Lance Armstrong Deserves No Credit for Coming Clean

Lance Armstrong Deserves No Credit for Coming Clean

Sometime this week, Oprah Winfrey will interview Lance Armstrong and he is expected to guardedly admit that he used performance enhancing drugs during his tenure of winning 7 Tour de France titles. This confession will contradict his denials over the past decade to the contrary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juVzHD7NEgk (before interview)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biIvT_r-DQg (part 1 of interview – watch first 5 minutes)

Author’s Perspective: Lance Armstrong has a team of advisors, publicists & lawyers who, for the past month, have been debating about whether or not Lance should come clean about using performance enhancing drugs (a.k.a. cheating). That’s all I need to hear. When someone needs to weigh their options and understand the consequences of being honest, they lose all credibility with me. This is called situational ethics, and in my opinion, the truth should not depend on the circumstances.  It should not be calculated and weighed by a group of advisors.

When Armstrong is crying (something his advisors are probably debating right now) to Oprah this week about how he couldn’t deal with the guilt, I will not be watching or listening because I know that he is a phony. Lance Armstrong’s decision to come clean was a calculated decision made in the best interest of Lance Armstrong.

Moral of the Story: Do the right thing, play by the rules and be honest. If and when you screw up, admit it and move on. If Armstrong had lived by this code, he would not be in this situation. He might have still won a Tour de France or two or he would have finished runner up several times. He would have been known as the guy who overcame cancer and gave it everything he had. His reputation would have been intact. Now, he is simply known as a cheater and a fraud.

Your Turn:
1) Do you think I am being too harsh on Lance? What is your response to his “coming clean?”
2) It is tempting to lie or cheat in order to gain favor, finances or fame. Do you think it is worth it to do so? Have you ever done so (I have)?
3) Would you rather have a solid reputation based on character or fame based on false pretenses?

 

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  1. 1) I do think that you are being harsh om him because he did come clean, but Lance still might be a lair and a fraud.

    2) I would not lie or cheat to gain favor, finances, or fame because popularity is not going to get me any where in life I have not done anything to gain favor, fiances, or fame because it is not worth it.

    3) I would rather have a solid reputation based on true fact not on false pretenses because it you are trying to get a job that you really like and they heard false information then you might not get the job.

    1. 1. I do think you are being harsh on him. At least he came clean.
      2. No I honestly don’t think its worth gain fame, finances, and fame. I haven’t really done anything like that just for fame, finances, and fame.
      3. I would rather have a solid reputation. It’s makes you look better having a solid reputation instead false information.

  2. 1) I do think that you are being harsh to lance. But at the same time he would still be know as a cheater and a fraud.

    2) I do not think its worth it. People just do it to gain favor and be popular.

    3) I would rather have a soild reputation beause i dont want to be know as the girl who as false preferences. Later on in life you might apply for a job and. You really want the job but you cant get it because you cheated or did fraud.

    1. 1.i think they are being fair because he shouldnt have did what he did
      2.he made a mistake
      3.i think that everything is not going to be the same because he told a lie

  3. 1) I think the way you worded some things were harsh. Although, I do think he was scared to to the truth and I do think he sounded like a phony.

    2) No, lying or cheating is not worth it, nor is it tempting. No, I have never cheated.

    3)I would rather have a solid reputation based on my character.

  4. 1. I do think you are being to harsh on Lance, But at the same time Lance is going to be know as a cheater and a fraud.
    2. I do not think it is worth it. people just do it to gain favor and popularity.
    3. I would rather have a solid reputation because I don’t want to know as the person who did this and did that. When I get older I may want to apply for a job. The job would have to check my background and then I would not be able to get that job.

  5. 1) I think that you are being a little too harsh because although he did lie and cheated during the Tour de France, he still tried his best to cover it up and make it seem as if it didn’t happen. My response to him “coming clean” is that he should have taken the honest route instead of lying. Even if he didn’t use the performance-enhancing drugs and didn’t make 1st place, he could have at least gotten somewhere the honest way.
    2) I don’t think that it’s worth it to lie for fame, favor, or finances. Mainly because if people ask you to prove your lies, you cannot prove them because what you told was false. I have done things to earn favor in my past and even though I knew it was wrong I still did it anyway.
    3) I rather have a solid reputation than have one based on fame and lies because once these lies are shown to people no one will trust you. At least with a solid reputation, I built it by myself and didn’t try to lie and create excuses for the things I have done in the past.

