Is zero tolerance too absolute?
 

Armstrong alleged that drugs are prolific in all sports. I believe he is correct. It leaves us all confused disappointed and concerned about the state of sports and young people attracted to sports.

How has that affected the records being set by all athletes and what do those records mean? How has it effected the integrity of sports? If a player has no qualms about doping, steroids, etc will they draw the line as to bribes, fixes, etc? Essentially has the alleged widespread of drug use corrupted sports? I admit zero tolerance has great appeal to me and so when it comes to the topic of integrity I automatically default to zero tolerance. Perhaps some may see that attitude as too absolute?

Doesn't seem to be too practical with respect to testing. Armstrong certainly got a way with it a long time as have many other athletes. They develop a new drug and then they need a new test for it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/06/sp...anted=all&_r=0

"Critics, however, question how rigorous the company’s programs are. They say Drug Free Sport often fails to adhere to tenets of serious drug testing, like random, unannounced tests; collection of samples by trained, independent officials; and testing for a comprehensive list of recreational and performance-enhancing drugs." from above linked article.

No.
It seems he did it to win races and now he wants to say he did it so he can go back into sports. Seems that he is willing to change is public appearance to get whatever he wants.

unfairness to others in race
 

It seems that these days we are all looking for that miracle to give us extreme speed, extreme life expectancy, to be smarter be stronger, etc. and all the enhanced vitamins and supplements that enhance strength and energy it seems unfair that all the other contenders didnt have the same advantage that he did. We followed him and was a great supporter of his, but felt let down as if he somehow tricked us into thinking he had a natural gift and supernatural strength that was born to win. Hes gonna have a hard time if ever at all to come back from this one.

Armstrong lied to everyone for so many years about not using Performing Enhancing Drugs but now admits doing it. He is scum.

In addition to the lying and cheating, he tried to destroy or keep quiet other people thru intimidation and lawsuits. That bothers me even more.

Not every athlete is using PED's but there is an awful lot of it going around.
Baseball records are now muddled by the PED users. I say, don't admit them to the Hame of Fame as punishment for their cheating.

Athletes are getting bigger and stronger. This should only be attained through natural means like food, nutritional supplements, (no PED's), and hard training.

Let the PED athletes go into The Hall Of Shame.

As far as cycling goes, no, he can not redeem himself. That being said do not forget what he has done for cancer research and support for cancer victims. Does that mean it's OK? NO! It does mean that many people cancer patients have benefited from Livestrong. His organization has made a significant contribution to these people. Too bad he has tarnished it all. I hope the Livestrong organization can continue it's great work....probably with a new name.

I blame it all on sports addiction. Armstrong is so addicted to his sport that he wants to confess and be forgiven so he can get back into competition. And millions of sports fans are addicted to watching. Let's stop being sports addicts.

I have to agree to disagree. Armstrong is finished with competetive racing.

A certain a mount of the athletic community are users of PED's and I would like to think it's a small percentage but the actual percentage is undertermined. I certainly wouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

For those of use sport nuts, I would never stop watching sports but certainly hope that whatever sport I watch, it's athletes are clean and true competitors.

I have to sit back and think on all that is said. If a man can claim he did not have sex with that woman, and still be respected as he is, then anything is possible in this era of story tellers.
Can it be blamed on the athletes them selves, or should some of the blame be also put on the companies and so on that sponsor them. And the people that tell them you need to do this because this guy or girl is better than you.
I agree with a earlier post that Tim Tebow and others are great role models. Some athletes will get no attention what so ever. It is the ones that play the support role on a team and do not want to be the superstar that we should look up to. Without the team, no individual will be great!!!!

Same question goes for Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, and Shoeless Joe Jackson!

:agree:

I truly wonder if anyone really cares? The US Postal Service could their money back.