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Lance Armstrong to admit cheating throughout career... on Oprah?

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  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    As one of Lance's loudest defenders and raised in excess of $10,000 for LIVESTRONG, after reading his teammates and others in the peloton depositions, I gladly admitted to being wrong. He had plenty of opportunities to come clean, *especially* when poop was hitting the fan in October.

    To admit now, especially on Oprah, is like spitting in our face.

    He can try and redeem himself. How, I dunno. But until then, may he get painful arthritis in his sphincter.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • The whole steroid thing, especially in cycling, is basically a non issue as everyone does it. It's all about how he handled things over the years, with the lawsuits and whatnot.
  • Just wait until he cashes in on a book deal, a la Pete Rose.
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The whole steroid thing, especially in cycling, is basically a non issue as everyone does it. It's all about how he handled things over the years, with the lawsuits and whatnot. >>



    Goot Im totally confused by this, the part that its a non issue because everyone does it? Im not picking you apart because I personally am PRO STEROIDS for Pro Sports, just curious..
  • larryallen73larryallen73 Posts: 6,061 ✭✭✭


    << <i>The whole steroid thing, especially in cycling, is basically a non issue as everyone does it. It's all about how he handled things over the years, with the lawsuits and whatnot. >>



    I agree. People who just admit they were wrong can move on with life. Lance has lied to us for years which makes it a lot tougher.

    I want to focus on the good he does but will take some time to get over this.


  • << <i>

    << <i>The whole steroid thing, especially in cycling, is basically a non issue as everyone does it. It's all about how he handled things over the years, with the lawsuits and whatnot. >>



    Goot Im totally confused by this, the part that its a non issue because everyone does it? Im not picking you apart because I personally am PRO STEROIDS for Pro Sports, just curious.. >>




    What I mean is that in a sport such as cycling, steroid users are as common as hockey fans in Canada. Dozens of guys test positive each year, and those are just the guys that TEST positive. Also, in sports in general, steroids aren't really a major issue outside of baseball, cycling and to a lesser degree Boxing and running. Doesn't mean that they aren't used in other sports, but they don't get the same scrutiny as the ones I mentioned. The NFL usually suspends one or two guys a year for it, and it's a few game suspension if I remember correctly. It's usually discussed for a day on sportscenter, and then forgotten about by the majority of fans. The only NFL guys I can recall getting caught with Roids were Merriman, Romanowski (who was only caught due to Balco, and never by the NFL), and Cushing. In baseball and cycling however, there is a cloud of steroids hanging over the entire sport.
  • coinkatcoinkat Posts: 23,111 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I agree with Stown

    Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.

  • JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,847 ✭✭✭✭✭
    at the end of the day Lance is just a DBag................MJ
    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • vladguerrerovladguerrero Posts: 4,077 ✭✭✭


    << <i>As one of Lance's loudest defenders and raised in excess of $10,000 for LIVESTRONG, after reading his teammates and others in the peloton depositions, I gladly admitted to being wrong. He had plenty of opportunities to come clean, *especially* when poop was hitting the fan in October.

    To admit now, especially on Oprah, is like spitting in our face.

    He can try and redeem himself. How, I dunno. But until then, may he get painful arthritis in his sphincter. >>



    To be honest I thinks that's the way you should feel, I remember you supporting him years ago when stuff came up, a real scumbag imo.
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>The whole steroid thing, especially in cycling, is basically a non issue as everyone does it. It's all about how he handled things over the years, with the lawsuits and whatnot. >>



    Goot Im totally confused by this, the part that its a non issue because everyone does it? Im not picking you apart because I personally am PRO STEROIDS for Pro Sports, just curious.. >>




    What I mean is that in a sport such as cycling, steroid users are as common as hockey fans in Canada. Dozens of guys test positive each year, and those are just the guys that TEST positive. Also, in sports in general, steroids aren't really a major issue outside of baseball, cycling and to a lesser degree Boxing and running. Doesn't mean that they aren't used in other sports, but they don't get the same scrutiny as the ones I mentioned. The NFL usually suspends one or two guys a year for it, and it's a few game suspension if I remember correctly. It's usually discussed for a day on sportscenter, and then forgotten about by the majority of fans. The only NFL guys I can recall getting caught with Roids were Merriman, Romanowski (who was only caught due to Balco, and never by the NFL), and Cushing. In baseball and cycling however, there is a cloud of steroids hanging over the entire sport. >>