  6. 1. I don’t at all believe that you are being too harsh on Lance because he has continuously lied about not taking drugs and even became aggressive one moment when some asked him because he knew he was doing something wrong. And the fact that someone would be able to detect it made him angry. If he just did the right thing in the first place, he would not have to lie about anything.

    2. I don’t believe lying or cheating is worth the consequences that come along with. First of all you are lessening your character by lying. Second of all, if you believe in yourself and you thing you can accomplish anything without gimmicks, then you have high self esteem. The more you lie, the more you are doubting yourself.

    3. I would rather have a solid reputation because I want people to know me for me and not what others think of me. I could the nicest person ever, but if people who have never bothered to talk to me are calling me rude and disrespectful, they are missing out on a possibly great friendship. So I believe it is better to actually meet the person before jumping to assumptions.

    1. even though I still don’t think that he should’ve done it it was not worth getting in trouble for. he should’ve thought about it before doing it and say no im not going to do this

  7. Be honest and have good behavior in class always the truth to set an example for people in the future.I now alot of people that weren’t honest it came back bite them this is why you should honest.

  8. 1.I think you are because he did come clean.
    2.I dont think its worth it they just do that to get famous and popular.
    3.I would rather have solid reputation based on character because it would be 100% true not supported by lies and dishonesty.

  9. 1.You don’t have to be so harsh he did confess even though he lied at least he fessed up instead of kept lying.
    2.No it is not worth cheating to get your way.
    3.I would rather have a solid reputation because i wouldn’t want to lie to get fame and fortune.

  10. 1) I do think that you are being harsh om him because he did come clean, but Lance still might be a lair and a fraud but at the same time he could be flying.

    2) I would not lie or cheat be the best, finances, or fame because popularity is nothing when you get older popularity will not matter.

    3) I would rather have a awsome reputation based on true fact not on false things because it you are trying to get a job and they heard false information later on you might loose your job or get sent to jail.

  11. 1)I think you are being fair, despite “coming clean”, he was still a fraud. My response to him coming clean was my belief that it is better.

  12. You are not at all being harsh because Lance Armstrong cheated. And cheating is wrong. Period. I would never cheat on something as important as the Tour de France. I would rather have a fantastic reputation as an honest person than a terrible reputation as a liar.

  13. 1- I think you are a little harsh, but he did do drugs, and then became clean
    2- I think you are really not famous because you cheated to get to the top
    3- I would prefer a solid representation and be trusted

  14. 1. I think you were a little harsh, because he did come clean
    2. I would not lie or cheat to gain favor, finances, or fame
    3. I would rather have a solid reputation based on true fact not on false pretenses because it you are trying to get a job that you really like and they heard false information then you might not get the job.

  15. I think you where a little to harsh, mostly because at the end of the day he could have been keeping on denying it.

    I would do whatever it would take to become the best.

    I would rather have my reputation of me not be someone who plays all his cards in the open.

  16. 1) I do believe you are being a little to harsh on Lance, but he does need something for lying because it’s not ok. He could have kept denying it but instead he came clean.

    2) It is not worth lying to become famous, because at some point the truth will come out. It is also the same for cheating someone will find out about it at some point. I have not lied to anyone or cheated on anything, because I know it’s not right.

    3) Probably fame because if people find out you will no longer be famous, but you can try to earn trust and become friends with people again.

  17. 1. no lying deserves to be punished, but in the end he came clean.
    2. nothing is worth lying, it will all unfold on you in the end.
    3. I would like to have a solid reputation because then people know they could trust me.

  18. 1. I don’t think they were to hard on Lance. He chose to do what he did and then cried about it to people.
    2. I don’t think it is worth doing these things to get higher up in a social society.
    3. I would rather have a solid character so people could trust me and trust in me doing something for them.

  19. 1. I don’t think you are being too harsh on Lance and he did become clean, but he might be still a liar.
    2. I don’t think its worth it lie or cheat. I lie sometimes it just on certain stuff, but I don’t lie on main stuff
    3. Yes, I would rather have a solid reputation

  20. You are not at all being harsh because Lance Armstrong cheated. And cheating is wrong. Period. I would never cheat on something as important as the Tour de France. I would rather have a fantastic reputation as an honest person than a terrible reputation as a liar.

