Lance, Doping and Duping

I have to confess: I am having conflicting feelings about the latest evidence released by the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) against Lance Armstrong. Like so many, I was never a cycling fan before Armstrong rode onto the scene. In fact, even now I would lose a bet if I had to wager on which month the Tour de France takes place in. But like everyone, I followed his amazing story of survival against the odds, of fighting back from the brink to dominate in one of the world's most grueling physical competitions.

A big part of me wants to believe he is innocent and that his claim that he is the subject of a witch hunt is true. I mean, come on, we all like a success story until the subject get a little too successful. Then we become haters.

I want to believe for someone who survived cancer, who had to poison his body with chemotherapy for a chance at life, wouldn't choose to pollute his body again. That Armstrong is too smart to take that risk. Too thoughtful to make that mistake.

But then again, immortality is a pretty enticing offer. What's a few unethical decisions on the journey to gain notoriety that will last for eternity?

I think it was easy to believe the witch hunt defense, with no real, tangible evidence presented of Armstrong's doping. But now, it's become more difficult for fans to stay loyal amid such an avalanche of testimony by so many of his teammates, including George Hincapie, a well-respected veteran cyclist. It's easier to believe someone as credible as Hincapie then, say Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis, both champion riders who have gone after Armstrong for doping, who were both found to be doping after both lied repeatedly about not doping. Hincapie coming forward has a more serious feel to it, a more honest feel. Sadly, a more disappointing feel.

I don't know how Armstrong could possibly explain away the USADA evidence. There is so much of it, so many witness testimonies, that to say it's a conspiracy is giving a lot of people a lot of credit for staying on book. To say it's a smear campaign gets who what? No one's getting a medal for taking down Lance Armstrong. Does anyone want to flaunt that feat?

I think it's time for Armstrong to come clean, to admit his indiscretions, to step up. A heartfelt apology, one good interview with Anderson Cooper or Barbara Walters, followed by a period of laying low will be all it takes for Armstrong to recover. After all, the only thing we love more than hating celebrities is celebrating their comebacks. Just ask Michael Vick.