OMG USADA Lance etc

[lovelygamer]

I don't agree that him dropping the fight against them, admits guilt. I also don't agree that they should be allowed to ban him for life when he has never been convicted.

[Eden]

I don't agree that him dropping the fight against them, admits guilt. I also don't agree that they should be allowed to ban him for life when he has never been convicted.

I'll admit when I first heard that he was giving in that it sounded tantamount to an admission of guilt, but then I read his statement and I think it's just the opposite... He may be taking the best route here - rather than trying to fight it out and having to attempt to "explain" things he's just saying enough is, enough and that they've created impossible demands. I have told my story and if you can't accept it, there's no way I can give you more....

It's smart if you ask me - look at the other guys who have tried to fight - ie. Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis. Both of them ended up so desperately trying to explain away things that their stories became so twisted and outlandish that it became believe anything they said and they tripped themselves up, by telling too many fish tales.....

[nuliajuk]

How the heck can they strip him of his Tour titles? They don't run the Tour, or even pro cycling. That's up to the UCI, which is based in Europe.

[Penny4]

Is the USADA over all US sports? How long have they been aroudn?

Can anyone give a 101 description of the various orgs involved?
USADA? UCI? Are there others?

Sorry, I only really started watching TDF and other cycling events this year and am just not familiar with all the orgs and very confused!

[jessmarimba]

How the heck can they strip him of his Tour titles? They don't run the Tour, or even pro cycling. That's up to the UCI, which is based in Europe.

I think because UCI agreed to follow the USADA doping standards, they *have* to strip them if they want to be considered in compliance. So I guess the decision really lies with UCI in the long run, but they've been sort of backed into a corner.

[jessmarimba]

I'm sure there are a million articles and op-ed pieces on this whole fiasco, but I thought this was a well-written commentary:

http://www.pelotonmagazine.com/Wilco...Armstrong-Case

[ny biker]

Does someone want to give the short version of what the heck is wrong with his former teammates that they would all be willing to testify against him?

So they all cheated, and now turn on him. Let's ignore the lack of character doping implies. This lack of loyalty is disturbing. What a bunch of characterless jerks.

So far it's all rumor, but I think they were offered a deal -- we know you doped too, tell us what he did and we'll let you off easy.

If they have any info from the federal investigation, then I think the various teammates could have been jailed for perjury if they didn't tell the truth. However I don't know if USADA has any of that information, since I think I read everything from those types of investigations are sealed once they are closed.

[smilingcat]

I'm starting to think USADA is out to get UCI and TdF. It's not American ya know... The whole thing stinks of witch hunt.

Why not the NFL, NHL, NBA, All american baseball AL and NL...

Yes women's cycling, we do have cheaters. gnat says claritin-D, and I used to know someone who used banned stuff. Just go to your local "muscle" gym and get to know the pumped up guys.

No matter how much drug I take, I'll never outperform any reasonably fit cat-4 racers. Just too old, out of shape and just too spooked to take chances for a crash.

slightly on a different note and on a lighter side of things http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQhHyHkCeBo

[Anyabeth]

I am not a particular Lance fan but their case seems to be largely that they feel he must have cheated (and I think he probably did) but didn't manage to catch him so that is PROOF that there was a conspiracy. It is ugly and I don't think helps sport at all. I think it interesting that the USADA goes after cycling and baseball but leaves football alone (despite some high profile positive tests) and the NBA doesn't even test.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm starting to think USADA is out to get UCI and TdF. It's not American ya know... The whole thing stinks of witch hunt.

Why not the NFL, NHL, NBA, All american baseball AL and NL...

You know, I have never been able to get at all interested in ANY pro sports...not TdF, none of it. Because there is just an ugly culture of money and drugs and illegal and/or immoral behavior being brushed under the rug. I can't invest my time in that.

But, yeah, we know there are EPO users in other high-profile American sports--why is the scrutiny not equal?

[Dogmama]

How the heck can they strip him of his Tour titles? They don't run the Tour, or even pro cycling. That's up to the UCI, which is based in Europe.

Good point!!!

I really do think he made the right decision given his work with Livestrong. I am annoyed that he is making himself out to be a victim. When you put yourself out there, you're going to get criticized. He's made millions with endorsements. The American people are amazingly forgiving when it comes to certain populations (look at Michael Vick, the dog fighter, NFL pro).

[Irulan]

I opted for a Season 2 Downton Abbey marathon.

[smilingcat]

We all have our flaws.

Tragedy for his children... Tragedy for the innocent around him and who believed in him.

[Crankin]

I agree. I keep thinking of my son, who started cycling and racing, in 1999, right at the beginning of the Lance hoopla. I have such a vivid memory of renting a cottage on the Cape, that had OLN, and he and my DH sitting mesmerized, watching the TdF. Lance was really a hero to my son.
But, I am realistic, and I just think this whole thing sucks for racing in general. I've been close to the racing scene through first my son, and then my exchange student. Both are "nice boys," who always felt a little bit stymied by the whole thing. Thankfully, my exchange student got over the pro team he was on folding, and is now a successful coach and amateur racer and my son rides for fun. But, I just wonder how this whole attitude of "we'll do anything to win," affected them.

[Dogmama]

But, I just wonder how this whole attitude of "we'll do anything to win," affected them.

Exactly what weighs on my mind. I don't think he's truly sorry that he doped. I think he's sorry that he got caught. And apparently he was dirty for his comeback too - so he's not done lying.

One theory about "why now" is that he thinks he has escaped the statute of limitations. However, if he doped in foreign countries, wouldn't their laws pertain? Wouldn't the French love this? Oo-la-la, Lance!