I, like many people, was shocked when I heard today that cyclist Lance Armstrong gave up his fight against doping allegations, effectively forfeiting his seven Tour De France titles, his prize money, medals and perhaps his honor as the greatest cyclist ever to ride. Beyond his personal collateral damage, his Livestrong nonprofit stands to take a massive hit as its namesake, figurehead and primary spokesman goes the way of so many remarkable athletes before him.
Granted, Armstrong does not admit to using performance-enhancing drugs in giving up the fight against the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), but as one commentator on National Public Radio noted this morning, he and the franchises associated with him have far too much to lose for him simply to give up because he’s weary of the struggle. Giving up the legal battle is, in the court of public opinion, at least, tantamount to a confession.
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