    Ok gotcha buddy image

  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Paul,

    Goot summed it up pretty well but to put those years of cycling into perspective:

    When TdF victories are stripped, they'll award the yellow jersey to the runner up. Of Lance's 7 wins, everyone on the podium (1st - 3rd place) and then some (think it went up to 14th place one year) subsequently got popped for PEDs. Rather than trying to figure out who rode clean, they just said eff it and wiped those years off the record books.

    The testimony (links) from fellow riders, which range from the bitter to the still highly regarded in the sport today, was damning. Essentially, you didn't ride with top teams unless you were on something. Be it roids, HGH, blood transfusions, and/or anything; the widespread abuse put the late 90's/early '00s in the MLB to shame and the entire peloton were *all* on an equal playing field.

    Please note that I'm not making excuses for Lance and playing the "well, everyone did it!" card. What he did with LIVESTRONG is admirable but the intimidation, lawsuits, and threats to maintain his innocence, not so much.

    My personal conclusion: this is a picture perfect example of the cover up being worse than the crime.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>To be honest I thinks that's the way you should feel, I remember you supporting him years ago when stuff came up, a real scumbag imo. >>



    The atmosphere of last year's ride, which was a day or two after 90% of Lance's sponsors dropped him, was... Simply put, sad. It is what it is and I've moved on. I sincerely hope Lance can one day rehabilitate his image, not for himself, but to save LIVESTRONG.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Interesting stuff Barry, thanks for adding your 2 cents. I truly had no idea that PEDs were rampant in cycling and I mean ZERO clue, and the fact that it was as widespread as you and Goot just mentioned shocks me.

    I cant understand why baseball players get the worst of the public outrage over this dilemma but thats a thread for another day I guess.

  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I cant understand why baseball players get the worst of the public outrage over this dilemma but thats a thread for another day I guess. >>



    Nah, think that discussion is totally appropriate for this thread.

    IMO, baseball is America's pastime and has always been portrayed as a wholesome sport. Cheaters of a the game, most of us grew up playing, are viewed as traitors and a national disgrace.

    Cycling, on the other hand, is more of a European sport. Anyone that has participated in an endurance sport knows how much of a toll it takes on their body. To maintain an edge for about a month of 100+ mile rides, with only a handful of rest days, and especially in the mountain stages, is almost impossible without some type of assistance. Cheating was pretty much just accepted by the fans. They didn't like it and some purists demanded immediate action but it was a culture of "well, everyone is doing it, so..."

    Think of the grueling conditions this way: When I'm in tip-top shape around April for the MS150, I have to eat about 4,000K just to maintain my weight. That's just for a 2-day ride covering +- 180 miles with some tough climbs and I eat like a *pig* the following week to recover. These guys are riding over 2,000 miles in less than 30 days and with some climbs that I couldn't complete if you paid me millions. It's a suffer-fest of epic proportions.

    On the bright side, the sport is trying their best to change the drug culture of cycling. Will it ever be 100% clean? Dunno but think (or at least hope) the fans will no longer bury their heads into the sand.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Here's my data from last year's MS150:

    Day 1

    Day 2

    I burned about 5,600K in two days. For the TdF, they burn that almost every day.

    Like I said, a suffer-fest of epic proportions.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Barry, I consider myself in great "weightlifting" shape, and decent cardio shape well last year my buddy took me on a 25 mile bike ride and let me just say it was gruelling with all the hills ect and it was not all fun! I can totally see why a cyclist would use.

