Tubeless said:
The Martha Stewart comparison is applicable. She was convicted of a crime and served prison time. Yet she has been able to build up her image and her business to near the old glory...
But the American public is amazingly naive or forgiving - or simply have a short memory. Lance is still a rock star at his charity events, is welcome to many non-sanctioned triathlon and cycling races - and has friends in high places.
I've held the view for a while that the right penalty for what Lance did ought to be financial.
Lance could not stop any of this by confessing - it would simply accelerate his financial losses. There's no upside for him. He can only hope many will forget and forgive due to passing of time. And that he can get back into his "charity business" and rake in money for himself while helping cancer survivors feel they have a friend in Lance. It's not clear it will work - but this is the path I am predicting he will take.
I agree with the Martha Stewart example (was thinking Jimmy Swaggart myself), and the need for financial penalties. I am not sure about not confessing. The American public loves the repentant sinner and I could see him play this out to his advantage.
If Lance manages over the next 2 weeks to further build his brand equity as the cancer Jesus he and Livestrong may retain much of their customer base. That's why this 15 year Livestrong celebration starting today is so critical, and that's what has determined the timing of his chairmanship and sponsor announcements (IMHO).
Expect a full steam ahead on the canonization of the messiah cancer jesus later today. Check the program. The inference of contribution to research is well and truly back on the agenda.
The rumored triathlon series I would also not yet dismiss. He needs something to keep him in the limelight, although anything in sport may be too tainted now.
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