  21. 1. Lance is in the wrong because he faked his success, among the many other men who tried very hard. He was wrong.
    2. It is not worth it, I would try to gain it the honest way. When your lies are uncovered, your fort of lies falls down, while also ruining your character.
    3. I would have one based on honesty because I would like to present myself as a trustworthy person of high morals.

  22. 1.) in all honesty it depends on what the current situation is for coming clean. if it’s something i can deal with the consequences about then i’ll come clean but if it’s something else then maybe not.
    2.) a lot of the times it’s not worth it. and i’ve never done it
    3.) most definitely solid reputation based on character

  23. 1 people use stuff like steriods everyday all he really did make it so he could bike longer I can see why people are getting mad Im not taking his side so your not really being to harsh on him

    2 No becuase it is a fun competiton so your a winner if you have fun.Its also wrong to ruin peoples hard training for your greed.

    3 based on my character becuase I dont want people to think of me as the rich person I want them to think of me as the person I am

  24. 1) Do you think I am being too harsh on Lance? What is your response to his “coming clean?”
    2) It is tempting to lie or cheat in order to gain favor, finances or fame. Do you think it is worth it to do so? Have you ever done so (I have)?
    3) Would you rather have a solid reputation based on character or fame based on false pretenses?

  25. 1) Do you think I am being too harsh on Lance? What is your response to his “coming clean?”
    No, he deserves everything all the backlash he is recieving. I think he should’ve just came clean since the begining and not now.
    2) It is tempting to lie or cheat in order to gain favor, finances or fame. Do you think it is worth it to do so? Have you ever done so (I have)?
    I don’t think it is worth it, since when the truth comes out everything you got while lying with get taken away. I wouldn’t do it.
    3) Would you rather have a solid reputation based on character or fame based on false pretenses?
    I would rather have a solid reputation based on my character because it will never get taken away from me if its false as soon as the truth is out my reputation is ruined.

  26. 1) Do you think I am being too harsh on Lance? What is your response to his “coming clean?”
    no because hes been lying to people and accusing others for lying
    2) It is tempting to lie or cheat in order to gain favor, finances or fame. Do you think it is worth it to do so? Have you ever done so (I have)?
    No it is not worth it because you deal with the consequences after wards. I have never done so
    3) Would you rather have a solid reputation based on character or fame based on false pretenses?
    I would rather have a reputation based on character so people know how i am

  27. 1) Do you think I am being too harsh on Lance? What is your response to his “coming clean?”
    my resonce yes he is being to harsh
    2) It is tempting to lie or cheat in order to gain favor, finances or fame. Do you think it is worth it to do so? Have you ever done so (I have)?
    no it is not worth it and i have not ever
    3) Would you rather have a solid reputation based on character or fame based on false pretenses?
    i will have a solid reputation based on character

  28. 1). I don’t think you are being harsh on lance, he did become clean but he is still a fraud because now people don’t think of him as an honest person but a fraud.

    2). I don’t think it’s worth it because its bad to lie and it may ruin your reputation if anyone finds out and it wouldn’t be fair for others, actually training hard and no I’ve never.

    3). I would rather have a reputation based on my character because I want others to think of me for my success and for the person I am and not the money.

  29. 1. I don’t think you are being too harsh. I agree 100% because if he would’ve played by the rules he wouldn’t be in this position. He got himself in this situation. He is still a liar and didn’t deserve the credit he had.
    2. No, not at all. Especially if someone found out. People will always find out sooner or later so you might as well just play fair and earn things in life. No I have not.
    3.Solid reputation based on character. Yes fame would be nice but I wouldn’t lie to get the fame.

  30. 1. No I don’t think you are being hard on Lance because there is factual evidence that the move he (they) made to decide wether he should come clean or not was made by a group of professional people in the sense of creating the best outcome for Lance. My response to it is the same as yours but maybe a little less harsh.
    2. I don’t think it is worth it to lie and cheat to gain fame or favor because it is a lot more worth it to do it the right way and you know that you stayed true to yourself and did it without manipulation.
    3. SOLID REPUTATION BY CHARACTER!

