Lance Armstrong Doping Scandal: Was Surrendering Fight Against USADA Right Call?

It was announced Friday that Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner, will drop his fight with the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) over alleged doping charges, according to multiple sources (via CNN and The Guardian). 

Armstrong's announcement came Friday morning after an attempt to block the USADA's probe failed on Monday.

He announced on his official website:

"

Over the past three years, I have been subjected to a two-year federal criminal investigation followed by Travis Tygart's unconstitutional witch hunt. The toll this has taken on my family, and my work for our foundation and on me leads me to where I am today – finished with this nonsense.

"

Reading the rest of the statement, he sounds like a battered athlete who had been subjected to unjust accusations and is now just ready to accept whatever comes his way.

One would imagine that one of the most inspirational and recognizable American athletes of the past 20 years would have a hard time accepting the stripping of his seven Tour de France titles and a lifetime ban from cycling—possibly even triathlons—which are actions the USADA is planning on taking (via CBS News).

Questions have been raised about the USADA's legitimacy of their claims, with the International Cycling Union (ICU) and USA Cycling, the official committee recognized by the US Olympic Committee, even getting involved, saying that the ICU has jurisdiction over the doping charges. The ICU has refused to comment on the case until the USADA reasonably explains its stance on Armstrong (via CNN).

So it looks as if this is just turning into one big mess, involving one of the most beloved American athletes of all time. Did Armstrong make the right choice conceding to the USADA?

These allegations taint Armstrong's legacy regardless because, even if the USADA drops their charges, there will always be doubts and accusations from others. Some even say that since he conceded, its a red flag that he is guilty of doping.

Particularly damning are the accusations from former teammates and cyclists against Armstrong. The most recent came in May from Tyler Hamilton, who stated that he had seen Armstrong first use EPO (via CBS News), which boosts the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, increasing the flow of oxygen to the heart and lungs, in 1998. 

However, the USADA's declaration that they have official testimony from former teammates against Armstrong is muddied down by the fact that they refuse to reveal who their sources are.

Regardless, Armstrong throwing in the towel can be viewed in one of two ways. Either his concession can be seen as a portrait of a disgruntled, retired athlete who has been harried and harassed and just doesn't care what happens either way and wants to be left alone in order to continue to his cancer work, or he is guilty and he wants to avoid a long and arduous legal battle. 

What do you think? Was it the right move for Lance Armstrong to concede? Let me know in the comments section!