Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Rewrite

Um well...so I guess I have some good news. Turns out I can race this year due to a string of random events that played out starting last October. Remember when I lamented on this blog a few months back about Di Luca because he got a reduction in sanction for providing details of his doping practices? And then I said something to the effect of "if only I had actually doped or had knowledge of dopers, I too could get a reduction". Well, at some point after that rant I met with a person who had incriminating knowledge of a suspected doper and I eventually helped convince that person to approach USADA with that information. USADA found that information so useful that they decided to reduce my sanction because of it.
The other crucial part to this puzzle is the onset of a new program started at the CU - Boulder Law School by USOC ombudsman John Ruger. It's a program where law students can take on real cases of athletes battling doping violations but who don't have the money to hire legal representation. I was their first case, and under the tutelage of Professor Andy Hartman, they helped me use the information that I could provide USADA for my benefit. Without their help, I'm sure I would have still tried to convince that person to help USADA but my situation would be unchanged. I'm convinced of this because this is the 2nd time that I've done this for USADA since my sanction began and the first time I simply put them in touch with the person who had the information with no discussions about how it should benefit me. This time, my CU team helped convince me to 'play the game'.
Yes, I agree that this has absolutely nothing to do with me and I'm don't really think it merits a reduction in sanction. But I'd like to think that USADA is beginning to realize that I'm not a dirty cheat. I think that they've talked to a lot of people both clean and dirty who all think that mine is a case of unintentional ingestion. I'd like to think that this was their way of getting me a reduction on a technicality. However, I'm probably full of shit. I think that I ultimately just saved them some money and potentially losses and they want to encourage others to do what I've done.
In citing the reasons for my reduction, they said that coming forth with information took 'courage'. I was a little offended by that. Every clean rider that I know of wants nothing more than for all of the cheaters to get caught and the punishment that they deserve. There is nothing courageous about wanting a clean sport. It's actually a selfish endeavor. I don't want anyone who is taking shortcuts to beat me or any of my friends. The reality is that I would have given them the information regardless of whether it directly benefited me or not - the same as any other athlete out there who is doing things the right way would do.
It's a crazy world. I'm going to make the most of this opportunity. The 2011 season was previously taken away from me so now anything positive that happens from this moment on is a gift.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Suh-weet. Good luck this season, Tom. I hope to read about some good results later in the season!

Anonymous said...

Tom Brother! Super happy for you. I wish you the best of luck with your cycling career, and your life outside of cycling. Train hard, you've got a huge fan base!

Tim said...

Hey man, glad to hear it. I wish you the best!

batman220 said...

Awesome. Good luck this season!!

David McMillan said...

Now just stay upright on your bike big guy :)
Fantastic news. Ignore the inevitable haters that will surely chime in and carry on with their usual 'blah blah blahs'. The road is wide open again and we have you back on it blazing the way forward.

North Iowa SPIN said...

Tom - Welcome back and just know that a lot of people are standing behind you and your massive thighs!!!

Now get on a team and go some damage!

T-

Anonymous said...

www.rideclean.net

Nathan said...

you're going to do some serious ass-kicking this season and I for one can't wait to see you do it!

the mostly reverend said...

big congratulations, tom. it sucks having to play the game, but as an attorney for over 28 years,i know that sometimes it's what you must do.
we'd LOVE to see you come back to iowa to do some races before you return to the big time, and ragbrai is ALWAYS there for you, too. can't wait to do another interview with you.

Anonymous said...

Really happy to see that you will be riding again! Totally deserved and I'll be following your progress with interest. Keep us up to date with your news as things progress this year!

whareagle said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I always believed you!!! Tell me more about this UC Boulder law program. It sounds pretty interesting.

Again - congrats and now go out there and enjoy your new freedom! w/kg!!!!!

ssd, DC said...

aaaannd.....thats why everyone likes you dude and wants you to succeed!!

Mark from Grand Rapids, MI said...

Hope you decide to return to pro cycling! It doesn't deserve you, but you deserve it.

Forza Tom!

michelle said...

While I wish your suspension ended because they decided you were clean, I'm thrilled to hear of it ending. Congratulations on being a man of character and I hope to see you racing soon!

Soul Rider said...

I turned on my computer tonight to check on a few things and this news came across my screen! Most excellent and fantastic, Tom, I'm happy for you! Train hard and good luck this season; perhaps I'll see you at the Nature Valley Grand Prix?

McDuff said...

Glad to hear this news sooner than expected. Best wishes as your career moves forward!

Anonymous said...

Awesome news!!! Go get'em!!!

MavicMoto said...

What did Vaughters say when you emailed him the good news?