The Sports Illustrated Article

[I Watch Cycling In July]

Someone has been busy fabricating a response to the SI article.

In it we learn that Betsy is bitter because Frankie had to ride in support of Lance, instead of for himself.

There is no mention of drugs in from clinical trials being used, although that could be central to the FDA investigation.

Wonder if BusinessInsider would be taking this line if the Livestrong stuff was still in the SI article.

 

[Bronstein]

Someone has been busy fabricating a response to the SI article.

In it we learn that Betsy is bitter because Frankie had to ride in support of Lance, instead of for himself.

There is no mention of drugs in from clinical trials being used, although that could be central to the FDA investigation.

Wonder if BusinessInsider would be taking this line if the Livestrong stuff was still in the SI article.

I find it amusing that Dashiell Bennett believes that Popovych has something to gain from smearing Armstrong. Not only is Popovych still riding for Radioshack, he has never to my knowledge said anything remotely critical about Armstrong.

 

[Cobblestoned]

Difference is Ullrich has behaved with a measure of dignity and has not really insulted the intelligence of cycling fans by declaring that he was pure as driven snow. While he hasn't admitted to doping, his comment "Whoever still can't put one and one together about what happened in cycling is beyond my help." is very telling but does not attempt to con me into thinking he was clean.

I don't hate anyone of them, Hamilton, Landis, Armstrong, Millar, Mancebo, Heras....etc. i just wish they'd credit me and many others like me with the wit to see that the show was rotten and still is to a degree. I'm not blind, stupid nor deaf.

You missed a lot.
He, for example, said that Germany is not ripe enough for him, and did many other things that insulted many peoples intelligence or he often lied.

But anyway, he is a nice guy and legend. He is easy to influence and has a talent for surrounding with wrong people. Thats his main problem and the pressure to keep quiet. Ullrichhaters of course had some valid points.
But for most of them he was a lazy rider without talent, built up in the bad GDR system, protected rider and a tax evader, heavy drinker and macho on ecstasy...etc.etc.

Déjà-vu

 

[D-Queued]

Someone has been busy fabricating a response to the SI article.

In it we learn that Betsy is bitter because Frankie had to ride in support of Lance, instead of for himself.

There is no mention of drugs in from clinical trials being used, although that could be central to the FDA investigation.

Wonder if BusinessInsider would be taking this line if the Livestrong stuff was still in the SI article.

That part is so absurd it is quite funny.

Dave.

 

[leftover pie]

Please let there continue to be daily press conferences.

aussie press getting ready for today's press conference:

"so do we bring the elephant with us or not?"

 

[Skandar Akbar]

That part is so absurd it is quite funny.

Dave.

Yes my friend but jealousy is a common trait used as an excuse to slander the talented ones among us. Nobody should pretend they know the motivations of others.

 

[hfer07]

Rare poster - regular reader alert.

There is one person who's been implicit from day one with this affair, and that's Johan Bruyneel.

I kept thinking about it last night & what I foresee is the worst nightmare for Lance Armstrong being pointed at inside the court room by his long time colleague.

the rational behind it is that Novitzky won't talk to him at all, until he gets subpoenaed to appear in court during the trial, where he is going to be confronted face to face with Armstrong's version, & between the denial, the bulk of the evidence & Bruyneel himself revolving around in between, the prosecutors are easily getting perjury out of the situation.

Bruyneel will bury LA-- mark my words

 

[JayZee]

Anyone else think that this SI Article is actually good relatively speaking for LA? It has some good stuff (which is likely true), but it is also just lacking enough bite to really stick it to Armstrong. In other words, it still allows people to say, "well, that just some circumstantial evidence and statements from a bunch of bitter people," or something to that effect.

If I am Lance, I am glad whatever info is coming out is doing so in this fashion. Eventually, people will just tune out news about LA based on their assumption they have already heard it. I think LA was being sincere and was genuinely surprised when he said "that is it?"

Of course if LA is indicted or if more concrete evidence comes out, LA could still be sunk, but for now, it is just more of the same stuff that has bubbled to the surface for years.

 

[Trailzz]

the Ferrari defense

http://www.drugpolicycentral.com/bot/article/guardian7393.htm


Sports Illustrated also claimed that when the Italian police and customs officials searched the house of Armstrong's team-mate Yaroslav Popovych as part of the federal investigation, they found emails and texts that sources close to the inquiry believe show Armstrong's team had contact with Ferrari as recently as 2009. However, Ferrari said in an interview at the end of 2009 that he was still in touch with Armstrong but "not for technical advice. We talk, we discuss things We're friends."

