blackcat said:
but will it get traction. Can the MSM run with it. I don't think they want to. They built Armstrong up, I cannot see Nike thowing him out, I cannot see the NYTimes really potting him. I cannot see ESPN really running with this night after night, like Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens. Armstrong can beat this in the media, a court finding will not do anything to markedly hurt his brand.
Armstrong does not sell to cycling. He sells to the MSM. Cycling is a curious and quaint hobby or pastime. Armstrong is happy for it to be that, and to co-opt cancer as his brand. That is his narrative, Armstrong sells cancer.
This isn't about advertising or cancer or cycling. ESPN and sports channels won't mention it because it is a civil contract dispute. Greg has a very strong chance of receiving a massive payout, I'm thining close to ten million US dollars. His case is the easier to prove and provide evidence for. Trek are in a deep pile of $h!t and they know it. The word of the Trek CEO is not enough to go on in a court. I do not see Greg accepting a payout.
Hugh Januss said:
Armstrong, Livestrong, and all the associated brands command so much advertising dollars that they can pretty well mute the media, as they have been doing already.
Dream on. The fact you have heard Greg Lemonds side of the this case means he has media coverage.
This is not a cycling issue. This is a contract dispute that draws upon aspects of cycling, of whihc doping is a primary example.
Ever heard of a supoena to present evidence? Lance will get one. March next year. This has the potential to derail his TdF preparation, but I doubt Lance will let that get to him. The judge gave the warning he did because for the first time one of the big anti doping players has lined up Lance and has him set square in his targeting site. Lance has far more to loose than Greg. Kristin Armstrong was just the start. Look at all the other Lance court dealings. They were all settled and doping questions were raised but not important for the final ruling. But Trek and Lance in their infinite wisdom have taken to Greg Lemond, a man who has shown he will not back down on the issue of doping and corruption in cycling. Trek chose the money over the principle and will pay for their recklessness and callous treatment of Lemond. People will look to other brands for their bikes. Lance will try and squirm his way out of appearing in court because for the first time he seriously risks being grilled and damaged by a court proceeding.
This case is about Lance coercing and manipulating Trek executives to dump Lemond bikes despite a contractual agreement exisiting between the parties. Doping questions will be asked because the coercion came about because of fairly mundane statements alluding to doping. Regular posters here in the clinic know that there is an arsenal of ammunition to fire at Lance and a plethora of witnesses who are credible and knowledgeable. Who here doubts that a guy like Ashenden won't testify if asked to? Betsy Andreu? Trek lawyers are stalling with all their motions. They know they are in trouble. Sure the judge may rule in Gregs favour after considering whether Lance had reason and cause to apply the torch to Trek because of a checkered past, but Lance won't face a riding sanction. He will loose a chunk of fans and credibility in such an occurance. As I said, Lance and Trek have far more to loose. Serves them right, they are in the wrong.
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