Comments on: Talking about Judging, Doping, and The Levi Effect

By: DenHaag

DenHaag — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:06:50 +0000

When the riders try to justify themselves by saying ‘everyone was at it’, something I hear repeated a lot in discussions btw, I do feel it’s a bit of a cop out.

I think that, after the Festina affair, a large proportion of the French riders were racing clean. I know this isn’t because they’re morally superior or anything but ‘cos they were monitored heavily (for the time) and the fact that it became a criminal offence there. How would you feel, riding in your home tour, and not being able to compete.

We’ve also got to remember all those riders that became disillusioned and left the sport, possibly never to return, even as amateurs.

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 07:57:52 +0000

I understand your thoughts about how everyone has made mistakes in their life – BUT these were grown men making these choices. I am confused on why these men are all blaming Lance for the decisions that they made. Choices have consequences and in cycling, these men know that if they get caught doping there is only a limited time ban and then they can continue making money to race their bikes again. They made the choice and while yes we all have made bad choices, we also have all had to deal with consequences from the choices. I feel that USADA making a ‘deal’ with Levi and the others shows young riders that you can get away with things with just a slap on the wrist. I just feel that these grown men are trying to blame Lance for their own decisions. I’m glad you support your friend Levi (as you should – that’s what friend’s do for each other) – I just feel that making ‘deals’ with USADA ad blaming Lance for their choices is not being honest – it seems to me to be looking for excuses for why they did what they did.

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By: JPrummer

JPrummer — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 04:34:56 +0000

PS..when the USADA report came out you were the first person I thought of and how you were handling it all.

PPS..I am still a bit upset with Levi because I stood in line for a long time to get his autograph and they closed the line at me and I was the last in line. lol

By: JPrummer

JPrummer — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:42:04 +0000

I see all things in life as black or white no shades of gray. It’s either right or wrong. The gray area is only excuses for perpetuating the wrong. However I also believe in forgiveness because we all make mistakes. Would I have made the choices Levi made…..probably yes.

Fatty you seem to be a genuinely nice caring person. Thanks for posting on these subjects which can’t be easy for you. You are now my cycling hero.

By: saddened

saddened — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 02:08:01 +0000

The issue of doping is so multi-faceted it is hard to know where to begin.

First, is how doping is a reflection of the flaws of human nature, and is also a curious reflection on our society. How did we go from the 60s and 70s where drug use was rampant in the general population (to enhance our performance in having pleasure), to where we are now where all drugs are looked down upon, except those which we regulate and tax.

Second, what do we call the companies that now drop Lance and Levi and the other men who admitted doping. Hypocritical? Exploitative? Or capitalism at its worst? Once these guys stop making money for them, they are dropped like a hot potato. What do we think of a company like Nike, that still sponsors Michael Vick, whose actions purposefully led to the death of another living being?

Third, Lance and Levi and the others not only made their own fame and fortune, but directly enriched their sponsors and the race directors, so why aren’t the sponsors and the race directors being asked to hand back their earnings?

All the players involved – the riders, the race directors, the sponsors – were corrupted by power and fortune. And Lance, who had absolute power, was corrupted absolutely.

By: wunnspeed

wunnspeed — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:29:44 +0000

Sure it sucks that Levi was a user, but it seems most are these days. Sadly. In any case, to me, it takes a lot more guts to admit, take the punishment and move on then some others that continue to deny it at the peril of their reputation, jobs and the sport.

Congrats to Levi for having the guys and for taking the punishment. Hope to see him back on the bike at some point in the future.

By: Terry

Terry — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:56:58 +0000

Nobody owes me an apology. If you think you are doing a bad thing, stop it and move on. Public groveling is overdone and not credible. On the other hand, I admire Lance for his toughness, his (merciless) leadership and his single minded sense of purpose.

By: Melinda

Melinda — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:24:24 +0000

I’m just now getting around to reading this. Honestly, I am so glad you reached out to Levi. That was one of the first things I thought about when I read he had problems, too. I am glad you are still friends with him.

By: pedalpink

pedalpink — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:10:20 +0000

A great post, Elden. Especially “I did my best to switch from anger to understanding.” I have been on a similar journey of understanding and compassion after reading “Reasoned Decision” so I went back and re-read “Rough Ride” and “Lance Armstrong’s War.” We are having many serious discussions in my house about cycling but are making few, if any, judgements.

There were less than 2 dozen people in the audience Tuesday night for the screening of Levi’s movie. At least I didn’t disturb a crowd when I yelled out, “There’s Fatty!” at the line-up for the Gran Fondo scene. It was a good movie, and I still believe that cycling people are the best people.

Do good (and ride a bike).