he did. I don't think he's all bad.
At this stage in his life, I don't think anyone considerers him a real contender for winning any competitions... I think he just wants to be able to ride his bike again. If bankers who steal millions can get out of jail and start business again, murderers can be released and start families / careers, I don't think it's such a tragedy if they let him ride again. He will forever be a fool in the minds of most, and he has to live with that. That's quite a large punishment in itself, and he shouldn't have to suffer holed up in his home for the rest of his life without being able to do what he does best which is performing sports. If he can redeem himself with positive contributions to society this way, then let him ride.
At this stage in his life, I don't think anyone considerers him a real contender for winning any competitions... I think he just wants to be able to ride his bike again. If bankers who steal millions can get out of jail and start business again, murderers can be released and start families / careers, I don't think it's such a tragedy if they let him ride again. He will forever be a fool in the minds of most, and he has to live with that. That's quite a large punishment in itself, and he shouldn't have to suffer holed up in his home for the rest of his life without being able to do what he does best which is performing sports. If he can redeem himself with positive contributions to society this way, then let him ride.
5
TO Rob:
No one is saying Armstrong can't ride his bike so your argument is a paper tiger. Armstrong just may not compete in sanctioned competitions. While his punishment might be for cheating against other cheaters, he appears to have led harmful smear campaigns against those who questioned his integrity (see documentary "Stop at Nothing"). Those people suffered damage to their reputations and livelihoods. Armstrong showed no mercy to others. Does he deserve mercy himself? I view any contrition on his part as simply a means to escape the consequences of his actions. Let him ride bike swim-by himself or for hire, but not in sanctioned competitions.
No one is saying Armstrong can't ride his bike so your argument is a paper tiger. Armstrong just may not compete in sanctioned competitions. While his punishment might be for cheating against other cheaters, he appears to have led harmful smear campaigns against those who questioned his integrity (see documentary "Stop at Nothing"). Those people suffered damage to their reputations and livelihoods. Armstrong showed no mercy to others. Does he deserve mercy himself? I view any contrition on his part as simply a means to escape the consequences of his actions. Let him ride bike swim-by himself or for hire, but not in sanctioned competitions.
2
"If bankers who steal millions can get out of jail and start business again, murderers can be released and start families / careers," Armstrong should as well serve his time for stealing our tax dollars via the Postal Team and having perjured himself during his various sworn testimonys and made whole those he owes for his deceptions and meanspiritness. Only then should we speak of forgiveness.
Armstrong is scaaaaary. Mr. Tygart, please protect us from ever having to think about him again.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_27451370/lance-armstrong-cited-aspen-c...
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_27451370/lance-armstrong-cited-aspen-c...
2
A lot of folks are a little overly righteous in condemning Armstrong. He is certainly not the first athlete to get busted doping, he went down in history as a fool forever staining his reputation, and at this stage in his life I don't think anyone considers him a real challenger in any sport. If cutting his ban enables him to raise money for charity and live some sort of decent life, then I think that should be supported. He was a typical athlete from the steroid era, not a murderer or some sort of other despicable monster. What he did was reprehensible, but let's not forget all the good he did for his cancer foundation as well. He'll never be a hero again. I think all he wants to be able to do is be allowed to ride his bike again.
1
Lance Armstrong should never again be allowed to partake in any sport, he needs to learn there are consequences for cheating.
1
There appears to be no limit to his capacity for self re-invention or inability to take in what has happened and take as well, his punishment.
1
The ultimate act of a narcissist whose confessions are part of the act. The ancient Greeks had it right: banishment. Too bad the media doesn't do the same in regard to Mr. Armstrong. He lied for so long - the Nixon of Lycra.
As my grandfather would say, "Enough already!"
As my grandfather would say, "Enough already!"
2
First, Lance needs to settle the U.S. government lawsuit, forfeit the millions in ill-gotten wealth, cooperate and help clean the sport he's tarnished. Then he needs to make peace with those he has sued and defamed while proclaiming innocence.
