Think of the Children

Check out my inspiration at http://www.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/05/is-floyd-landis-telling-the-truth-about-lance-armstrong/1?csp=outbrain

Oh Lance, how could you disappoint me? Lance Armstrong may be considered one of the finest riders today, yet shall we dismiss recent allegations that raise questions of his seven consecutive Tour de France wins? It’s like finding out Santa Clause doesn’t circumnavigate the globe, delivering presents and eating cookies. Floyd Landis rightfully admitted to doping, in the controversial 2006 Tour, but narced out America’s hero, Lance Armstrong.

Frankly, it doesn’t bother me if Lance juices. I’d like to believe the Tour de France functions as twenty one days of clean cycling, but let’s face it, that’s impossible if you want to compete today. It’s like asking Keith Richards to play concerts sober. The pelotons travel faster than ever, both because of improved bicycle technologies and steroids.

Performance enhancing drugs damage the integrity of the sport, but should Lance admit to his follies? If he confessed, I wouldn’t even bother placing an asterisk next to his 1999-2005 wins. It may improve drug testing on the tour or raise awareness for our demands on athletes. I question our love affair with Lance, and wonder if we (the American public) pushed him to cheat.

Floyd Landis deserves credit for his actions. If more athletes were honest, the sport may be seen in a respectable light. Lance Armstrong may never openly address his involvement with doping, but won’t someone think of the children. Lance, you’re an icon. If you want to be genuine I urge you to produce a better response to Floyd’s accusations. “It’s his word against mine,” (Lance) only portrays you as a bigger phony.