Lance Armstrong Banned and Stripped of TDF Titles

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I see WADA backs USADA:

 

Lance Armstrong's decision not to contest the doping charges against him "means the charges had substance in them," World Anti Doping Agency president John Fahey has said. And the USADA, which brought the charges "now have the right to apply a penalty."

 

"I am confident and WADA is confident that the USADA acted within the WADA code, and that a court in Texas also decided not to interfere," Fahey told the Associated Press. "They now have the right to apply a penalty that will be recognized by all WADA code countries around the world.

"He had a right to contest the charges. He chose not to," Fahey said. "The simple fact is that his refusal to examine the evidence means the charges had substance in them. Under the rules, penalties can now be imposed."

 

 

UCI losing some friends?

 

Indeed.

 

If you read some pages back, someone, I forget their name now, mentioned a very important point that the UCI will be obliged by the IOC to accept the USADA ban, or the sport may be eliminated from the Olympics, as the poster said and I agree, Pat wont risk that, not even for Armstrong.

 

So yeah, I think the UCI will blow some hot air around now because its good for their position, but when it comes down to brass tacks, they will roll over. They have too much to lose.

[ThaStig]

Crazy...

why is that crazy? they will get extra "Mileage" out of this chapter of the story. lotsa publicity.

LA was on a hiding to nothing anyway. No matter what he did he would not have swayed the opinion of those who were anti-LA. Who of you've been in that position where you are innocent but due to suspicion and incredible witnesses you've been found guilty and no amount of arguing on your part will get you off? You can throw good money after bad or just cut your losses and have faith that your friends and family know the truth and support you. just my 10c

[TNT1]

 

LA was on a hiding to nothing anyway.

 

He could have plead guilty to the Tour De Suisse positive, and been done with that. Coulda kept five, maybe six of his TDF wins, and this pile of mud would never have been...

 

But instead he chose to behave like one of the ***** parking outside Bishops'. You reap what you sow.

[#RAH#]

No offence, but I read your thingy twice, and your two cents couldn't buy a used, torn livewrong band.

And you are the president of which cycling governing body???????

 

['Dale]

 

why is that crazy? they will get extra "Mileage" out of this chapter of the story. lotsa publicity. just my 10c

 

So much doubt.

Let's see whether Nike sticks with him into the near future as things have taken a big turn (downward spiral).

['Dale]

And you are the president of which cycling governing body???????

 

 

Its opinion sharing here - no more, no less.

 

You gave yours.

He gave his.

 

Debate on, man.

 

:-)

[Chain-L]

 

 

Sorry? Lance did "more for the sport"? How so? It can just as easily be argued that he and Verbruggen were instrumental in it's greatest downfall.

 

People aspire to be like champions, not one time winners. He inspired more people to take up cycling than a beloki, zulle, or any of the less well known 'new winners'. So you think he was the first to dope and the others followed to keep up? My point is that nothing was gained by the decision to impose a ban and strip him of the titles.

Edited August 24, 2012 by Chain-L

[eddy]

LA was on a hiding to nothing anyway. No matter what he did he would not have swayed the opinion of those who were anti-LA. Who of you've been in that position where you are innocent but due to suspicion and incredible witnesses you've been found guilty and no amount of arguing on your part will get you off? You can throw good money after bad or just cut your losses and have faith that your friends and family know the truth and support you. just my 10c

 

Contrary to popular belief, absolute miscarriages of justice are not the norm, particularly if you are rich and famous and have the financial means to defend yourself.

 

Lance had the opportunity to face his accusers, and if found guilty, to appeal and appeal until the highest court had spoken.

 

Quote from the USADA press statement today :

 

"The evidence against Lance Armstrong arose from disclosures made to USADA by more than a dozen witnesses who agreed to testify and provide evidence about their first-hand experience and/or knowledge of the doping activity of those involved in the USPS Conspiracy as well as analytical data. As part of the investigation Mr. Armstrong was invited to meet with USADA and be truthful about his time on the USPS team but he refused.

