Sore loser

[Roadrunner]

I've always been a big fan of L.A but since this years T>D>F I've gone off the guy completely. HIs attitude on the presentation platform and his snubbing Contador's celebration meal was just attrocious.
Now he's bad mouthing Contador to the Press.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/arms...dors-entourage

I know he's lost several fans in this household at least. I don't know about anyone. I'm so dissapointed in him.

[Kalidurga]

I've gotten to the point that I don't pay much attention to what my favorite cyclists/actors/musicians/whatever do outside of their sport/art/whatever. I may read about it for the entertainment factor, but I don't attach much importance to it. They have their life and I have mine. And they're flawed human beings with lots of foibles, just like the rest of us "regular folk".

When it comes to Lance, the only things that really matter are what he does on the bike and with LiveStrong.

[OakLeaf]

Sure they're human, but ultimately they're ENTERTAINERS. Sponsors pay their bills, they don't eat unless fans buy their sponsors' products, and so ultimately they're accountable to their fans much more than to the officials of their sport.

It's exactly that kind of behavior that put me off Lance a long time ago. Behaving that way toward a fellow competitor is one thing, but a better illustration is the roundtable discussion after Race across the Sky, when he alone of all the panelists refused to applaud Roxanne Hall.

I can admire his physical achievements, but I will root against Lance in any race.

[Bike Chick]

I agree with you, Oak. Lance is and always has been a very talented cyclist and athlete. His physical abilities and accomplishments are something to applaud and admire but they are overshadowed by his arrogance and huge ego. The same goes for Tiger Woods. I've never been a fan of either one for that very reason. On the other hand, you would need a huge ego to have the confidence needed to be who they are.

His remarks against Contador in that article are petty and cheap. It makes him look like a whiney crybaby--which is something I never expected from Lance. Grow up. This is professional cycling; not professional wrestling. And by the way, Lance, Alberto is the King of Spain.

[ridebikeme]

++1

I definitely agree with you! If you pay attention, just about every week there is some sort of article about LA somewhere. It reminds me of the little boy tugging on Moms skirt/pants.. saying"Mom look at me". Not only does his petty comments look unprofessional, but it also reflects back on his Livestrong foundation.

IMO if you have something worthwhile to say, then get it in print. Otherwise, concentrate on what's important like your family, foundation and getting yourself into the best condition so that you can challenge Contador and everyone else ON the bike, not in the press.

[Zen]

I agree with you, Oak... Grow up. This is professional cycling; not professional wrestling. And by the way, Lance, Alberto is the King of Spain.

Yerp.

[ny biker]

I couldn't care less. The press plays up this kind of thing because it gets readers' attention. If no one read it, they'd stop.

[OakLeaf]

When it comes to Lance, the only things that really matter are what he does on the bike and with LiveStrong.

In general I'm suspicious of foundations launched by celebrities, and in particular when they duplicate the efforts of other charities. Can you say "tax write-off?" Although the LAF isn't rated particularly low, it's rated lower than many other cancer charities and lower than anything I'm willing to donate to. The foundation has stepped up quite a bit since it was trashed in a 2007 article from the AIP, but it's still inefficient compared to peer organizations.

[smilingcat]

I think our culture more than any others are really into hero worshipping. they can do no wrong.

Well it was only a matter of time before he showed his true color. Be it, Tiger Woods, Lance, A-rod, and any number of pro athletes to entertainers...

I have far more respect for those working the soup kitchen, those who tree sit like Julia Butterfly Hill who saved Luna for sometime. (Luna was eventually felled by the logging company BTW) to those working in Ronald McDonald house...Those who quietly toil away without the limelight.

Hero worshipping is sure way of being led astray. They have the credentials for entertainment, sports but they have no more credentials than you or I when it comes to human rights, environmental protection... Even someone like Al Gore with his Nobel prize, I see him only as a spokeperson for all the scientists who toil away in inhospitable fields.

I am not appalled nor do I see it as breaking news.

Smilingcat

[Kalidurga]

Hero worshipping is sure way of being led astray. They have the credentials for entertainment, sports but they have no more credentials than you or I when it comes to human rights, environmental protection... Even someone like Al Gore with his Nobel prize, I see him only as a spokeperson for all the scientists who toil away in inhospitable fields.

I am not appalled nor do I see it as breaking news.

+ a whole lot.

[Maxxxie]

That article elicited a great, big "meh" from me. He's a person who rides a bike. As a person, he has a right to an opinion, and if he wants to express it, fine. So what if it's a negative opinion, or you don't agree with it, or whatever? Are "celebrities" (or anyone else for that matter) only allowed to say what they think if what they think is nice? Yes, let's hold back and only say what's nice. That way, we can live in a world of fake niceness and feel good about it. At least the guy says what he thinks. I respect that.

Max

[Zen]

There is nothing to respect except his ability to ride a bike.
It's not a question of nice/not nice.
In sport, there's a thing called sportsmanship and this type of display is poor sportsmanship.

[Maxxxie]

So your argument is that sportspeople should only express an opinion that is not negative? Sounds like you're trying to rationalise self-censorship.

Cadel Evans is widely regarded as a whinger because he (rightly or wrongly) attributes his lack of wins to team members that didn't support him, mechanics who are incompetent etc etc. Is he also a bad sport? What if it's true that his teammates suck and the mechanics are bad?

How about prize fighters who trash talk each other before a fight? Is that poor sportsmanship? Or does the fact that they hug after the fight make it alright?

I think these guys are as entitled to express their opinions as anyone else. Of course some will disagree with their opinions. Some will think it unseemly (unsportsmanlike). Others will just say "meh". Guess I'm in the third camp

Max

[Zen]

Sure, mike.

[KnottedYet]

My universe is simple: I just want everyone to worship ME and donate to MY charities.

Seriously, kids. If you want to donate to a charity, donate directly to that charity. ("Team Survivor" anyone? How about "Gilda's Club"? All you invincible young'uns will be facing this soon... wake up now ya' little sleeping beauties.) Be grateful to the celebrities who promote your favorite charity, but NEVER LOSE SIGHT of the fact that they worship themselves before the charity. That is their nature, and that is their role. Don't belittle them, but don't worship them either. Be grateful to them, and move on.