Hypocrisy
Fri, December 6, 2013 In this recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in Rome, Lance Armstrong is still whining that he got a raw deal and was treated unfairly compared to others who doped.
He stated that there is, “A lot of hypocrisy in cycling.” I would say there is less hypocrisy now that Lance Armstrong has been removed. He is the epitome of hypocrisy.
Lance Armstrong beat cancer and came back to win the Tour de France. If he had left it at that, he would still be a beloved celebrity, heading his cancer foundation. He could have taken that one monumental achievement to the bank for the rest of his life.
But no, he was not content with that. Not even content to go on and equal the record number of five wins achieved by several of the world’s greatest ever cyclists.
Not content to beat the previous record and win it six times. No, he had to bury the record at seven times. And even that was not enough, he came back after three years in retirement to try to win again. That was his downfall, no one likes a show-off.
I cannot stand people who bring down a ton of crap on themselves, then whine that it is someone else’s fault. Yes LA doped in an era when everyone doped, but he was the King Pin who took it to a never before seen level of sophistication and organization.
Other people who doped did not sue, and destroy the lives of people who spoke out against them. Others did not manipulate the press, or hide behind the mantle of Cancer Savior. Even today people who win races are accused of doping, but none are suing people for saying it.
Armstrong says he is through with cycling and has no desire to compete again ever. Well that is great news, because the sport of cycling can sure as hell do without Lance Armstrong. He has all but destroyed professional cycling, and it will take years to restore it to any level of credibility.
After Rome, LA is heading for Paris. I am sure the French will be even less sympathetic than the Italians. He says he has taken up golf. Golf was one of the last sports to allow people of color, and women into their exclusive clubs. I doubt there will be any welcome banners out for a disgraced ex-cyclist.
I wish Lance Armstrong would just disappear, I get tired of looking at his face, which is why I didn’t post a picture here. I don’t plan on making a habit of writing about Armstong. There is already too much written about him, without me adding to the shit pile. It was just the “Hypocrisy in Cycling,” quote I couldn’t let go by without having a little rant.
Thanks for indulging me. Feel free to post your own views in the comment section.
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Reader Comments (18)
On top of what you've said, it also make sense for him to catch more flack for his cheating than others because he benefited from his cheating more than others benefit from theirs. The higher you fly, the further you fall.
GREED that's what it's all about, How about ALL the money that TREK made? L/A made them a bike company they would never have dreamed of without him. Sad sorry world we live in now. Make DOPE LEGAL let them all do it, Best doper wins, At least we wont have to look at them for long.
If I might be permitted to make one correction to your post. You stated,"Yes LA doped in an era when everyone doped........." I beg to disagree. There were clearly those who did not, tried to speak out about it and paid, at times, a career ending price.
Granted their numbers were few, but in my eyes they were the true champions of the L.A. era.
Hi Dave,
He's right about the hypocrisy, however I wouldn't want him too disappear to far until after he's under testified under oath which he has eluded so far, for hopefully get a broader view of the issue.
Questions in this mess I've not seen asked are:
What is the supply chain that supplies a whole sport at whim with enough drugs for those who want it.? Didn't see that asked when Festina were rumbled with a car full or since.
Apart from a dodgy Italian and Spanish doctor, where is the investigations into team doctors from their respective legal and medical governing bodies.?
Where does the money come from to pay for this sophisticated sytem.?
Maybe he can do a public service and shine some light on those aspects and others that haven't been asked yet.
Lindsay Lohann, Charlie Sheen, Tiger Woods, et. al., pick yer train wreck, but the average punters are drawn like flies around a garbage can to shallow celebrities and their bizarre lives. Can't help thinking that Armstrong is looking for the same sort of return to prominence in the wider sense, not giving a monkeys what the biking community think.
First step, dancing with the stars?
It's inconceivable to me that Indurain won his victories cleanly, but a little discreet silence goes a long way.
Of all human faults hypocrisy is the worst. I trust almost everyone (even LA) until they admit wrongdoing or are proven so. Then I say, "Pack 'em up and ship them off. . . far, far away from me."
Keith is asking the all important question. Where does the stuff come from ? Who makes it, sells it, buys it and passes it to the riders ? Again I ask how, when we are talking dope does sport compare to rock-n-roll ? And just how much money are we looking at ?
I had no idea it was so simple .
Dave,
as usual, a great post. I'm with you: he (Lance) needs to go away now. He can take with him Oprah, Lindsay, Paris, etc.
Regardless of what we say (or what we want to believe), all these people are role models for the young people of this world, and they (in a part of various 'size') degrade our society. What happened to 'do the right thing, especially when NOBODY is watching?'
It seems that a 'truly felt' apology is usually the result of somebody getting busted. It's a crock!
However, I do agree with the hypocrisy in cycling comment. All of the 'good guys' that got reduced sentences, did so AFTER they had decided that their career was over. I feel sorry for people like Dave Z who used cycling to get out of a bad situation, only to fall into another one. I feel sorry for George H. who was such a hero for sticking to his role, and doing it the best possible way. I don't feel sorry for Frankie and Betsy. They benefited from being around LA during the 'good times', and they are benefiting now from all the notoriety.
Each and every one of them had the choice to not go along with all the shenanigans, blow the whistle however many years ago, and distance themselves from all of this. They did not.
We all need to understand that it's only SPORTS. It's not meant to be the guiding light of how to go through life...
Hi Dave, where did your comment on EPO on prescription go ? That's what I meant with ' so simple '.
AnthonyC,
My apologies but I decided to use the Amgen story for my next post. I didn't think you would respond so quickly.
Dave
Really looking forward to it !
Sadly, it seems the NPD is at work here. He's not going to wake up a different person one day; nor make any serious attempt to change his interactions with the world. Wikipedia has a nice summary of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It's a spectrum, and some things don't apply, but a lot of those features do.
In a previous life as a Registered Psych Nurse; I always felt sad for people with severe personality aberrations. More so sometimes than people who experience acute psychotic episodes but then have periods where they function quite well, and interact with others in a seemly manner. By 'sad' I mean it must be like being trapped in a cage, but then still be able to cause great harm to others.
The standout polar opposite was LeMond, IMO.
A strange world, sometimes.
Dancing with the stars would be hilarious! Or, maybe he can get a gig as the dictator of a third world country, with his personality and "people skills" he could be quite effective. I'm sure he has enough money for a closet full of Mao suits and some over sized sunglasses (maybe some Factory Pilots)...
He needs to 'go away', but organisations need to stop giving him oxygen, as well.
I would like to make just ONE more comment on Armstrong. In my feeble mind he did a LOT of good for cycling! He stirred up an interest in cycling and racing, He helped put the good ole USA on the cycling map once again. HE WAS responsible for un told GLORY and sales and of course PROFIT for an AMERICAN company TREK. whose name is now on par with Schwinn and Raleigh, Armstrong regardless of his problems did do a LOT for cycle racing and to promote cycling. Pro sports are all alike, Drugs and corruption run rampart in them, BUT you DONT HAVE TO WATCH THEM IF YOU DONT FEEL RIGHT ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON. Its up to YOU!
The Armstrong rabbit once again pops out of the hat. I liked the Dancing with the Stars comment, perfect stage upon which LA could attempt his come back. Like flies to rotting meat we do seem to be drawn to his story.
Doping in cycling has been going on since cycling became a competitive sport; I learned that right here from you Dave. Armstrong is a dick, no doubt about it, and I would prefer if we never heard from him again. I still watch some of those TdFs however. EPO made the peloton go like never before, and the battles with Basso, Ullrich and others still make for exciting viewing.
Well said!