Are the 2014 Classics a sign of cleaner sport?

[Alphabet]

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You've got some reading to do, my friend.

Having read one of his posts in one of the Sky threads (he cited Messi, Kobe Bryant, and Bolt as clean athletes), I think we can safely assume that he belongs to the "no positive test = not doping" subgroup of sports fans.

As an aside, I find it astounding that people place such faith in athletes when they place such cynicism towards people from every other walk of life. For example, take a high ranking politician being accused of something or other (I don't know, for arguments sake, corruption/embezzlement). Pretty much everybody would pile in on the poor bloke, there's no concept of 'innocent until proven guilty' by the popular media and society at large when it comes to that scenario. But when it comes to athletes, of course, we all know, that it is quite the opposite.

We are such a bizarre species. There is no reason a politician is inherently less trustworthy than an athlete.

 

[Afrank]

Having read one of his posts in one of the Sky threads (he cited Messi, Kobe Bryant, and Bolt as clean athletes), I think we can safely assume that he belongs to the "no positive test = not doping" subgroup of sports fans.

As an aside, I find it astounding that people place such faith in athletes when they place such cynicism towards people from every other walk of life. For example, take a high ranking politician being accused of something or other (I don't know, for arguments sake, corruption/embezzlement). Pretty much everybody would pile in on the poor bloke, there's no concept of 'innocent until proven guilty' by the popular media and society at large when it comes to that scenario. But when it comes to athletes, of course, we all know, that it is quite the opposite.

We are such a bizarre species. There is no reason a politician is inherently less trustworthy than an athlete.

I'd say people invest themselves far too much emotionally in their favorite athletes. And people raise athletes up to a far too high standard. One that is impossible for the athlete to live up too. People raise their favorites up to such a high stannard that they don't believe their favorites could do anything wrong. They represent the perfect role model of someone that put in the hard work, was disciplined, and always chose the right path to make it too the top.

The truth of the matter though, is making it the top sometimes may involve some wrongdoing. And athletes are not naturally of a higher moral standard then anyone else. They are just people, and therefore just as susceptible to doing or making a wrong choice (like to dope for example) to get to the top as anyone else would be.

 

[Dear Wiggo]

Without going too far OT, the difference with the politician, imo, is that power attracts the corrupt.

 

[HSNHSN]

Without going too far OT, the difference with the politician, imo, is that power attracts the corrupt.

So the difference is that 'power' means something different when politicians are concerned than when athletes are concerned? Interesting view.

 

[SeriousSam]

We don't really need to theorize here. Our prior expectations should be based on the cumulative evidence. Time and time again we've seen politicians being caught despite their strongest protestations to the contrary. Time and time again we've seen athletes deny everything only to be caught.

Those who are caught aren't uniquely reprehensible and bad people. They are normal people like the rest of us (ok, there are exceptions like Lance) who are in it for themselves. They will take an opportunity if it presents itself. As long as the risk reward ratio is right, s sizable portion of humanity cheats at all games they can, simple as.

 

[Dear Wiggo]

So the difference is that 'power' means something different when politicians are concerned than when athletes are concerned? Interesting view.

I think it means more you didn't understand what I was getting at than what you have posted here.

eg: consider more why JV stopped cycling and then leapt into team management (+ cycling's politics). Much more influence and power. Much cheaper income effort wise.

 

[JMBeaushrimp]

Let's wait to answer this question until after AGR, FW and LBL... and Piti's showings in these races.

Well?
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