Lance Armstrong Case Study
Sport Ethics
September 20th, 2012
There are a plethora of different issues that have surfaced since the retirement of Lance Armstrong. Although Lance was looked at as one of the most influential and decorated athletes of all-time, things have changed since evidence has been brought up that prove Lance Armstrong is guilty of doping. Many athletes have been found guilty of doping and things alike, but, Lance Armstrong, a cancer survivor was looked to as a role model to many different types of people such as: children, teenagers, athletes, adults, cancer survivors, basically any person who knows who he is. Since these allegations arose back in 2010, he has lost many followers and offended many other cancer survivors, with what the world looks at as ‘cheating’.
Lance Armstrong is the spokesperson for his own organization, the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). The LAF is known for their “LIVESTRONG” bracelets which over 65 million of these were sold, making his organization very well known and well respected. When Armstrong came out of retirement and returned to professional cycling in 2009, the LAF revenues increased 28% from $32.6 million in 2008 to $41.7 million in 2009 (Maybe It’s About the Bike, pg. 2). Also, the Sports Illustrated writer Selena Roberts reported four massive accusations about Armstrong, all of which are plenty enough reason to force the public to look at Armstrong as a disgrace and a cheater. She even referenced the similarities between his and Roger Clemens doping scandals.
For a personal perspective, Lance Armstrong has always been considered a hero. He was a man who did not let cancer deny him from getting back on his bike and winning many biking titles. Unfortunately for Mr. Armstrong, he ruined his image and will probably never be able to regain such a strong relationship with his admirers ever again. There is no reason why Lance should have allowed himself to compete knowing he was gaining an unfair