A Lie to Rely On

Remember the days when someone would paint a picture, ace a test or be the first to finish running laps in P.E. and not be accused of performance enhancers? For some of us those days seem almost more like dreams than memories and others may never remember such a time. However, it’s never been the ‘how’ that bugged me; it’s almost always been the deception, the keeping the public in the dark that killed me. Are the lies we tell ourselves, and the world ever justifiable?

            Over the years several hundred athletes have been accused/convicted what have you, of using illegal substances (not all performance enhancers). Take for instance former MLB first baseman David Segui who was busted for using Human Growth Hormone when he played for the Mets. After a long debacle Segui finally admitted to having a doctor’s excuse for the HGH and it was needed to make up for a health condition. The mediocre player at best, lost public support for being shady. Segui ended his career on the Orioles with a pitiful scorecard and little to no fans.

            More popular example, Arnold Schwarzenegger, back in his Mr. Universe days, Arnold was caught using steroids.  Heck Schwarzenegger was pretty much caught doing a lot of dishonest things. He went AWOL at 18, was an illegal immigrant in the 60s and then there were the ‘roids. Not to mention a whole slue of sexual harassment allegations. But he had that charm, those muscles and well no one hates on an action hero who saves the world from aliens!

            Finally we can talk about Texas native Lance Armstrong until the cows come home. The man came in first, seven consecutive times in the Tour de France. Then he broke Sheryl Crows’ heart, so we forgot all about his wins. However, then cancer struck him harder than his 2009 crash in Spain. The world forgave him and rallied on as he got back to business as usual four days after his operation. Now after years of blood, sweat and tears he’s being accused and convicted of doping. Losing his wins, his sponsors and the public’s love. Personally, I think cycling is boring. I participate in Conquer the Coast each year and remember to take a buddy and beats to stay lively. Cycling without Armstrong is golf without Woods, just not worth watching when highlights will do just fine. Maybe he finally came clean to Oprah because she is as close to ‘the people’ as Armstrong is ever going to get. I can respect that.

            So my little surreptitious Islanders, remember should you intend on going the dishonest route be prepared to pay the price. Even if the lie is small you better have a back up of amazing deeds to counteract it. This being said, we might want to all step-up our game this semester.