Is Lance Armstrong the biggest cheater in sports history?

[JAB5239]

Interesting article that says Armstrong is indeed sporting histories biggest cheater. Do you agree?

[1bad65]

I tend to agree. He dominated a sport like it had never been dominated before. Turned out he had the highest levels of the sport hiding his cheating, as he was the force behind the booming popularity (and thus money) of cycling. He fooled Hollywood, Presidents and other world leaders, and even alot of fellow athletes. He has the US Postal Service among his major sponsors. He became a national hero. There was talk of him running for Governor of Texas.

Add to that; the way he reacted to charges was the most awful of the steroid users I've seen in all of sports. You would see other athletes storm out of interviews, or curse at the interviewer and things like that, but Armstrong took it to new levels. He literally set out to personally destroy anyone who publicly accused him, and even threatened those who knew the truth and stayed quiet who he feared might talk. He would threaten to destroy their professional lives and smear their private lies. He was vile and viscous, and against those just telling the truth.

[4truth]

I don’t even blame him for what he did. During that period of time you could not even be competitive without doing what every other rider was doing. His greatest crime was that he did what everyone else was doing but did it better.

[GhostofDempsey]

To win seven consecutive titles while juiced up likely exceeds any other athlete outside of pro bodybuilding where Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney each won eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles. Though we will never know how many titles changed hands in boxing between boxers who were using PEDs that went undetected since the 1980’s to present. From what I have read and understand, cycling was similar to bodybuilding in that everyone was juicing and it was the only way to remain competitive. Officials just look the other way. I think he just pissed off the wrong people and they took him down from his ivory tower.

[Blond Beast]

I don’t even blame him for what he did. During that period of time you could not even be competitive without doing what every other rider was doing. His greatest crime was that he did what everyone else was doing but did it better.

I’m with you. I always knew he was on the gear. Didn’t bother me. It’s a highly doped sport, always has been. Nobody destroys everyone up the mountains clean while beating a bunch of other guys that are doped. All the rest of the bikers know he is the best, and it’s not because of the drugs. People who have never taken PEDs are the ones who promote them the most. They are the ones who tell everyone that if you just take drugs you will be a champion. They pretend it enhances eyesight, coordination, heart, determination, skill, technique etc. Some fans lose their mind when a fighter gets popped for gear... but when a fighter gets away with several low blows in a fight it’s nothing. It’s just being “crafty” or “dirty” in a way that’s acceptable or sometimes even admired. Other than heavyweights, most boxer even if on gear had to make the same weight their opponent did. I’d rather a boxer was on all the gear in the world than be allowed to get away with several hard low blows. Just some perspective. I’m not saying any of its “fair”. But Paulie M, isn’t going to be able to take anything that will make him punch harder than his opponent let alone kill someone in the ring. People will try to tell you otherwise. We let champs fight 50-1 underdogs. That’s how someone gets badly hurt. But we’re fine with that. Gear is cheaper than a Starbucks Iced frap a week, anyone who thinks they would become a badass champion if only...

[Anthony342]

Worse than cheaters in baseball even? Worse than Barry Bonds or Mark McGwire? I don't really care who takes what, BTW.

[LaidOut]

I’m with you. I always knew he was on the gear. Didn’t bother me. It’s a highly doped sport, always has been. Nobody destroys everyone up the mountains clean while beating a bunch of other guys that are doped. All the rest of the bikers know he is the best, and it’s not because of the drugs. People who have never taken PEDs are the ones who promote them the most. They are the ones who tell everyone that if you just take drugs you will be a champion. They pretend it enhances eyesight, coordination, heart, determination, skill, technique etc. Some fans lose their mind when a fighter gets popped for gear... but when a fighter gets away with several low blows in a fight it’s nothing. It’s just being “crafty” or “dirty” in a way that’s acceptable or sometimes even admired. Other than heavyweights, most boxer even if on gear had to make the same weight their opponent did. I’d rather a boxer was on all the gear in the world than be allowed to get away with several hard low blows. Just some perspective. I’m not saying any of its “fair”. But Paulie M, isn’t going to be able to take anything that will make him punch harder than his opponent let alone kill someone in the ring. People will try to tell you otherwise. We let champs fight 50-1 underdogs. That’s how someone gets badly hurt. But we’re fine with that. Gear is cheaper than a Starbucks Iced frap a week, anyone who thinks they would become a badass champion if only...

You've made some valid points here. Props to you for speaking truth and with good perspective. A rarity in these forums.

[Blond Beast]

You've made some valid points here. Props to you for speaking truth and with good perspective. A rarity in these forums.

Thanks. I have lots of things to say to the relevance of taking or not taking them. We’ve all increased the risk to ourselves and others by speeding and we often feel unlucky for getting caught cause we assume everyone else does it. But if someone cuts in line it’s worth standing up to them for everyone else’s sake that are obeying the rules. I can go on and on, but there will be another gear post soon to weigh in on. There’s no perfect answer.

[Beercules]

I think so yes


One ball Armstrong

[Dakuwaqa]

ATG cheater