Transpondster

newyorker:

With any luck, this will be the last time I write about Lance Armstrong. But first, I want an apology. And I deserve one. Some readers will have followed my evolution fromgullible fanboytosurprised readertoangry man.

Now, I am simply amazed…

Michael Specter on Lance Armstrong, and the evidence released Wednesday by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency: http://nyr.kr/Q488rQ

Why would anyone apologize to this guy? He started out dumb and gullible, and he’s ended up pissed off and self-righteous. I don’t begrudge Barry Bonds his greatness, and I don’t begrudge Lance Armstrong his. This idea that professional (or even college- or Olympic-level) sports are ‘clean’ is for children. And that’s not even taking into account the despicable approach taken by organizations like the USADA in their attempts at character assassination. 

In professional sports — and college sports — oversight organizations exist solely to exploit the athlete, not to ‘protect the integrity of the sport’ (see: NFL uses replacement refs because the owners didn’t want to pay into pension plans).

I not only wouldn’t apologize to Michael Specter, I would laugh at him for his silliness, his misguided sanctimony, and his naiveté — both then and now.