Basically Lance Armstrong needs to replace his seething anger, past and present, with huge injections of contrition and humility, demonstrate it in words and actions. It's the only triathlon worth his while now, about time he got started.
Basically Lance Armstrong needs to replace his seething anger, past and present, with huge injections of contrition and humility, demonstrate it in words and actions. It's the only triathlon worth his while now, about time he got started.
3
Coincidentally, I just watched a film documentary entitled, "Stop At Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story". Armstrong is not to be trusted, he is simply a bad human being.
2
the UCI is totally corrupt which allows psychopathic bullies like Armstrong to thrive, he brought huge amounts into cycling, UCI helped him at every turn. Pro cycling is really just entertainment, treat it no differently than pro wrestling, and punish Armstrong for destroying lives, not doping, everyone did that.
1
To me the most egregious thing Armstrong did was going after his accusers. He literally tried to destroy people's lives, the people who accused him of doing illegal things he knew he had done.
He should remain banned for life.
He should remain banned for life.
119
Maybe because these accusers also took drugs and the only reason they accused hum is because they didn't want him to win sand accusing him ofbytyingto destroy these people's lives bis va gross exaggeration .
1
Except that this is not a sanctioning body that punishes moral or ethical offenses. They punish doping. The people that doped using the same products and during the same period of time got off with 6 month to 2 year bans. The justification that he is somehow more culpable because he is and was the biggest name is ludicrous. It's either lifetime bans for everyone who committed the same offenses, including Contador and the other dopers still riding, or you let him do charity rides and triathlons.
1
Neither David Walsh nor Gred LeMond took drugs yet Lance Armstrong did everything possible to destroy them professionally and even personally (especially in LeMond's case).
1
It would be beyond wrong to significantly reduce Armstrong's lifetime ban any time soon. What message would that send to other dopers and cheats? Break the rules, earn millions and keep most of them, get banned, but identify other cheats and get off relatively easy?
Yes, this happens in certain criminal cases, but there are -- on a percentage basis -- far more criminals in the world than cheaters in sports, making such comprises sometimes necessary. That should not be the case with Lance Armstrong.
Yes, this happens in certain criminal cases, but there are -- on a percentage basis -- far more criminals in the world than cheaters in sports, making such comprises sometimes necessary. That should not be the case with Lance Armstrong.
36
"there are -- on a percentage basis -- far more criminals in the world than cheaters in sports"
I seriously doubt that, especially in cycling.
I seriously doubt that, especially in cycling.
1
Baloney desperate testosterone- and money- driven hubris from Armstrong.
27
Sheer madness to engage with Armstrong again. It is still his celebrity, no matter how badly stained, that is too compelling for Tygart to ignore. Sick and sad.
58
The man was competing on a level playing field .... every team was doping ........ and he won seven Tour de France titles.
I call that a champion of the highest order.
Lance is poised to be the perfect poster child for how not to cheat-compete.
He is more an asset to society with the ban removed and allowed the opportunity to be a part of the discussion; otherwise, the attitude that "all who have doped are banished from their sport" leaves the spoils to those who never doped and more importantly, those who did dope but never got caught.
Lance is sports "cannary in the coal mine" who has traveled the road less desired by society ethical edicts and that will make him the strongest worldly voice in discussions about sports doping.
After all, he was a champion at it ... seven times.
I call that a champion of the highest order.
Lance is poised to be the perfect poster child for how not to cheat-compete.
He is more an asset to society with the ban removed and allowed the opportunity to be a part of the discussion; otherwise, the attitude that "all who have doped are banished from their sport" leaves the spoils to those who never doped and more importantly, those who did dope but never got caught.
Lance is sports "cannary in the coal mine" who has traveled the road less desired by society ethical edicts and that will make him the strongest worldly voice in discussions about sports doping.
