Take a look at my header. I think it is a foregone conclusion that I am a cyclist. 🙂
I sometimes write about cycling. My efforts. My muscle aches. My accident. Most often relating cycling to life.
I make no apologies for being a Lance Armstrong fan when he was winning his record-setting 7 Tour de France victories. I defended him when accused of using EPO (a blood doping scam). I was disappointed he was guilty. I was pleased when he finally admitted it. I was not happy he received a lifetime ban when all the other users were given maximum two year suspensions and some even less. He doped in an era of dopers. (I know someone will be a smart aleck and say, “What does that make him?”). There is no question he was manipulative, a bully, and a cheat. Yes, he lied. Yes, he tried to cover it up.
I wonder if any of us are any different?
No…I have never used EPO…or any drug for that matter. I have mentioned here before I have never had a smoke, a drink, or taken any drug (unless you consider the caffeine in Diet Dr Pepper a drug). I don’t even drink coffee (can’t stand the taste). But…
But this thing with Lance was, IMHO, over the top. Why? Because he is me. A flawed human being. It is called sin.
But there is a bright side to his story. I just read an article yesterday with the subtitle: “Possibility for Armstrong redemption.” Long story short, his recent testimony to the Cycling Independent Reform Commission may pave the way for the ban to be dropped. Here is the statement:
“I think that there is potential for redemption for him and anyone, really. I think it all depends on what [Armstrong] said to the commission and if he was prepared to talk about his or other people’s involvement and whether he’s genuinely contrite and deserving of redemption,” Cookson said. “I think it has to be said that what Lance did, not that he was the only one or only one involved, but it all depends on what Lance said to the commission and what they come up with. … we have to acknowledge and approve of any redemption in the sentence in the sanctions that he got.”
You are so right. It is easy to cluck our tongues and wag our fingers at others, while being completely blind to our own sins and our own shortcomings and our own faults. I know that I am guilty of that (notice that I use present tense here).
I find myself doing the very same thing from time to time Daniel. Not proud of it either.
Perhaps i am stretching the analogy too far, but it is interesting that though his actions deserve punishment – it is the what is said before the council – the Word offered to the Judge – that has the potential to save him.
Not stretching too far at all Ben. In fact, I wish I had thought of it! 😛
Great analogy, Bill. Too often we, myself included, we are quick to judge others for their failures but overlook our own. Thankfully, God picks us up and carries us across the finish line.
Thanks Pam. And yes, we are prone to be too quick in judging.
I am sure there are varying degrees of what constitutes cheating. I think Armstrong was cheating at the maximum. I think a lifetime ban is appropriate and should have been applied to all that cheated to the same degree. I think they decided he didn’t win any events much less setting any legitimate records.
A message needs to be sent to all who are considering doing similar acts.
Should Jerry Sandusky be allowed to coach Penn State again if he is sorry?
I don’t care if they go to heaven or not. Just don’t let them abuse the privileges they have here.
I understand what you are saying Jeff. I was calling for either “redemption” or same crime same punishment. Maybe it was because he was the centerpiece. Or maybe it was his own arrogance, bullying, and threats. I don’t know as to why he got the lifetime ban. I see what he did and what Sandusky did as two different acts-motives and harm being two reasons. And no, he should never be allowed to coach at PS or anywhere for that matter.
Hi Bill! I remember being so disappointed when it turned out that he was doping. I guess you are right, everyone was doing it, but that still doesn’t make it right.
Redemption. Yes, it should be available for everyone. But I can’t say what would be the best solution, to act as a deterrent and be merciful. That would take better heads than the one I’ve got. I appreciate your mercy for him, and it seems that some are agreeing. I would just like to hear from him that he was sorry. Not sure he’s done that yet? Sorrow, then forgiveness.
Very interesting topic!
Ceil
As one who defended him, Ceil, I was extremely disappointed. I reckon I couldn’t understand how someone who had gone through the cancer garbage he had could possibly want to put more poison into his system. But the lure of fame and fortune is too much for some. Plus he was arrogant and probably thought he would never be caught. That is where his bullying came back to haunt. I’m not sure he is sorry for cheating or sorry for getting caught. But then again…I am a very strong believer in grace and want to extend it to him. I used to pray for his salvation (he was/is an agnostic). His ex-wife Kristen is a committed follower of Jesus from what I understand.
Amen, Bill. The older I get the less I’m looking for justice and the more I seek mercy… We’re all fallen and in need of our precious Savior.
I still am a fan of him as a cyclist. I’ve never understood why doping is illegal. If they want to dope, let them. They still have train and ride the bike.