Anyone who has been linked to the era of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports at some point comes to realize the merit to the notion that the cover up is worse than the crime.
Some insist on learning the lesson the hard way. Lance Armstrong appears determined to pedal down this trail, following the fresh tracks that Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have laid down for him. He’s already refused to abandon course, even though it has gotten steeper and shakier the further he goes.
And it’s about to get worse. A Sunday report on “60 Minutes” reveals that several former teammates have testified in a federal probe that they witnessed Armstrong using PEDs, including George Hincapie, one of his closest and most trusted friends.
Of course, the only thing that has matched the frequency of allegations against Armstrong over the past couple of years in the increasing vehemence with which he denies them. The seven-time Tour de France winner insists that his accusers are evil-hearted, jealous, vindictive types who are motivated by nothing more than resentment of Armstrong’s success.
Armstrong could be right and, yet, it doesn’t change this reality: Just because the naysayers might not have the purest intentions, it doesn’t mean they are lying.
Just ask Jose Canseco. During baseball’s investigation of steroids, nobody refuted the claim that Canseco was motivated by his need for money, desire to drive publicity for his book and determination to settle some scores against a game he felt had done him wrong.
When practically all of Canseco’s assertions were proven correct, he ended up with more credibility than the high-profile players who either didn’t want to talk about the past or steadfastly denied the allegations.
At this point, an assault on the credibility of Armstrong’s accusers is tantamount to a cliché. In fact, it might almost strengthen their case. In other words, if you were Floyd Landis, you might want to see Armstrong take a fall, too, and who could blame you?
At every turn, Armstrong exploited his “cancer-survivor-to-champion” story for maximum personal and commercial gain. He became the poster boy for overcoming adversity and gave sports fans, who usually ranked cycling alongside watching the paint dry on freshly sprayed bike lane as equal competitors for their attention, a reason to follow the sport once a year.
He was showered with endorsement deals, hailed as a hero by the media, dated a pop singer and sold countless bracelets to people who were inspired by his plight.
Guys like Landis are entitled to be irked. The 2006 Tour winner earned only a fraction of the fame and recognition bestowed upon Armstrong, yet he became the poster child for doping in cycling when his positive tests were revealed.
Coming clean about being dirty did nothing but cement the free-fall of his career, while galvanizing Armstrong’s position as the sport’s alpha male. Evidently, it’s easier for some cyclists to live strong than others.
Armstrong’s naysayers were met not only with arrogant defiance, but in many cases, alleged threats of retaliation and harm to their careers. Three-time Tour winner Greg LeMond accused Armstrong of doping long before doing so was in vogue, and if you do a little research on the history between the two cyclists, you’ll find some chilling accounts.
Every one of Armstrong’s denials comes with a counter punch for his opponents. His mistake comes with a failure to realize that the combination of blows only fuels their motivation to land a knockout. They might be about to land it.
Now, it looks as though Armstrong’s career is about to fall as flat as a racing bike’s tire that just hit a nail, and more than a few will celebrate when he flies over the handle bars. His long-held defense that he has never failed a drug test holds little weight in a sport that has long had little oversight and in the face of growing evidence that might ultimately give him nowhere to hide.
Again, he should have taken baseball’s lead and owned his misdeeds sooner than later. History shows the fans and media are a fairly forgiving bunch. Look at Andy Pettitte – he basically returned to his reputation as a God fearing, humble family man after admitting use of steroids and apologizing. Forget for a moment that his excuse about using to heal injuries was more transparent than scotch tape. He came clean and moved on.
His former teammate Clemens and Armstrong are about to learn that there’s a harsher price to pay for living in a state of denial.
Anyone who has been linked to the era of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports at some point comes to realize the merit to the notion that the cover up is worse than the crime.
Some insist on learning the lesson the hard way. Lance Armstrong appears determined to pedal down this trail, following the fresh tracks that Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have laid down for him. He’s already refused to abandon course, even though it has gotten steeper and shakier the further he goes.
And it’s about to get worse. A Sunday report on “60 Minutes” reveals that several former teammates have testified in a federal probe that they witnessed Armstrong using PEDs, including George Hincapie, one of his closest and most trusted friends.
Of course, the only thing that has matched the frequency of allegations against Armstrong over the past couple of years in the increasing vehemence with which he denies them. The seven-time Tour de France winner insists that his accusers are evil-hearted, jealous, vindictive types who are motivated by nothing more than resentment of Armstrong’s success.