After all, he was a champion at it ... seven times.
9
If Lance--at this belated hour--wishes to become an anti-doing poster child, let him do so from the sidelines. His behavior is that of a classic sociopath as he exhibits a craven need for attention, whining, bullying, and demanding sympathy. Its beyond pathetic. He needs to step away from the limelight and the microphones and accept that his cycling career is over. Let other new talents emerge on the Tour.
2
Lance Armstrong created victims. All the people that were unable to compete in your so called "level playing field". Read the book Pro Cycling On $10 A Day. Phil Gaimon is an inspiration. Phil Gaimon in principle was a victim but never considered himself be a victim. I am pretty sure you do not know him. Why is that? Because he did not win one of the big races. Because of people like Lance!
I love this sport for people like Phil Gaimon, not Lance.
I love this sport for people like Phil Gaimon, not Lance.
4
I couldn't disagree with you more. Your argument isn't in the least bit compelling.
2
I thank Travis Tygart for going after the big fish and hauling him up on deck for his appointment with my dear friend Karma.
15
Even after the USADA report was released, I still stuck up for Armstrong, feeling like a complete fool when he admitted to its charges.
And considering how ruthless Armstrong was in dealing with his critics, his ban from competition should remain on a permanent basis.
And considering how ruthless Armstrong was in dealing with his critics, his ban from competition should remain on a permanent basis.
88
It really took you that long?
He's been that ruthless from the first attacks he faced, it's ancient history by the time you changed your position.
How could you be fooled for so long?
In a sport with rampant doping with the top cyclists all get caught doping one way or the other, yet the best of the best, Lance, wasn't doping, he was doing it all through advanced training techniques?
I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.
He's been that ruthless from the first attacks he faced, it's ancient history by the time you changed your position.
How could you be fooled for so long?
In a sport with rampant doping with the top cyclists all get caught doping one way or the other, yet the best of the best, Lance, wasn't doping, he was doing it all through advanced training techniques?
I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn.
1
Cut the ban? Why isn't this grand fraudster in jail? He is a prime example that money and celebrity will get you off most of the time.
50
How about if Lance Armstrong just didn't come back? A great sport deserves better.
71
Except that he doesn't want to come back. He wants to ride charity rides and do some age group triathlons. He's never going to ride a bike in the peloton professionally again. The lifetime ban serves no purpose other than to punish him for apparently being a better cyclist than everyone else who was using the same dope. They all got 6 months to 2 years. The lifetime ban is arbitrary and unjustified.
Armstrong is a classic sociopath. The point is not that he was a doper (he certainly was, along with many of his competitors) but that he was a thug. The federal govt. spends a few billion dollars a year on the drug EPO, used by the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program. There are sophisticated criminal syndicates that divert this drug to thugs like Armstrong and his ilk to be distributed to athletes for illegal doping. Who do you think paid for those drugs in the first place? U.S. taxpayers. Armstrong knows far more about the operations of these criminal syndicates than he has ever told. Until he does, deserves no sympathy of any kind.
71
Nooooooooooo! This sorry excuse for a human being belongs in the dustbin of history, forgotten... with the various motes, mites, and other detritus underfoot. Nothing would please me more, ten years from now, than to see my son become passionate about cycling—as I was at his age—and not even know this person existed.
65
Most people view Lance as a liar, a cheater and a possible sociopath. If Tygart thinks Lance has "a lot to offer" anyone in any context, I question Tygart's intelligence and integrity.
66
Lance Armstrong has my admiration for the amounts of money and awareness he had raised for and about cancer. I hope he continues that in the future.
That said, as a parent, I am beyond appalled that Usada would even entertain the notion of reducing or relaxing the ban. I am sorry that his career has been ripped to shreds. It is clear though, that he has, mostly himself to blame for that. If it is true that he bullied, cajoled, strong armed and maybe even threatened people who spoke out against his practices over the years, there should be no reason for Mr. Tygart and his folks to even consider allowing him to "compete" in any form or fashion. What is to stop Mr. Armstrong from repeating his sports related thuggery?