 

[Cimacoppi49]

Anyone else think that this SI Article is actually good relatively speaking for LA? It has some good stuff (which is likely true), but it is also just lacking enough bite to really stick it to Armstrong. In other words, it still allows people to say, "well, that just some circumstantial evidence and statements from a bunch of bitter people," or something to that effect.

If I am Lance, I am glad whatever info is coming out is doing so in this fashion. Eventually, people will just tune out news about LA based on their assumption they have already heard it. I think LA was being sincere and was genuinely surprised when he said "that is it?"

Of course if LA is indicted or if more concrete evidence comes out, LA could still be sunk, but for now, it is just more of the same stuff that has bubbled to the surface for years.

They've turned on one of their major, multiple cover boys. Another nail in the Uniballer's coffin is what it is.

 

[MacRoadie]

Anyone else think that this SI Article is actually good relatively speaking for LA? It has some good stuff (which is likely true), but it is also just lacking enough bite to really stick it to Armstrong. In other words, it still allows people to say, "well, that just some circumstantial evidence and statements from a bunch of bitter people," or something to that effect.

If I am Lance, I am glad whatever info is coming out is doing so in this fashion. Eventually, people will just tune out news about LA based on their assumption they have already heard it. I think LA was being sincere and was genuinely surprised when he said "that is it?"

Of course if LA is indicted or if more concrete evidence comes out, LA could still be sunk, but for now, it is just more of the same stuff that has bubbled to the surface for years.

No, I think it means that federal prosecutors aren't Paddy McQuaid, and while they may let a few nuggets slip for ****s and giggles, there's zero (ZEEEERO) chance they gave SI more than a tiny whiff of what they have.

Being popular is cool, being in SI is cool, losing your case because you shot your wad and revealed your whole prosecution to a couple of sports reports isn't.

The response to Lance's "That's it?" Tweet is: "No, that's not "it", unless "it" means the tiny amount of information deliberately and strategically leaked by the feds".

 

[BotanyBay]

aussie press getting ready for today's press conference:

"so do we bring the elephant with us or not?"

The elephant is the one sitting behind the microphone. But he thinks he's a gorilla.

 

[fatandfast]

Anyone else think that this SI Article is actually good relatively speaking for LA? It has some good stuff (which is likely true), but it is also just lacking enough bite to really stick it to Armstrong. In other words, it still allows people to say, "well, that just some circumstantial evidence and statements from a bunch of bitter people," or something to that effect.

If I am Lance, I am glad whatever info is coming out is doing so in this fashion. Eventually, people will just tune out news about LA based on their assumption they have already heard it. I think LA was being sincere and was genuinely surprised when he said "that is it?"

Of course if LA is indicted or if more concrete evidence comes out, LA could still be sunk, but for now, it is just more of the same stuff that has bubbled to the surface for years.

absolutely. The Popo bust.? if it doesn't or didn't happen 20% of the article is wrong. If it did and the UCI let a rider suit up and contest major races..that's wrong. The other great thing for Armstrong is lets say he is gassed..I mean 100% EPO'd so his blood is like Aunt Jemima..the UCI has the greatest financial reason not to bust him while the storybook cancer man plays out the role of the underdog of all times. He wins all around. He can keep on w his story and the UCI will be on the mat for letting him race and earn them 3 fold more than if he crashed out or just DNF'd for whatever reason. This article is 80-90% Landis. He is a whippin boy like no other..he is a liar and you can pick and choose what you want and when he is proven to be the next level of full of sh!t you can fall into the he fooled me group of suckers..he has a 2-5 year cue of people that bought into 1 of his many "I swear to god this is how it happened stories". Only this time he is telling the truth because he is cashless..I won't in your mouth Flandis..very trust worthy he has a lifetime of interviews until a few months ago they all went in a different direction. Once he visits it's the UCI, French,LA's fault he is sure to go after his parents..he lied and cheated because of a repressed memory..yea..yea that's it I got touched in my dirty place that why I did it

 

[JayZee]

No, I think it means that federal prosecutors aren't Paddy McQuaid, and while they may let a few nuggets slip for ****s and giggles, there's zero (ZEEEERO) chance they gave SI more than a tiny whiff of what they have.