 

On June 28, 2012, following a review process set forth in the applicable rules, USADA notified Mr. Armstrong and the other five individuals that the independent review panel’s finding confirmed sufficient and in fact overwhelming evidence, and that USADA was charging them with rule violations.

 

Numerous witnesses provided evidence to USADA based on personal knowledge acquired, either through direct observation of doping activity by Armstrong,or through Armstrong’s admissions of doping to them that Armstrong used EPO, blood transfusions, testosterone and cortisone during the period from before 1998 through 2005, and that he had previously used EPO, testosterone and hGH through 1996. Witnesses also provided evidence that Lance Armstrong gave to them, encouraged them to use and administered doping products or methods, including EPO, blood transfusions, testosterone and cortisone during the period from 1999 through 2005. Additionally, scientific data showed Mr. Armstrong’s use of blood manipulation including EPO or blood transfusions during Mr. Armstrong’s comeback to cycling in the 2009 Tour de France."

 

He knows the evidence against him, he failed in the civil courts to get the arbitration halted, and faced two alternatives:

 

1) have his name dragged through the mud as his misdeeds are testified to by (inter-alia credible) witnesses, before being given his medicine: or

2) take his medicine whilst maintaining his innocence.

 

I think he was advised to do the only sensible thing open to him, and chose not to face George Hincapie.in the witness box.

 

Of course, the "sufficient and in fact overwhelming evidence" could all have been fiction in which case he would have (even if only eventually on appeal) been acquitted - and been an even greater hero to his supporters and would have destroyed his detractors. Something I am sure he would have loved..

Edited August 24, 2012 by eddy

[goya-goya]

I read all your guys babble... and you are all fickle!

 

Ready to pounce like a starving cat [sic]!

 

From reading the comments I can see that very few of you actually know anything about the cases and processes...

 

So do yourself a favor and do some reading... not on this forum... in places where there are credible journalists... it makes a great read... make up your own mind after getting some facts... that can never be a bad thing...

 

GO Lance GO!!! :clap:

[Mellow]

People aspire to be like champions, not one time winners. He inspired more people to take up cycling than a beloki, zulle, or any of the less well known 'new winners'. So you think he was the first to dope and the others followed to keep up? My point is that nothing was gained by the decision to impose a ban and strip him of the titles.

 

Julius Malema also inspire many people Why ? The people inspired either don't have all the facts and knowledge (lied to repeatedly) or they share much of the same values.

 

MO is that a lot has been gained. One word I have read "Finally" sums it up. Not finally justice, but finally its over. Its actually a relief. Over.....mmm.... maybe not

Edited August 25, 2012 by Mellow

[bassasdaindia]

 

 

Julius Malema also inspire many people Why ? The people inspired either don't have all the facts and knowledge (lied to repeatedly) or they share much of the same values.

 

MO is that a lot has been gained. One word I have read "Finally" sums it up. Not finally justice, but finally its over. Its actually a relief. Over.....mmm.... maybe not

 

IT DEFINITELY AIN'T OVER ! it's just the beginning !

[Pieter1]

Me and Lance Armstrong have a lot in common. We both never won the tour de france.

[bassasdaindia]

http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/08/24/how-lance-armstrong-lost-his-tour-de-france-titles/

 

a good article which is in lance's favour

[TNT1]

"USADA has shown some true grit by not backing down from a popular and wealthy athlete and showing that clean sport is a right for every athlete. If Lance really wants to help his foundation and help people with cancer, he should admit to the past, apologize and move forward with a clear conscience."

 

I agree with Frankie.

 

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/frankie-andreu-responds-to-armstrongs-ban

['Dale]

I placed this in the 'doper's thread'.

Le'me place it year.

 

Well considered article by a former PRO.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/12/opinion/sunday/how-to-get-doping-out-of-sports.html?_r=2&ref=opinion

[Dirtbreath]

We've found a witch! Can we burn her?

How do you know she's a witch?