Armstrong could be right and, yet, it doesn’t change this reality: Just because the naysayers might not have the purest intentions, it doesn’t mean they are lying.
Just ask Jose Canseco. During baseball’s investigation of steroids, nobody refuted the claim that Canseco was motivated by his need for money, desire to drive publicity for his book and determination to settle some scores against a game he felt had done him wrong.
When practically all of Canseco’s assertions were proven correct, he ended up with more credibility than the high-profile players who either didn’t want to talk about the past or steadfastly denied the allegations.
At this point, an assault on the credibility of Armstrong’s accusers is tantamount to a cliché. In fact, it might almost strengthen their case. In other words, if you were Floyd Landis, you might want to see Armstrong take a fall, too, and who could blame you?
At every turn, Armstrong exploited his “cancer-survivor-to-champion” story for maximum personal and commercial gain. He became the poster boy for overcoming adversity and gave sports fans, who usually ranked cycling alongside watching the paint dry on freshly sprayed bike lane as equal competitors for their attention, a reason to follow the sport once a year.
He was showered with endorsement deals, hailed as a hero by the media, dated a pop singer and sold countless bracelets to people who were inspired by his plight.
Guys like Landis are entitled to be irked. The 2006 Tour winner earned only a fraction of the fame and recognition bestowed upon Armstrong, yet he became the poster child for doping in cycling when his positive tests were revealed.
Coming clean about being dirty did nothing but cement the free-fall of his career, while galvanizing Armstrong’s position as the sport’s alpha male. Evidently, it’s easier for some cyclists to live strong than others.
Armstrong’s naysayers were met not only with arrogant defiance, but in many cases, alleged threats of retaliation and harm to their careers. Three-time Tour winner Greg LeMond accused Armstrong of doping long before doing so was in vogue, and if you do a little research on the history between the two cyclists, you’ll find some chilling accounts.
Every one of Armstrong’s denials comes with a counter punch for his opponents. His mistake comes with a failure to realize that the combination of blows only fuels their motivation to land a knockout. They might be about to land it.
Now, it looks as though Armstrong’s career is about to fall as flat as a racing bike’s tire that just hit a nail, and more than a few will celebrate when he flies over the handle bars. His long-held defense that he has never failed a drug test holds little weight in a sport that has long had little oversight and in the face of growing evidence that might ultimately give him nowhere to hide.
Again, he should have taken baseball’s lead and owned his misdeeds sooner than later. History shows the fans and media are a fairly forgiving bunch. Look at Andy Pettitte – he basically returned to his reputation as a God fearing, humble family man after admitting use of steroids and apologizing. Forget for a moment that his excuse about using to heal injuries was more transparent than scotch tape. He came clean and moved on.
His former teammate Clemens and Armstrong are about to learn that there’s a harsher price to pay for living in a state of denial.
Professional writer? Is that what they call it? You got paid for that long winded opinion-less piece that no one here gives a fuck about? At least your Mother should be proud of you. Should being the operative word.
P.S By the way, you still haven't voiced an opinion of your own. Or is that not professional? Don't give up your day job.
Professional writer? Is that what they call it? You got paid for that long winded opinion-less piece that no one here gives a fuck about? At least your Mother should be proud of you. Should being the operative word.
P.S By the way, you still haven't voiced an opinion of your own. Or is that not professional? Don't give up your day job.
It would be great if you would try and be respectful in the main forums.
Thanks..
I thought an " opinion piece " is supposed to have an opinion.
All the guy has done is read recent articles about Armstrong and meshed them into his own piece. Anyone who knows how to find Yahoo's webpage knows about the upcoming 60 Minutes piece and how a once loyal teammate of Armstrong's may have confessed that he witnessed Armstrong's drug usage.
He has not offered an opinion or any new light to what is already known by those who have half an interest in sports in general.
I will respect writing and opinions that are deserving of respect.
It would be great if you would try and be respectful in the main forums.
Thanks..
I thought an " opinion piece " is supposed to have an opinion.
All the guy has done is read recent articles about Armstrong and meshed them into his own piece. Anyone who knows how to find Yahoo's webpage knows about the upcoming 60 Minutes piece and how a once loyal teammate of Armstrong's may have confessed that he witnessed Armstrong's drug usage.
