If you cheat in competition then nothing else you did matters. All this excusing of cheaters is exactly what's wrong in competition today and sportsmanship is dead. You can see it every day in the way parents behave in youth sports. It's absolutely despicable. And it is btw the same mentality used by thieves who feel like if they were smart enough to pull it off and steal from you then they deserve the loot and did nothing wrong.
In response to the below, as a fellow Texan, that's a bunch of horse****! Please don't speak for the rest of us because you aren't representing us!
Originally Posted by
canklecat
As a fellow Texan, while I wouldn't have done what Lance did I can understand why he did it. The ruthless, robber baron approach to success is bred into the Texas psyche. You end up being one or working for and being exploited by them. Not much in between. He's said he didn't want to end up as a plumber from Dusty Flatte Prairie, Texas, so he found a way out by perfecting and systematizing the doping and cheating that had existed for over a century.
I haven't met Lance but he participates in some events here. Many of my cycling friends have ridden with him. I haven't heard many negative comments. I think most Texans understand, even if they don't necessarily approve. We're also quick to forgive successful scoundrels. He was good at what he did, and he's still good at what he does now. He's outspoken, opinionated, entertaining and a bit arrogant, maybe even a bit of an *******. He's just a guy like many I know out here. I'd ride with him and drink a beer. I wouldn't join him in any business partnerships.