That said, as a parent, I am beyond appalled that Usada would even entertain the notion of reducing or relaxing the ban. I am sorry that his career has been ripped to shreds. It is clear though, that he has, mostly himself to blame for that. If it is true that he bullied, cajoled, strong armed and maybe even threatened people who spoke out against his practices over the years, there should be no reason for Mr. Tygart and his folks to even consider allowing him to "compete" in any form or fashion. What is to stop Mr. Armstrong from repeating his sports related thuggery?
32
What do you think gave him the cancer in the first place? His doping!
1
Compelling Lance to serve his lifetime ban, as an example to young athletes, might be far more valuable than any information he could provide at this point.
Others will be caught, and in doing so more will be learned. The information Lance holds is decreasing in value every day.
Others will be caught, and in doing so more will be learned. The information Lance holds is decreasing in value every day.
47
The article says the following: "Usada proved its case without him." Where and when did this occur? Who judged "the case", other than the reporter writing this story? One step back would have indicated that they "effectively" proved their case, but stating it flat out is a judgment (admittedly a one that many people share, but a judgment nonetheless).
Usada and Tygart ran this like a murder case or someone shipping hundreds of pounds of cocaine into the country: put pressure on all of those around "Mr. Big" and hope Mr. Big cracks. If he doesn't, make him pay.
What business is it of Tygart's that Armstrong "bullied and abused people"? However mean Armstrong and associates might have been to who crossed them, I think that is a bit out of Usada's purview.
I detect in the published remarks of Tygart a bit of regret that his full court slam down on Armstrong worked so well. It looks like he went on a personal mission to ruin Armstrong and now realizes that both the sport and the nation have lost something in the process.
One last time: if everyone in cycling, or almost everyone, was doping, then Armstrong was not only the best of the dopers (no honor in that), but he was also the best cyclist during those 7 yrs. The sport itself, and the people who run the Tour de France, were just as guilty as Armstrong. They could have stopped it and they didn't. In a way, they allowed the athletes to exploit and endanger themselves. It is not all one guy.
http://teryreport.com
Usada and Tygart ran this like a murder case or someone shipping hundreds of pounds of cocaine into the country: put pressure on all of those around "Mr. Big" and hope Mr. Big cracks. If he doesn't, make him pay.
What business is it of Tygart's that Armstrong "bullied and abused people"? However mean Armstrong and associates might have been to who crossed them, I think that is a bit out of Usada's purview.
I detect in the published remarks of Tygart a bit of regret that his full court slam down on Armstrong worked so well. It looks like he went on a personal mission to ruin Armstrong and now realizes that both the sport and the nation have lost something in the process.
One last time: if everyone in cycling, or almost everyone, was doping, then Armstrong was not only the best of the dopers (no honor in that), but he was also the best cyclist during those 7 yrs. The sport itself, and the people who run the Tour de France, were just as guilty as Armstrong. They could have stopped it and they didn't. In a way, they allowed the athletes to exploit and endanger themselves. It is not all one guy.
http://teryreport.com
14
The delusions of the few remaining Armstrong apologists truly boggles the mind.
There is no question that Armstrong doped. He operated the doping program on the US team. He was "Mr Big" in the team's doping. The method of investigation the USADA used was the only possible method without physical evidence. The investigation relied on cooperating witnesses. And when witnesses accused Armstrong, he threatened to ruin their careers and lives. In a criminal case thats called witness tampering. That this is not a criminal case doesn't make it any less egregious. It is certainly relevant and within the purview of the USADA investigation. It was the actions of Armstrong and the other dopers who gave cycling a bad name. You are blaming those who exposed the cheaters for the cheating.
