Lance Armstrong and Doping

One of the most monumental athletes in recent years, without a doubt has been Lance Armstrong.  The professional bicyclist was born on September 18, 1971 and won the largest bicycle race a record seven consecutive times before being charged with a doping offense in which he would later be stripped of those titles.  In 1996 Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer which had spread to his brain and his lungs.  He underwent surgery on both his brain and testicular tumors and also excruciating chemotherapy.  In the following year of 1997, he was declared cancer free and in the same year he founded the Lance Armstrong foundation for cancer research.  The following year he resumed his cycle training and got back into shape to make the dominant run that he is known for.  However, in recent times he is more known for his doping scandal in which his 7 titles were rescinded.  He finally admitted to doping on an interview with Oprah Winfey on January 15th 2013.  An athlete that took so much pride in the monumental obstacles he surmounted, even forming the "livestrong" campaign, will have his entire career accomplishments taken away from him, and well as his reputation tarnished.

In February of 2011, pending an investigation on whether or not he was guilty on doping charges, Armstrong  retired from the triathlon competition.  A year later he returned to the sport however to be banned for life due to the result of being charged for the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.  The USADA had actually released a statement saying "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen" (USADA).

  For years Armstrong had been such a phenomenal inspiration to athletes all over the world.  With his admittance on national television that he did in fact dope is an utter disgrace.  As a result of this, he also relinquished his duties as acting chairman of the Armstrong cancer foundation although he still remains on the board of directors.  Although the fact that he won the battle against cancer will always in and of itself be a monumental achievement, his athletic accomplishments will no longer be recognized, and his reputation will forever be tainted.   
         

Manti Te'o Truly a Hoax?

One of the biggest controversies in sports at the moment is the Manti Te'o girlfriend hoax.  Manti Te'o is one of the most dynamic athletes in NCAA football.  He was the first defensive player to be considered for the Heisman trophy since Charles Woodson in 1997.  The Heisman trophy is the most valuable player award in college football and is often won by the most explosive offensive player in the country.  Even though Te'o did not win the Heisman trophy, to be considered for the award as a defensive player is truly remarkable.  

The Heisman is a football award however, the character of the young men being considered for this award is taken into consideration. Throughout the year, Te'o used the fact that his grandmother, who he was very close to, and his girlfriend passed away in the same day as motivation to play every game as if it could be his last. Some believe that he used this to win over the sympathy of the people of America and the voters of the Heisman trophy ceremony.  

Over recent weeks, news has broken that Te'o's girlfriend never truly existed.  This did not sit well with sports fans around the world.  Mainly due to the fact that he used this to receive pity from fans.  After further investigation, Te'o stated that he was a victim in this situation.  He informs the press that the relationship between him and his girlfriend had been strictly an online and telephone based relationship and he had not ever seen her.  A question that arises since he is a big time football star with professional aspirations, perhaps his agent paid someone to take the wrap and admit that they were responsible for the hoax in order to keep Te'o's image a positive one.  

It is important as an athlete role model to maintain a positive image not only for themselves but also for fans, and young children that look up to him for inspiration.  Te'o is representing his family and his entire school with everything that he does.  The entire school has been affected negatively by this even if it truly was a hoax.  The University of Notre Dame was affected athletically after this when potential recruits cancelled their visits.  Also, the amount of coverage this has received has been absolutely astounding.  Even if he did lie, is it truly a story to be talked about at this volume?  

Te'o will now forever be known as the guy with a fake girlfriend.  This is not only a disgrace to his family name but everyone affiliated with the university of Notre Dame.  While he is an exceptional football player, his morals and ethics will always be questioned.  

Controversy and Sports

Athletes in professional  and collegiate sports are role models to children and young men and women around the world.  They have been role models in the past and in the present.  The conduct of these athletes are detrimental to the hopes and dreams of countless children around the world.  This is something that should always be in the mind of any athletes around the world.  It is not only important to be successful on the court or field, but also off the field in regards to ethics and morals as well.  Some athletes that portray the right character are Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls.  These athletes have proved that they are not only excellent athletes but excellent men as well.     

There are many stories past in present that are absolutely unacceptable.  Arguably the biggest controversy in sports today is the use of anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs.  With the use of these drugs it takes away the integrity of the game.  Also, how is it that athletes have receive special treatment in cases such as murder and drug related chargers? A couple of cases come to mind.  Some cases range from the O.J Simpson murder case, to various other athletes being charged with murder.  Also, in the collegiate aspect of sports, some of the nation's largest powerhouses have been under investigation for NCAA violations regarding recruiting.  Athletes who should be worried about receiving an education are being bribed to select schools.  This is unacceptable.  Education should be the primary concern in a young man or woman's life.

There are plenty of different controversies that I will be evaluating during the course of this semester.  These controversies range from drug related controversies, to controversies concerning murder, athletes that are considered "busts" and miscellaneous controversies evaluating to see if they are truly worth the amount of national attention that they receive.