He has not offered an opinion or any new light to what is already known by those who have half an interest in sports in general.
I will respect writing and opinions that are deserving of respect.
I don't know, does anyone really care anymore? I certainly don't.
I totally agree. Give me real news. I can't believe 60 minutes is dredging up this story again.
If he did it does it really matter now? He did over 500 tests where he passed. If he was doing it clearly there was a method to avoid getting caught, who's to say everyone wasn't doing it?
So ex teammate needs some $ so he says he's got info on lance armstrong to anyone who'll listen.
Now if the news is about a current guy it's news I'm interested.
I don't know, does anyone really care anymore? I certainly don't.
I totally agree. Give me real news. I can't believe 60 minutes is dredging up this story again.
If he did it does it really matter now? He did over 500 tests where he passed. If he was doing it clearly there was a method to avoid getting caught, who's to say everyone wasn't doing it?
So ex teammate needs some $ so he says he's got info on lance armstrong to anyone who'll listen.
Now if the news is about a current guy it's news I'm interested.
First off, when I hear the DOJ thinking about getting involved it just sickens me. All the bullshit in the world and out govt is focuising on barry bonds, online poker, and cycling. Just fucking dispicable
As far as Lance goes whether he did "it"or not i dont really care. I think its totally cowardish for his old teammates to start ratting him out now, years later, just cuz theyre not in the spotlight anymore. They were all cool and worshipped Lance when they were making money off him but now that the ride is over and people remember Lance and not them now the venom comes and they start ratting, its pathetic
First off, when I hear the DOJ thinking about getting involved it just sickens me. All the bullshit in the world and out govt is focuising on barry bonds, online poker, and cycling. Just fucking dispicable
As far as Lance goes whether he did "it"or not i dont really care. I think its totally cowardish for his old teammates to start ratting him out now, years later, just cuz theyre not in the spotlight anymore. They were all cool and worshipped Lance when they were making money off him but now that the ride is over and people remember Lance and not them now the venom comes and they start ratting, its pathetic
First off, when I hear the DOJ thinking about getting involved it just sickens me. All the bullshit in the world and out govt is focuising on barry bonds, online poker, and cycling. Just fucking dispicable
As far as Lance goes whether he did "it"or not i dont really care. I think its totally cowardish for his old teammates to start ratting him out now, years later, just cuz theyre not in the spotlight anymore. They were all cool and worshipped Lance when they were making money off him but now that the ride is over and people remember Lance and not them now the venom comes and they start ratting, its pathetic
First off, when I hear the DOJ thinking about getting involved it just sickens me. All the bullshit in the world and out govt is focuising on barry bonds, online poker, and cycling. Just fucking dispicable
As far as Lance goes whether he did "it"or not i dont really care. I think its totally cowardish for his old teammates to start ratting him out now, years later, just cuz theyre not in the spotlight anymore. They were all cool and worshipped Lance when they were making money off him but now that the ride is over and people remember Lance and not them now the venom comes and they start ratting, its pathetic
First off, when I hear the DOJ thinking about getting involved it just sickens me. All the bullshit in the world and out govt is focuising on barry bonds, online poker, and cycling. Just fucking dispicable
As far as Lance goes whether he did "it"or not i dont really care. I think its totally cowardish for his old teammates to start ratting him out now, years later, just cuz theyre not in the spotlight anymore. They were all cool and worshipped Lance when they were making money off him but now that the ride is over and people remember Lance and not them now the venom comes and they start ratting, its pathetic
First off, when I hear the DOJ thinking about getting involved it just sickens me. All the bullshit in the world and out govt is focuising on barry bonds, online poker, and cycling. Just fucking dispicable
As far as Lance goes whether he did "it"or not i dont really care. I think its totally cowardish for his old teammates to start ratting him out now, years later, just cuz theyre not in the spotlight anymore. They were all cool and worshipped Lance when they were making money off him but now that the ride is over and people remember Lance and not them now the venom comes and they start ratting, its pathetic
I think Lance Armstrong probably cheated, but I can't say that for certain. What I would love to hear, from one of his accusers is, HOW did he pass all of these tests. If they were cheating with him, and not getting caught, they must know the answer to that.
I think Lance Armstrong probably cheated, but I can't say that for certain. What I would love to hear, from one of his accusers is, HOW did he pass all of these tests. If they were cheating with him, and not getting caught, they must know the answer to that.