There is no question that Armstrong doped. He operated the doping program on the US team. He was "Mr Big" in the team's doping. The method of investigation the USADA used was the only possible method without physical evidence. The investigation relied on cooperating witnesses. And when witnesses accused Armstrong, he threatened to ruin their careers and lives. In a criminal case thats called witness tampering. That this is not a criminal case doesn't make it any less egregious. It is certainly relevant and within the purview of the USADA investigation. It was the actions of Armstrong and the other dopers who gave cycling a bad name. You are blaming those who exposed the cheaters for the cheating.
2
Only, everyone *wasn't* doping. Plenty of riders tried without doping. Of course, most never were seriously in contention and many many were forced out of the sport. But it's a gross oversimplification and really a whitewash to say "everyone" was doing it, as if that means no one was really harmed. Lots of clean riders were, and the sport was effectively ruined for over a decade.
4
Not so and I am not apologizing for what Armstrong did. Your comments, Gary Ronn, while criticizing mine don't actually respond to my points.
I tend to believe that most people do not have the moral standing themselves to get up on their high horse and condemn something they know little or nothing about. Further, those who condemn Armstrong never faced the choices he faced. It is a bit like looking down on a rock star or movie star who sleeps around. Guess what, someone who never faced the choice, did you ever have 400 women begging you for your attention?
I do say this in defense of Armstrong, and it was also said by one of his main accusers, he was a bad a... on a bike. He was the best of his generation and one of the best ever. Had he done "the right thing" and never doped, the others who were using boosters would have gotten the wins and the money.
In my view, Armstrong made very bad choices for himself and for the sport. He might have been able, if he had tried at his peak, to help clean things up. He wasn't interested in that. I don't accept, in full, his explanation that his team had to "get with the program", but I reserve some distance from total condemnation because I believe fairness requires it.
I tend to believe that most people do not have the moral standing themselves to get up on their high horse and condemn something they know little or nothing about. Further, those who condemn Armstrong never faced the choices he faced. It is a bit like looking down on a rock star or movie star who sleeps around. Guess what, someone who never faced the choice, did you ever have 400 women begging you for your attention?
I do say this in defense of Armstrong, and it was also said by one of his main accusers, he was a bad a... on a bike. He was the best of his generation and one of the best ever. Had he done "the right thing" and never doped, the others who were using boosters would have gotten the wins and the money.
In my view, Armstrong made very bad choices for himself and for the sport. He might have been able, if he had tried at his peak, to help clean things up. He wasn't interested in that. I don't accept, in full, his explanation that his team had to "get with the program", but I reserve some distance from total condemnation because I believe fairness requires it.
Until he provides a full and detailed confession to the various doping agencies, makes amends to the numerous individuals and organizations he's maligned and/or litigated against, and addressed the bodies where he perjured himself, the banishment should stand. Nothing less would be unjust.
26
I can kind of understand Lance justifying in his mind that it was OK to dope because so many other riders were doing it and so if he wanted to be competitive he had to dope as well. Cycling at the very top levels was a dirty sport and Lance was in the cesspool with many others.
What disturbs me more is the way Lance tried to threaten and intimidate the people who dared to tell the truth about Lance's doping. Lance tried to ruin people's lives and filed lawsuits against some of his accusers in an attempt to bully them into silence.
Maybe Lance felt he had no other alternative that to threaten and intimidate people once he made the decision to dope. As the old saying goes "What a complex web we weave when first we practice to deceive"
One of the reasons Lance needs to be punished is to send a message that engaging in this type of behavior has unpleasant consequences.
What disturbs me more is the way Lance tried to threaten and intimidate the people who dared to tell the truth about Lance's doping. Lance tried to ruin people's lives and filed lawsuits against some of his accusers in an attempt to bully them into silence.
Maybe Lance felt he had no other alternative that to threaten and intimidate people once he made the decision to dope. As the old saying goes "What a complex web we weave when first we practice to deceive"
One of the reasons Lance needs to be punished is to send a message that engaging in this type of behavior has unpleasant consequences.
