Nike Stands By Lance Armstrong

Guilty or not guilty?

The USADA has banned Lance Armstrong, who retired in 2011, of participating in anymore cycling competitions for life. They also will strip all seven of his titles from him. The International Cycling Union (the cycling governing body) stated they would need a complete explanation on why they should back the USADA and strip his titles as well.For reasons only known to himself, 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has given up his fight against the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The USADA has long accused the cyclist of doping to to win his titles. Armstrong, 40, declared “enough is enough” and stated he would not fight them anymore. He also noted that he is not admitting guilt, simply that he wanted to devote more time to his family and helping cancer survivors.

One thing he does not need to worry about is losing his biggest endorsement. Nike has stated that they will continue to support Armstrong. In a company statement they said:

“Lance has stated his position and has been unwavering on this position. Nike plans to continue to support Lance and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a foundation that Lance created to serve cancer survivors”

This is good news to Armstrong who personally has made millions from his Nike endorsement. And most importantly the Livestrong brand still stands, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars towards cancer research.

In my opinion this is just why Armstrong gave up the fight. At this point one cannot know for sure if he is indeed guilty of doping; you can only wonder. And he continues to insist he’s innocent, which is enough for Nike. He retired last year, so a ban from competing does not really affect him, and he keeps his biggest endorser. Now we just wait to see if the USADA will succeed in convincing the International Cycling Union and the International Olympic Committee to erase his awards.