Originally Posted by alanbikehouston

Ullrich was asked by team management whether he had any relationship with the doctors in Spain. His contract requires he get permission from the team to work with "outside" coaches and doctors. Ullrich swore to management that he had never had any sort of relationship with them. He promised them that all of the allegations were false.

Later, the team was given access to documents proving Ullrich had been doing business with those doctors. Ullrich then admitted he had been lying to the team management.

He was not fired for "doping". He was fired for lying and attempting to mislead his team's management and owners.

Of course, this IS cycling, so most members of the Forum will defend Ullrich. Only in cycling are the guys who lie and cheat defended...a sport where the athletes are criminals, and the fans LOVE a criminal.

It says something about modern culture that even after Ullrich admits he violated his contract, admits going to an unapproved doctors, admits lying when he got caught, Forum members are feeling sorry for the guy.