Lance Armstrong's Expected Public Confession to Doping Is Pointless Exhibition
Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is reportedly set to confess in an interview with Oprah Winfrey to doping throughout his decorated cycling career, per ESPN.
If I had a choice and I weren't required to stay abreast of "major" sports news, I'd skip this Q&A.
While I understand a good percentage of people remotely interested in the topic will tune in, I don't see the point in this. Admissions after everyone generally knows you're guilty are ridiculous. It's like admitting you were pregnant at your child's second birthday party. We'd pretty much figured it out, Lance.
The dirty pampers/stripping of Tour de France titles kind of gave it away.
This interview will supply an image to the heartbreak diehard Armstrong fans are feeling. It'll also serve as a means of empty validation for his detractors and accusers.
Possibly, Armstrong is looking for personal redemption—or at least attempting to repair the image of one of the organizations he has been associated with in the past.
As many know, Armstrong is a cancer survivor, and he founded Livestrong, an organization that supports cancer patients. Some have questioned the authenticity of the organization because of Armstrong's sins in the sports world.
I find that a bit ridiculous and further proof that many of look at sports from the wrong perspective.
If, God forbid, Tim Tebow were to get suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs, that shouldn't erase the memory of the funds he raised for an orphanage in the Phillipines and Shands Hospital pediatric cancer center in Gainesville (via TimTebowFoundation.org).
I have never been an Armstrong fan. He's always come off as a bit of jerk and like someone I'd never really want to have a conversation with—that's entirely separate from the doping allegations.
However, I fail to see the connection in what Livestrong attempts to do and cheating in cycling. I wrote as much in a previous article that describes what I take from Armstrong's contribution to the world.
In the bigger picture, Armstrong should still represent hope for those fighting cancer. People battling this terrible disease shouldn't be deterred from the sense of hope that a famous survivor may provide. Anyone that beats the disease has triumphed, but the reality is that a famous person's victory over the disease has a better chance of affecting the hearts of the masses.
We shouldn't need a no-holds-barred confessional with Oprah to restore that concept.
As far as sports and ethics are concerned, Armstrong is tainted forever. The public sit-down with Oprah won't change that. This interview is going to amount to nothing more than the exploitation of a morally beaten and humbled man.
Though I'm sure Armstrong is knowingly complying as a means to some end, I take no satisfaction in watching such things. This is just the final episode in a soap opera with a predictable ending.
Pardon me, but if I'm simply looking to be entertained, I'd rather be watching sports.
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