Sports Have a story idea? Contact us at sports @theotherpress.ca @ Lance Armstrong: from hero to zero By Josh Martin, Sports Editor ance Armstrong; a man who battled back from testicular cancer— which spread to his lungs and brain—who went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999-2005, founded the Livestrong cancer awareness charity 15 years ago, and perhaps most importantly, was an inspirational world icon in cycling has lost it all. The doping accusations from his 11 former team- mates and the fact that he would not participate in a drug test when called upon several weeks ago is the evidence being used to strip Armstrong of his seven titles and ban him from the sport for life—which brings up the question of whether or not that is enough evidence to strip this so called ‘Kingpin’ from everything he has? Since this whole ordeal, Armstrong has stepped down as chair- man of the Livestrong charity that he founded. He has lost his Nike, Trek Bicycles, and Anheuser- Busch sponsorships as well as others and it is quite likely that he will lose his 2000 Olympic bronze medal too. Yes, it is safe to say that this man has hit rock bottom. But didn’t Armstrong go through hundreds of drugs tests from the USADA through those successful years in his cycling career? Armstrong was accused by his teammates that he forced them to use steroids, blood transfu- sions, and blood booster EPO, but how is it that they couldn’t catch him with the most sophisti- cated drug technology? Several weeks prior to Armstrong’s ‘drug bust’ he was confronted to take part in yet again one more dope test by the USADA to prove his innocence but he stated that, “There comes a point in every man’s life when he has to say, ‘Enough is enough.’ For me that time is now.” So what does this all Vancouver meets LA in first round Whitecaps make Major League history in sophomore year By Elliot Chan, Contributor he Vancouver Whitecaps will have a chance to do what their sibling professional athletic club could not. Yes, it was only seven months ago that the Vancouver Canucks, Presidents’ trophy-winning team got knocked out in the playoffs in the first round by the LA Kings. LA went on to win the Stanley Cup, leaving a bitter taste to linger in sport fans’ palates. Well, redemption has resurrected in the form of the Whitecaps, because once again a Vancouver- based team will face a Los Angeles titan in the first round. 22 With that being said, I wouldn’t plan any parades yet. For many, the real championship was being the first Canadian team to ever reach MLS post-season. Everything now is bonus. After starting the 2012 season in terrific form and being touted as the most solid defensive team in the league, the Whitecaps stumbled down the stretch going 3-9-3 in their last 15 games. Vancouver’s far from stellar finish was highlighted by their potential playoff clinching game against Cascadian rival Portland Timbers on October 21. In front of the home crowd at BC Place, the Whitecaps didn’t simply choke, but required the Heimlich Maneuver to get them through the game. Losing 0-1 toa team more than 10 points beneath them was not a good sign. Fortunately, on the same night, mean—that Armstrong’s pride is standing in the way of him keeping his reputation? That he doesn’t want to do one more drug test to prove that he’s not guilty of these allegations? Why is he all of a sud- den finished with this nonsense when all eyes are on him, including 11 former teammates? It just doesn’t make sense. Whether Armstrong is guilty or not doesn’t really matter anymore, though all of the evidence says that he is. But this brings up the question of whether everything in society should be questioned beyond the point of respect? Where is that fine line of privacy? the Seattle Sounders defeated FC Dallas in a 3-1 finish. That game mathematically knocked Dallas out of playoff contention and allowed the Whitecaps to be stretchered in. It is the Caps’ first foray into MLS post- season and the LA Galaxy—last year’s championship team— are as experienced as it gets. In the three regular season games between both teams this year, the Galaxy won the series 2-0-1 and outscored the Whitecaps 7-2. With one game remaining in the season, LA could finish anywhere from six to 12 points ahead of Vancouver. There is no denying that the Whitecaps have a huge mountain to climb on November 1 at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. Moreover, playing away from home has not been a strength Of trusting someone? Perhaps Armstrong is making a point in human society. That this messed up world has come to a point where there is no escape from authority. One must give in to the fines and rules of regula- tions in order to go about their lives because the Justice system says so. Whether or not Armstrong is telling the truth, he has lost everything. His reputa- tion, titles, sponsor- ships, and charity. If his main goal was the make a point, then maybe Mr. Armstrong went a little too far. Vancouver can lean on. July 4in Colorado marked their last win away from BC Place. Their eight game losing streak on the road can be a distant memory if they are able to defeat Real Salt Lake in the last regular season game on October 27. Doing so would go a long way in rebuilding confidence for an underdog team facing the bright lights. After all, stars don’t come any brighter than those of the LA Galaxy, such names as David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Robbie Keane are as internationally recognized as it gets. November 1 at 7:30 p.m. PST, Vancouver Whitecaps will face LA Galaxy in the Western Conference Knockout Round. If Vancouver manages to pull off an upset, they will remain in sunny California and face the San Jose Earthquakes on November 4.