I think Lance Armstrong probably cheated, but I can't say that for certain. What I would love to hear, from one of his accusers is, HOW did he pass all of these tests. If they were cheating with him, and not getting caught, they must know the answer to that.
Has anyone ever answered that?
This is a good question and it has been answered. Floyd Landis, a former Armstrong teammate and admitted blood doper, addressed this in detail. And the simple summarized answer Landis offered was that the doper's advantage over the tester's was technology. Cyclist's tests have most always returned negative because the testing has yet to progress at the same rate as the doping. The cyclist's are tested for heightened levels of hematocrit and a multitude of steroids but the doping tests are extremely basic. As more and more cyclist come forward and describe in detail the method which they applied to pass the tests, the more likely riders like Armstrong will no longer successfully escape the truth.
I think Lance Armstrong probably cheated, but I can't say that for certain. What I would love to hear, from one of his accusers is, HOW did he pass all of these tests. If they were cheating with him, and not getting caught, they must know the answer to that.
Has anyone ever answered that?
This is a good question and it has been answered. Floyd Landis, a former Armstrong teammate and admitted blood doper, addressed this in detail. And the simple summarized answer Landis offered was that the doper's advantage over the tester's was technology. Cyclist's tests have most always returned negative because the testing has yet to progress at the same rate as the doping. The cyclist's are tested for heightened levels of hematocrit and a multitude of steroids but the doping tests are extremely basic. As more and more cyclist come forward and describe in detail the method which they applied to pass the tests, the more likely riders like Armstrong will no longer successfully escape the truth.
This is a good question and it has been answered. Floyd Landis, a former Armstrong teammate and admitted blood doper, addressed this in detail. And the simple summarized answer Landis offered was that the doper's advantage over the tester's was technology. Cyclist's tests have most always returned negative because the testing has yet to progress at the same rate as the doping. The cyclist's are tested for heightened levels of hematocrit and a multitude of steroids but the doping tests are extremely basic. As more and more cyclist come forward and describe in detail the method which they applied to pass the tests, the more likely riders like Armstrong will no longer successfully escape the truth.
I'm not sure if you saw the 60 Minutes interview tonight or not, but my previous comment was before seeing it.
Anyway, after watching it, I have no doubt the guy is guilty. None. All my questions were pretty much answered, people would have to be complete and utter morons to think he was clean.
Lance Armstrong will go down as this generation's Pete Rose.
Look for a confession with a book deal in about 15 years.
This is a good question and it has been answered. Floyd Landis, a former Armstrong teammate and admitted blood doper, addressed this in detail. And the simple summarized answer Landis offered was that the doper's advantage over the tester's was technology. Cyclist's tests have most always returned negative because the testing has yet to progress at the same rate as the doping. The cyclist's are tested for heightened levels of hematocrit and a multitude of steroids but the doping tests are extremely basic. As more and more cyclist come forward and describe in detail the method which they applied to pass the tests, the more likely riders like Armstrong will no longer successfully escape the truth.
I'm not sure if you saw the 60 Minutes interview tonight or not, but my previous comment was before seeing it.
Anyway, after watching it, I have no doubt the guy is guilty. None. All my questions were pretty much answered, people would have to be complete and utter morons to think he was clean.
Lance Armstrong will go down as this generation's Pete Rose.
Look for a confession with a book deal in about 15 years.
I'm not sure if you saw the 60 Minutes interview tonight or not, but my previous comment was before seeing it.
Anyway, after watching it, I have no doubt the guy is guilty. None. All my questions were pretty much answered, people would have to be complete and utter morons to think he was clean.
Lance Armstrong will go down as this generation's Pete Rose.
Look for a confession with a book deal in about 15 years.
I agree with everything you wrote but the confession and book deal part. Armstrong is one of the more self-righteous, sociopathic scumbags I've ever been around. I raced professionally on a national level for a few years and long story short, I trained in San Diego & Solvang, and spent many long hours on rides with Armstrong and a number of his former teammates. These guys all dope(d) and it's well understood within the community. I really do hope the truth will expose him for the fraudulent hoax and liar that he is. With all this said, the guy is a phenomenal athlete whose Vo2 max is otherworldly. Noone can question his athleticism, it's his integrity that leaves much to be desired.