1
Is this a joke? If anyone deserves to be banned for live from everything (including tiddlywinks), it's Armstrong.
61
Why does this man keep trying to get into our lives? I am tired of Lance Armstrong. I am tired of his desperation and demands. He shamed his sport and embarrassed our nation. What makes him think any of us want to deal with him again? He seems to think that if he keeps clawing at reconciliation his detractors will collapse due to exhaustion. Relentless will not work for me. We have new faces in bicycling, and we should look ahead and move forward. Armstrong represents an unfortunate past. His days are long gone.
60
That's his strategy. He keeps fighting for a crack in the door, for some angle he can exploit. He's desperate to come back in some capacity, to get the limelight again. He's got a gigantic, fragile ego and he would do anything, hurt anyone in service of it. He's ruthless and relentless.
I worry he will wear out his opponents, that he will find that weak point and manage to claw his way back to being a revered figure. He's already back to suing others and god knows what else he will do as he gets more desperate.
I worry he will wear out his opponents, that he will find that weak point and manage to claw his way back to being a revered figure. He's already back to suing others and god knows what else he will do as he gets more desperate.
3
No, no, no, no.
Enough.
Just go away.
Enough.
Just go away.
80
Armstrong " said he was sorry ? " please, please, please do not give this lying pompous bully the ability to compete again.
65
This is ridiculous, and a good reason to boycott any activity that Lance Armstrong is involved with. Armstrong may not be beyond the reach of redemption, but he IS beyond rehabilitation in sports, and he should not be permitted to compete in even a tricycle race. It is even more troubling because Tygart KNOWS Armstrong and the depths of duplicity and self-serving that Armstrong has demonstrated he will happily descend to. Tygart et al are about to lie down with dogs, and they will get up with even more fleas than they can imagine.
44
What part of lifetime does he not understand. He is becoming the Pete ROse of cycling and like Rose should be banned for life.
35
Pete Rose is not banned for life.
He's practically making Pete Rose look like a sympathetic figure in comparison
1
That's an insult to Pete Rose-there is no comparison. Keep Armstrong banned, put Pete in HOF.
1
It seems like a kumbaya moment -- but in all actuality -- its all about Lance generating monster revenue for the Tour.
12
Of course Armstrong an truthfully say that he is very sorry for what has happened. He's very sorry that he got caught, that his lies and bullying eventually failed.
39
Exactly. Every move, from his Oprah appearance to his famous "look at me and my seven yellow jerseys" selfie, to his lame apologies, to his "I'm the real victim" whining, is a calculated one. It's all about him getting to be Lance Armstrong, the god-like figure again. He doesn't have a sincere bone in his body except when it comes to his own benefit.
3
Either this is a joke or professional cycling is a joke.
36
Both.
1
Don't make a deal with Armstrong - USADA can root out corruption without giving him a chance to regain the spotlight.
28
Armstrong cheated during a time when a lot of his peers cheated. I think most people could forgive a person who came clean after cheating. But for over a decade he repeatedly lied about his cheating. He criticized doubters. He ruined the lives of fellow cyclists - those who were caught and those who covered up for Armstrong and those who refused to cover up for Armstrong. He's a bad guy. USADA should keep the ban in place.
41
Lance may not be a great human being, but at least he's not a rat, blowing the whistle on others just to save his own hide. Not like that weasel Floyd Landis.
1
He's the Al Capone of doping. Just as Capone's real crimes weren't bootlegging, they were the violent criminality he organized to protect his business, Lance's worst crimes weren't doping, it was the lying, bullying, vicious attacking on innocent and truthful people.
3
Last I checked, there is no penalty for "being a bad guy." The penalty for doping is 2 years. Period. That's what everyone else got. They don't get to increase his for moral reasons. That's not what they are empowered to do.
1