    Good points about the ped use in comparison to Baseball, I definately believe that cycling is one of the toughest sports considering the shape you need to be in to be succesfull, although I do think that any time or money spent outside of league offices of said sport is a complete waste, if proffesional athletes want to better themselves ie: high risk high reward ped use then it should be their choice regardless if the public agrees or not, I think leagues and organizations should consider that.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>ie: high risk high reward ped use then it should be their choice regardless if the public agrees or not, I think leagues and organizations should consider that. >>



    I agree to an extent, only due to legit health concerns. Earl Campbell has been, all things considered, very fortunate after numerous surgeries. Today, the NFL knows you cannot hand the ball off 30+ times a game, every game, for three years without that player becoming a shell of his former self. With PEDs, these guys are dropping dead (either by suicide, inoperable unnatural tumors, and/or Alzheimer's-like symptoms) in their 40s and 50s.

    Yes, athletes do need to hold themselves accountable for ignoring risk v reward and long term effects. But leagues also need to maintain some type of credibility, while keeping the playing field fair and square.

    I don't know where the line should be drawn, that's above my pay grade.

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • estangestang Posts: 1,322 ✭✭✭
    Personally, I have no problem with certain PEDs being legalized. For all we know it could be better for one's health to take some of them.

    The problem is he lied and mis-led & before too long, he'll be sitting in an auto chair @ a Vegas memorabilia shop staring at a thin to empty line of people willing to pay for his autograph...sound familiar?
    Enjoy your collection!
    Erik
  • zendudezendude Posts: 208 ✭✭

    A liar and egomaniac that raised gobs of money for the benefit of fellow humans (and for a large part himself). I'm on the fence with this one.



  • halosfanhalosfan Posts: 2,634 ✭✭✭✭
    As a huge Cycling fan .. I am not on the fence at all. This should not be on Oprah. The way he vilified any and everyone who questioned him was horrendous. I hope they all get their day in court next.
    Looking for a Glen Rice Inkredible and Alex Rodriguez cards
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>This should not be on Oprah. >>



    Think it's safe to say all of his current and previous fans, along with the hatters, collectively said, "Really?".

    May his PR staff come down with flaming diarrhea and painful hemroids.

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • perkdogperkdog Posts: 30,658 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>May his PR staff come down with flaming diarrhea and painful hemroids.

    image >>




    image
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    halosfan ~ I'm a tad tipsy (heh) but just in case it came out the wrong way, that "Really?" was not directed at you.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • halosfanhalosfan Posts: 2,634 ✭✭✭✭
    It's all good Stown ...
    Looking for a Glen Rice Inkredible and Alex Rodriguez cards
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    If Lance really confesses on Oprah, I'll dudu in my hand and throw it in his face.

    Seriously.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts


  • << <i>If Lance really confesses on Oprah, I'll dudu in my hand and throw it in his face.

    Seriously. >>



    You may be more than tipsy now...
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>You may be more than tipsy now... >>



    You're right. Considering my current condition, I really should think this through...
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    So I thought about it and yeah, it's totally appropriate to go primal on Lance's sorry rear if he confesses on Oprah.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>But what is it about his confessing that bothers you so much? >>



    I have zero problem with Lance confessing, it's good for the soul, but I do have a problem with him doing it on Oprah. Per the AP (Link) report, which I guarantee Team Lance approved prior to publication, it will be a "no-holds barred" interview. Well, with a few exceptions:



    << <i>A person with knowledge of the situation told the AP a day earlier that Armstrong will give a limited confession and apologize. He is not expected to provide a detailed account about his involvement, nor address in depth many of the specific allegations in the more than 1,000-page USADA report. >>



    You go on to Oprah for softball questions and to generate sympathy for self-inflicted wounds, not for hard hitting journalism.

    He could salvage respect from his peers and fans if he confessed to one of the numerous media outlets he sued, threatened, and/or intimidated. Long story short, halosfan said it best:



    << <i>This should not be on Oprah. >>



    Hope that satisfies your question, baseball.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    AP source: Armstrong tells Oprah he doped

    Commence Operation Primal Pupu

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Well, now that it's out there, I suggest...

    1) Lance should get in front of cameras tomorrow morning, take full responsibility, accept the USADA's decision, and apologize.
    2) Go directly to the UCI, Olympics, USADA, etc and explain in painstaking detail how he tricked the 500+ drug tests.
    3) Lay low for a year or so and then make a cameo in Dodgeball 2(??) making fun of himself.