Being popular is cool, being in SI is cool, losing your case because you shot your wad and revealed your whole prosecution to a couple of sports reports isn't.

The response to Lance's "That's it?" Tweet is: "No, that's not "it", unless "it" means the tiny amount of information deliberately and strategically leaked by the feds".

You may be right, which is why I said that if LA is indicted and/or there is more concrete evidence produced, he is done. But as it stands now I think this SI article is pretty mild compared to what it could have been. There is obviously some new details, but there is still room for LA team to keep denying.

Furthermore, I don't buy that this info came from strategic links from the feds. If that is the case, it is major fail on the feds part in my opinion.

 

[fatandfast]

Anyone else think that this SI Article is actually good relatively speaking for LA? It has some good stuff (which is likely true), but it is also just lacking enough bite to really stick it to Armstrong. In other words, it still allows people to say, "well, that just some circumstantial evidence and statements from a bunch of bitter people," or something to that effect.

If I am Lance, I am glad whatever info is coming out is doing so in this fashion. Eventually, people will just tune out news about LA based on their assumption they have already heard it. I think LA was being sincere and was genuinely surprised when he said "that is it?"

Of course if LA is indicted or if more concrete evidence comes out, LA could still be sunk, but for now, it is just more of the same stuff that has bubbled to the surface for years.

absolutely. The Popo bust.? if it doesn't or didn't happen 20% of the article is wrong. If it did and the UCI let a rider suit up and contest major races..that's wrong. The other great thing for Armstrong is lets say he is gassed..I mean 100% EPO'd so his blood is like Aunt Jemima..the UCI has the greatest financial reason not to bust him while the storybook cancer man plays out the role of the underdog of all times. He wins all around. He can keep on w his story and the UCI will be on the mat for letting him race and earn them 3 fold more than if he crashed out or just DNF'd for whatever reason. This article is 80-90% Landis. He is a whippin boy like no other..he is a liar and you can pick and choose what you want and when he is proven to be the next level of full of sh!t you can fall into the he fooled me group of suckers..he has a 2-5 year cue of people that bought into 1 of his many "I swear to god this is how it happened stories". Only this time he is telling the truth because he is cashless..I won't in your mouth Flandis..very trust worthy he has a lifetime of interviews until a few months ago they all went in a different direction. Once he visits it's the UCI, French,LA's fault he is sure to go after his parents..he lied and cheated because of a repressed memory..yea..yea that's it I got touched in my dirty place that why I did it

 

[Oldman]

They've turned on one of their major, multiple cover boys. Another nail in the Uniballer's coffin is what it is.

We should start the next thread: "How many more SI covers for Lance?" I think two-one for the indictment article and one for...

 

[amp300]

We should start the next thread: "How many more SI covers for Lance?" I think two-one for the indictment article and one for...

haha, Yes! With a headline that has the words 'fall' and 'mountain' in it with a hint of tragedy.

 

[Darryl Webster]

aussie press getting ready for today's press conference:

"so do we bring the elephant with us or not?"

Lovin it!.

Can I nominate Jimy Cliff`s "The Harder They Come, The Harder They Fall" as a future celebration theme tune in the clinic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGE4dnrPPZQ

 

[theswordsman]

the Ferrari defense

http://www.drugpolicycentral.com/bot/article/guardian7393.htm


Sports Illustrated also claimed that when the Italian police and customs officials searched the house of Armstrong's team-mate Yaroslav Popovych as part of the federal investigation, they found emails and texts that sources close to the inquiry believe show Armstrong's team had contact with Ferrari as recently as 2009. However, Ferrari said in an interview at the end of 2009 that he was still in touch with Armstrong but "not for technical advice. We talk, we discuss things We're friends."

So Lance copies Popovych on all his e-mails, and does conference calls? The article said there was evidence in the Popovych raid that Ferrari still worked with the team.

