Lance Armstrong was stripped of his record breaking and truly inspirational run of seven consecutive Tour de France victories by the fascists of the United States Anti-Doping Agency. This happened despite the fact that Lance has never failed a drug test, whether it by urine sample, drawn blood, or any other method of searching for cheaters. It happened because of an overly persistent and fool idealistic crusade by once agency to bring down a hero.
I am just here to say that, Mr. Armstrong, you won those seven championships whether the USADA says you did or not. You overcame life threatening cancer to win on of sports' most challenging competitions seven times. You are an inspiration for many people. Whether they are suffering from cancer, a cancer survivor, or simply another lump on a couch waiting for life to get started. You made me think that, if this guy can survive cancer and win seven major cycling races, what can I accomplish?
I don't blame you for growing tired of what you call "an unconstitutional witch hunt." That crap can grow tiring after thirteen years worth of accusations.
The head of the USADA Gestapo, Travis Tygart, claims to have "overwhelming evidence" that proves Armstrong's guilt. Why won't he say what that is? If he knows what will make us all believe that one of our greatest athletic heroes is a fraud why won't he spill the beans? Instead, he chooses to vilify himself and his organization under the guise of vigilante justice.
Despite overwhelming evidence against his cheating, you still claim he did. And you expect us to believe your claims? Show me the proof.
It's no secret that the cycling's performance enhancing drug cartel makes Major League Baseball's problems look like a high school pot dealer. Many, many riders, champions and schmucks alike, have tested positive for various types of PEDs. The sport clearly needs to be cleaned up. There are many very simple battles out there to win. But, Tygart continues to go after a high profile cyclist who has never tested positive for anything. They are armed with nothing but stories and accusations that may or may not have been forced out by the USADA itself.
Lance's statement really is the best way to describe how evil the USADA, and the WADA, can be. He claims that they break their own rules, ignores the pleas of a sport's governing body, and overall acts like the high and mighty judge in matters they really have no say in. It's no wonder that major American sports want nothing to do with these guys.
The fight is not over yet, the UCI (cycling's governing body) and the Tour de France still recognize Armstrong as the winner of those races. The USADA has to submit their case as to why they should wipe Armstrong's name from the record books. I presume that then all of Tygart's evidence will be made public and we can pass a little more informed judgement on the matter.
But, regardless, Lance Armstrong is a man who overcame impossible odds to accomplish one of the greatest feats in the history of sport. Reardless of what one annoying, self righteous bully says, you are still my champ, Lance.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
How I Saw It: Everton-Manchester United
Manchester United was denied the title last season by some 11th hour heroics from intra-city rivals Mancehster City. They were hoping to start the season with a vengeance against Everton at Goodison Park. They have gotten plenty less than what they were hoping for. Everton took the match 1-0 with a clearly superior performance. It was Everton's fourth win against United at home in 21 matches.
In a truly exciting match, Everton's Marouane Felaini stole the show. The 6'4" Belgian was nothing short of dominant in the air for the Toffees. His height was way too much for United's battered defense, as he netted a header off a corner in the 57th minute. He was, by far, the man of the match.
Everton held the advantage for most of the match before the goal. They were twice robbed by the woodwork. Once when Felaini waltzed in on goal for a seemingly harmless chance. The other came early in the second half when Leon Osman drilled a shot off the cross bar, clearly beating the stunned David de Gea in Manchester's goal.
United was not without their own chances. After Everton opened the scoring, they were able to maintain possession and even come within inches of a goal themselves. Had it not been for an outstretched left foot of Phil Jagielka, the Red Devils would have managed to scrape a point out of this match.
Jagielka certainly deserves to be the secondary man of the match because of his strong defensive effort. In addition to his game saving left foot, he made a habit of being in the right place at the right time. Whether he was beating Wayne Rooney to a through ball or being steadfast on the goal line, Jagielka played a major role for Everton today.
Robin van Persie, fresh off a more than 30 million pound transfer from Arsenal, came on as a substitute as United tried to find a goal to level the game. He never played a large role in the outcome. It was more or less weird seeing him in a uniform other than Arsenal's. I don't doubt that last years golden boot winner will have an impact on Manchester United's season, but tonight he was rather unimpressive in his substitute's role.
In his defense, by the time he came on, Everton's defense was firmly parked with nine players behind the ball at all times. That gave him very little room to show off his wares.
The win is exactly the start Everton dreamed of. After a seventh place finish last year, Liverpool's other team has high hopes for a top six, if not better, finish after this year. This game was also a perfect finish to an exciting opening weekend of the Barclay's Premier League that saw the defending champions Manchester City have to fight for three points against newly promoted Southampton, Fulham net five goals without their star, and West Ham United announce their return to the top flight with a 1-0 win against Aston Villa.
In a truly exciting match, Everton's Marouane Felaini stole the show. The 6'4" Belgian was nothing short of dominant in the air for the Toffees. His height was way too much for United's battered defense, as he netted a header off a corner in the 57th minute. He was, by far, the man of the match.
Everton held the advantage for most of the match before the goal. They were twice robbed by the woodwork. Once when Felaini waltzed in on goal for a seemingly harmless chance. The other came early in the second half when Leon Osman drilled a shot off the cross bar, clearly beating the stunned David de Gea in Manchester's goal.
United was not without their own chances. After Everton opened the scoring, they were able to maintain possession and even come within inches of a goal themselves. Had it not been for an outstretched left foot of Phil Jagielka, the Red Devils would have managed to scrape a point out of this match.
Jagielka certainly deserves to be the secondary man of the match because of his strong defensive effort. In addition to his game saving left foot, he made a habit of being in the right place at the right time. Whether he was beating Wayne Rooney to a through ball or being steadfast on the goal line, Jagielka played a major role for Everton today.
Robin van Persie, fresh off a more than 30 million pound transfer from Arsenal, came on as a substitute as United tried to find a goal to level the game. He never played a large role in the outcome. It was more or less weird seeing him in a uniform other than Arsenal's. I don't doubt that last years golden boot winner will have an impact on Manchester United's season, but tonight he was rather unimpressive in his substitute's role.
In his defense, by the time he came on, Everton's defense was firmly parked with nine players behind the ball at all times. That gave him very little room to show off his wares.
The win is exactly the start Everton dreamed of. After a seventh place finish last year, Liverpool's other team has high hopes for a top six, if not better, finish after this year. This game was also a perfect finish to an exciting opening weekend of the Barclay's Premier League that saw the defending champions Manchester City have to fight for three points against newly promoted Southampton, Fulham net five goals without their star, and West Ham United announce their return to the top flight with a 1-0 win against Aston Villa.
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