I'm not sure if you saw the 60 Minutes interview tonight or not, but my previous comment was before seeing it.
Anyway, after watching it, I have no doubt the guy is guilty. None. All my questions were pretty much answered, people would have to be complete and utter morons to think he was clean.
Lance Armstrong will go down as this generation's Pete Rose.
Look for a confession with a book deal in about 15 years.
I agree with everything you wrote but the confession and book deal part. Armstrong is one of the more self-righteous, sociopathic scumbags I've ever been around. I raced professionally on a national level for a few years and long story short, I trained in San Diego & Solvang, and spent many long hours on rides with Armstrong and a number of his former teammates. These guys all dope(d) and it's well understood within the community. I really do hope the truth will expose him for the fraudulent hoax and liar that he is. With all this said, the guy is a phenomenal athlete whose Vo2 max is otherworldly. Noone can question his athleticism, it's his integrity that leaves much to be desired.
He will at some point if he admits to it, claim he could not do it sooner because it would have hurt the cancer fundraising.He will boo hoo and fade away.
He will at some point if he admits to it, claim he could not do it sooner because it would have hurt the cancer fundraising.He will boo hoo and fade away.
Fuck them all. The worst people are pointing fingers at Armstrong. Top 50 in cycling are all "cheating". Also today - how come the average speed in the Tour de France is increasing year after year? Without the juice the TdF would last for 2 months instead of 3 weeks. It's been a part of cycling since it began. Back then they were on cocaine and people died.
Fuck them all. The worst people are pointing fingers at Armstrong. Top 50 in cycling are all "cheating". Also today - how come the average speed in the Tour de France is increasing year after year? Without the juice the TdF would last for 2 months instead of 3 weeks. It's been a part of cycling since it began. Back then they were on cocaine and people died.
I have always believed he was clean.....certainly not even close to sure about that now. But the kicker is, he's never officially tested positive. It's almost like the roid era in baseball....pretty much everyone was doing it (so it sounds). Doesn't make it right; kind of makes that era of cycling almost meaningless to me, though.
It will be VERY interesting if he has to testify in front of a grand jury or congress.
I have always believed he was clean.....certainly not even close to sure about that now. But the kicker is, he's never officially tested positive. It's almost like the roid era in baseball....pretty much everyone was doing it (so it sounds). Doesn't make it right; kind of makes that era of cycling almost meaningless to me, though.
It will be VERY interesting if he has to testify in front of a grand jury or congress.
However, for the others who have tested positive to piss and moan because they got busted and he didn't should shut their pie holes and take it like men.
So two friends each rob their own bank and one of the guys gets caught and the other escapes with all his money. The guy who gets caught is pissed because the other guy did the same thing thing and got away with it? Well, he wasn't too stupid to get caught, now was he? So that's his fault?
Bust his ass if you've got the goods, but as far as I know, he still hasn't ever tested positive.
However, for the others who have tested positive to piss and moan because they got busted and he didn't should shut their pie holes and take it like men.
So two friends each rob their own bank and one of the guys gets caught and the other escapes with all his money. The guy who gets caught is pissed because the other guy did the same thing thing and got away with it? Well, he wasn't too stupid to get caught, now was he? So that's his fault?
Bust his ass if you've got the goods, but as far as I know, he still hasn't ever tested positive.
I have always believed he was clean.....certainly not even close to sure about that now. But the kicker is, he's never officially tested positive. It's almost like the roid era in baseball....pretty much everyone was doing it (so it sounds). Doesn't make it right; kind of makes that era of cycling almost meaningless to me, though.
It will be VERY interesting if he has to testify in front of a grand jury or congress.
Why? They're all doing it. Tour de France winner, Bjarne Riis, never tested positive but admitted to it 10 years after. He and Armstrong just had better doctors than the ones who got caught.
I have always believed he was clean.....certainly not even close to sure about that now. But the kicker is, he's never officially tested positive. It's almost like the roid era in baseball....pretty much everyone was doing it (so it sounds). Doesn't make it right; kind of makes that era of cycling almost meaningless to me, though.
It will be VERY interesting if he has to testify in front of a grand jury or congress.
Why? They're all doing it. Tour de France winner, Bjarne Riis, never tested positive but admitted to it 10 years after. He and Armstrong just had better doctors than the ones who got caught.
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