Lance Armstrong and The Code

Lance Armstrong will apparently admit on Oprah that he has used banned performance enhancing drugs.  What does the Code say about this?  The Code’s prologue says, “I will take responsibility and appropriate actions when I fail to live up to this Code.”  That is one of the most important, if not the most important, lines of the Code.  It assumes that we will all make mistakes, because we are human.  The issue is not whether we’ll make a mistake, but what we’ll do when we do.  Lance Armstrong has denied his drug use for many, many years.  He has insulted and defamed those who accused him.  He has made many mistakes.  But, he is to be commended for finally telling the truth, assuming he does.  Taking responsibility is the first big step which he is taking.  “Appropriate actions” are next.  There may be a life-time of appropriate actions that he will need to take.  If he does the right things, the final question is up to us: are we willing to forgive him?  Will we be able to get past the bad, to see the good?