  31. 1) Do you think I am being too harsh on Lance? What is your response to his “coming clean?”
    I think you’re being a bit harsh on him because he did come clean, but it doesn’t fix the problem.
    2) It is tempting to lie or cheat in order to gain favor, finances, or fame. Do you think it is worth it to do so? Have you ever done so (I have)?
    It is tempting. You know it’s not the right thing to do, but you know that if you do it you may have an advantage. However, it probably won’t end up being worth it.
    3) Would you rather have a solid reputation based on character or fame based on false pretenses?
    Solid reputation. If you are famous based on false pretenses, people will be able to tell that you’re a fraud.

  32. 1) Do you think I am being too harsh on Lance? What is your response to his “coming clean?”
    i think you’re being a little more harsh then you should, i believe that he should have lost his endorsements and fined.

    2) It is tempting to lie or cheat in order to gain favor, finances or fame. Do you think it is worth it to do so? Have you ever done so (I have)? yes i have lied to get ahead in life but i faced the consequences. no its not worth it to lie or cheat.

    3) Would you rather have a solid reputation based on character or fame based on false pretenses?
    I would rather have a reputation for being a good person and not just for being famous.

  33. 1) I don’t. He cheated that bad and went with the lie for years, he shouldn’t get respect for any of his athletics.

    2) I haven’t ever lied that big but I definately told my fair share of white lies. No I don’t think it is because no matter what happens people will always find out.

    3) Definately a reputation for good character. First because I think it’s cool to have good character but also I don’t know how I could live with myself if my whole life was a lie.

  34. 1) I do think that you are being harsh to Lance. But at the same time he would still be know as a cheater and a fraud.

    2) I do not think its worth it. People just do it to gain favor and be popular.

    3) I would rather have a solid reputation because I don’t want to be know as the girl who as false preferences. Later on in life you might apply for a job and. You really want the job but you cant get it because you cheated or did fraud.

  35. this is a great way to show honesty because even though he lost everything even the medals he still told everyone he cheated.

  36. I believe that lance armstrong only admitted to cheating when he got caught and this does not make him a honest person because he lied about cheating for years.

  37. 1. I do think your being too harsh yes it is a bad thing but he was drunk and he didn’t realize what he was doing when drunk our mind isn’t the same he needs to be given a chance.

    2. I think it is not worth it i feel like its better to keep the lover you have now than cheat just for fame or anything better to have true love.

    3. Solid reputation on character i dont want to be too famous but i would not want to be caught up in a lie or a rumor.

  38. 1. I think that the author is being a little harsh, but in the end, Lance did come clean but it should have happened sooner.
    2. It is tempting to lie to get what you want and we have probably all done it but that doesn’t make it right.
    3. I would rather have a strong character because when you base yourself off on lies it is not truly you.

  39. 1. I do think you are being harsh on him. At least he came clean.
    2. No I honestly don’t think its worth gain fame, finances, and fame. I haven’t really done anything like that just for fame, finances, and fame.
    3. I would rather have a solid reputation. It’s makes you look better having a solid reputation instead false information.

  40. 1) No I feel like he should not have used those enhancement drugs in the first place.
    2) Yes it is tempting to lie and or cheat but it is not worth it in the long run because the truth will come out eventually. Yes I have.
    3)I would rather have a solid reputation.

  41. 1) No I feel he shouldn’t have used those enhancement drugs in the first place.
    2) Yes it’s tempting to lie and or cheat but it is not worth it in the long run because the truth will come out eventually. Yes I have.
    3)I would rather have a solid reputation.

  42. 1) No I feel he shouldn’t have used those enhancement drugs in the first place.
    2) Yeah it’s tempting to lie or cheat but it is not worth it in the long run because the truth will come out eventually. Yes I have.
    3)I’d rather my reputation be solid.

  43. 1. I dont think your being to harsh because he played the game unfairly and cheated.

    2. no and no I dont think so.

    3.

  44. 1) Yeah they were being harsh, but he shouldn’t have done it
    2)Yeah it might be tempting, I probably have
    3)I woulkd rather have a good reputation

  45. I agree with the point made in the article. I believe that someone that has done something as bad as cheating in a professional sport, should be ousted. Even if they admit it, taking responsibility doesn’t always fix the problem. Sometimes people need to be punished, even with an apology.