Thoughts on the Lance Armstrong dopping issue.

[Team Jetfire]

http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloom...es-3813190.php

I don't really know what to think about it. He's not my hero, but he has done a lot of positive things in his life and a lot of kids probably look up to him.

[Perceptor]

A friend of mine is a serious triathlete and to him this event doesn't change how highly he thinks of Armstrong. He said the process was stupid. I also saw an interview with a branding guru who said the Armstrong brand and what he stands for will continue to resonate with people. He expects negative impact from this to last shorter than the Tiger Woods affair.

[juxtapose519]

The way I see it, there's no excuse for using performance enhancing substances. Using your fame and earnings to do good things doesn't make up for the fact that you robbed others of the opportunity to do the same things legitimately.

I'm not entirely convinced that he did or didn't do it, but if he did... he's an asshole.

[Perceptor]

According to some reports his former teammates said he did use them. However in this case it seems he is guilty until proven innocent (to the governing body). I guess since it's not a court of law, those governing bodies can ban anyone at their discretion. I suspect quite a few high level athletes use some sort of aid but are careful around testing times. Doesn't make it right but shouldn't there be a process to prove guilt first? Armstrong's guilt is not proven here, though many may say that OJ Simpson's guilt was not proven neither (in a very different context I realize).

[juxtapose519]

Originally Posted by Perceptor

Doesn't make it right but shouldn't there be a process to prove guilt first?

Well from the sounds of the article, there *IS* a process that would prove his innocence, but he refuses to comply because it's "biased and unfair".

That more than anything makes me believe he's lying.

[racerguy76]

The actual governing body for the Tour de France has not stripped him of his titles yet, the headline is misleading. It's only the US anti-doping agency that has "stripped" him of his wins and I'm pretty sure they have no juristiction in France. or over the International Cycling Union. This is their 4th try at trying to discredit him. I'm going to side with Lance, there is more going on here than a simple doping issue.

[sikkbones]

I don't care.

[Pascal]

Roadies have been turbocharged for a long time now, it's no secret. I never believed Armstrong was clean.

Also, his foundation may not be as generous as you think...

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor...-Lab-Rats.html

[Knockout]

doesnt bother me at all.

[Cheers Ian]

Seems like someone has a personal vendetta against Lance.

And does it really matter at this point? He's made his millions - He's happy.