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Lance Armstrong’s Bad Day Brings Up Many Intense, But Conflicting Emotions

Suffice to say, it was a bad day for Lance Armstrong.

Still reeling in the wake of his own decision to stop fighting the
United States Anti-Doping Agency's pursuit of doping and drug
trafficking charges against him in court — thereby accepting a lifetime
ban from professional cycling and effectively vacating his seven Tour
de France titles — the news has only gotten worse for the since-disgraced hero.

Again, on his own accord, Armstrong announced on Wednesday his decision to step down as chairman of the Livestrong Foundation, citing his public battles as a distraction to the organization's cancer-fighting goals. Throughout all the allegations over the years, many remained loyal to Armstrong due to his charitable work.

But wait, it gets even worse.

Nike announced Wednesday that it was severing ties with Armstrong, but will remain the official apparel company for Livestrong. Several other sponsors, including Anheuser-Busch, followed suit shortly thereafter. In fact, Nike, who had long stood by Armstrong, released a sharply worded, rather harsh statement announcing the fact.

"Due to the seemingly insurmountable evidence that Lance Armstrong
participated in doping and misled Nike for more than a decade, it is
with great sadness that we have terminated our contract with him," the statement reads. "Nike does not condone the use of illegal
performance-enhancing drugs."

It's a day of many conflicting emotions. While on the one hand, Armstrong is clearly getting his just desserts, having cheated and lied about cheating for over a decade. But on the other, Armstrong was just one of many doping in what is quite possibly the dirtiest sport in the world in terms of performance-enhancing drugs. Moreover, it's unequivocal that Armstrong's cancer-survival story and efforts in the field touched the lives of many.

So, as in life so it goes in sports. There are rarely clear-cut villains, and the truth of the matter is always a little bit convoluted. Let's just hope some positives come out of this sad story.

Photo of the Night

Yes, that is indeed former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan addressing the Cleveland Browns. No word on whether or not the team plans to change its name to the "Reds."

Photo via Twitter/Alex Moe

Quote of the Night

"Do you know what I hate? I hate Twitter. I think these guys are young guys, and I think 'Tweet this, Spacebook that.'"
–Former Patriots offensive coordinator and current Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien professing that he doesn't much care for social media.

Tweet of the Night

You still need to pay for that platoon partner, however.

Alex Rodriguez likely will only hit against lefties. In a related story, Scott Hairston will seek $30 million per this winter as free agent.

— Peter Botte (@PeterBotte) October 17, 2012

Video of the Night

What does the crystal ball say, Justin?