A guy at Business Insider has declared that Sports Illustrated, and possibly the Novitsky investigation, have no evidence. He also tried to discredit each person from the SI article as having ulterior motives. My comments:

"The Novitsky investigation and Grand Jury have way more evidence available than Sports Illustrated does. Remember, possible charges include wire fraud and money laundering - things they can learn about via wire taps and physical documents. The AFLD, French doping organization, still had the six Armstrong samples from the 1999 Tour de France that contained EPO. They also saved all samples from the 2000 & 2001 Tours, and offered to turn it all over to the investigation. Part of the reason Novitsky & an FBI Special agent met with Interpol and police from Spain, Italy and France, was to see about getting evidence transferred to the U.S. There's also the doping paraphernalia, complete with DNA, that the French OCLAESP recovered from Team Astana trash during the 2009 Tour de France. You'll recall that the team manager and eight of the nine riders from that squad moved on to Radio Shack. There will be evidence when the time comes.

By the way, your timing on Popovych is way off. He was in Texas for a charity ride last Fall. Afterward, his vehicle was stopped and he was subpoenaed for the grand jury. A couple of days later, he met with them. It wasn't until much later that Italian police raided his home, while he was there. But it would have been testimony he had already given that led to the raid. "

 

[leftover pie]

SBS (australia's cycling tv network) has a report on the report:

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/news/19986/Armstrong-urged-Motorola-teammates-to-dope,-report

what's interesting is the comments, there's one there "floyd is a liar, lance is innocent until proven guilty yadda yadda yadda"

currently 2 peoople agree with this comment, 67 people don't.

come on orstraya!

 

[Deagol]

Some are viewing the article as a slam dunk and it reminded me of all their other slam dunk claims that have so far not come to fruition. I'm just attempting to get people to accept a little bit of reality and not let their enthusiasm lead them to keep the blinders on in regards to what all this really looks like to the general public and potential jury.

I hate to agree with this, but then I am reminded of the OJ Simpson case..

 

[Cobblestoned]

Very interesting:

...(rumors on Twitter began a month ago)...

...Also, Twitter chat from NY Velocity has suggested...

http://www.sportsscientists.com/2011/01/drug-of-2011-hemassist-and-armstrong.html

 

[hrotha]

Someone has been busy fabricating a response to the SI article.

In it we learn that Betsy is bitter because Frankie had to ride in support of Lance, instead of for himself.

There is no mention of drugs in from clinical trials being used, although that could be central to the FDA investigation.

Wonder if BusinessInsider would be taking this line if the Livestrong stuff was still in the SI article.

I find it hilarious that these people's response to "No proof, but suspicions arising from several sources" isn't "Investigate!" but "Forget it, they're all bitter."

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

The story just made the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Not the top story but in the first block. No new light in the broadcast, just mentioning the continuation, depth and seriousness of it.

 

[runninboy]

I find it hilarious that these people's response to "No proof, but suspicions arising from several sources" isn't "Investigate!" but "Forget it, they're all bitter."

Absolutely true. It amazes me when if nothing else you try to be openminded and look at the issue from both sides you suddenly have become a lifelong hater.

For the record i would prefer LA to be as clean as the driven snow. I take no delight in his downfall other than an example being set to future riders that is you cheat you might get away for awhile but eventually the deception will be revealed and you would be better served to play by the rules than give in to the temptation of fame & fortune.

On a personal note, i truly believed LA in his comeback was clean. What opened my eyes that i was naive occurred soon after one of his early TDF wins. I had a friend who was on the team with Lance. A very affable guy and someone who always has a smile on his face and would make Bobke look depressed. I asked him"Boy that must have been great, winning the Tour with Lance?"
that comment immediately wiped the smile off his face and replaced it with a expression that really took me by surprise."Evil eye" would be the closest explanation i can think of. I don't remember if he actually said
"don't ever ask me about it again" but that was the obvious implication.
It went far beyond someone being a pain in the *** or playing their music too loud etc etc. I had just mentioned something that threatened this man's career if he discussed it. I have know this guy for twenty years and never seen him act this way before or since. It took all of five seconds for me to figure out what this person was telling me without speaking, Lance was dirty. It felt not unlike being broadsided by a car, i kind of made it through the next few hours in a daze wondering wtf had just hit me.

I would prefer if this never happened but i can't turn back the clock and pretend it didn't. I guess in some people eyes that makes me a hater, and of course there is no way to convince them otherwise. So be it.
And to the apologists who even now are saying its OK, everyone does it Christopher Bassons never had the stones to be a winner etc etc it reminds me of a friend of mine from England.
When we were riding the train from Milan to Lugano he said
"Say what you will about Mussolini but at least he kept the trains running on time"
personally if i had my druthers i would most definitely prefer to suffer British rail if it meant living under Churchill...