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • calaban7calaban7 Posts: 3,003 ✭✭✭
    Maybe he could meet up with Clemons or Bonds or Palmeiro or ........... and they could form some sort or " Club ". The "Club" could then market their " Special Club " and call it the " Transparency Club " so all that wanted could thank them for their " Transparency " and the world could be a better place and the camp fires could glow a little brighter and those that have always lived in the land of make believe could feel better about the world they have created .

    The " Club " really does seem like a great idea . Lots of happy members and happy followers .------ Sonny
    " In a time of universal deceit , telling the truth is a revolutionary act " --- George Orwell
  • DoubleEagle59DoubleEagle59 Posts: 8,315 ✭✭✭✭✭
    One of sport's all-time DBags.
    "Gold is money, and nothing else" (JP Morgan, 1912)

    "“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)

    "I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Oprah on Armstrong: "Did not come clean in the manner I expected" (VIDEO)

    Yet she was "satisfied with the answers"?

    Oh for effs sakes. Seriously?!?

    head->desk head->desk head->desk head->desk head->desk head->desk
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Sigh.

    Oh well. I still sincerely hope Lance somewhat follows my suggestions, post haste, so he can move on to his next chapter in life. Remaining stuck in neutral is no bueno.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • halosfanhalosfan Posts: 2,634 ✭✭✭✭
    Stupid Oprah! ... And we still have to wait for days for this BS to air.

    I want to know if he is going to go scortched earth and try to make a deal with USADA .... USADA
    Looking for a Glen Rice Inkredible and Alex Rodriguez cards
  • JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,847 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Lance will be lucky if Oprah doesn't eat him. She has gotten really big. MJ
    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • MCMLVToppsMCMLVTopps Posts: 4,840 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Who cares...this clown lied for 12 years and destroyed lives along the way. I hope he gets sued by those he wronged. Why is this even a story? He's simply trying to rehab himself back into some sort of acceptance. He needs to remain kicked to the curb and let him rot there.
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,949 ✭✭✭✭
    Come on guys... at least he had the BALL to admit it.

    imageimageimageimageimageimage
  • DoubleEagle59DoubleEagle59 Posts: 8,315 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Maybe Lance is setting himself up for politics?

    Start with a clean slate, right?
    "Gold is money, and nothing else" (JP Morgan, 1912)

    "“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)

    "I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
  • zendudezendude Posts: 208 ✭✭

    I have changed my tune on this clown. The arrogance , constant lies, and bullying that went on all those years was inexcusable. He may go bankrupt just fighting all of the lawsuits that are headed his way.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    I will reserve any further comment until after watching the show.

    Now, if I can just find her network on the teevee....
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Found the channel but it's not in HD.

    Typical.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • drwstr123drwstr123 Posts: 7,038 ✭✭✭✭✭
    ‎7 wheelchair athletes have been banned from the Paralympics after they tested positive for WD40.
  • halosfanhalosfan Posts: 2,634 ✭✭✭✭
    I know Stown ... looks crappy ...
    Looking for a Glen Rice Inkredible and Alex Rodriguez cards
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Well, good on Lance for admitting but there are still waaaaaay too many questions. Perhaps he avoided certain subjects due to potential legal consequences, but then Oprah cannot call it a "no-holds barred" interview. Oprah had no problem declaring she read reports and books, but her ignorance of the sport and being incapable to ask GLARING important follow up questions reiterates this interview should have been done elsewhere. 5 minutes of interview, followed by 3 minutes of commercials (mostly from her network), interrupted *way* too much.

    I've got better things to do on a Friday night than watch the second half, which I bet will be filled with an hour of commercials, so good luck with that.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • calaban7calaban7 Posts: 3,003 ✭✭✭


    << <i>‎7 wheelchair athletes have been banned from the Paralympics after they tested positive for WD40. >>



    image
    " In a time of universal deceit , telling the truth is a revolutionary act " --- George Orwell
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