My "The Last Dance" letdown was short lived after watching Part 1 of "Lance," another great ESPN documentary about cyclist Lance Armstrong. Lance was the greatest cyclist of his era and maybe of all-time after winning seven consecutive Tour De France races.
He also cheated and while it can be argued that there is no excusing his actions, it should be noted that so did just about everyone else.
Lance was the best rider in the world and his use of performance enhancing drugs evened the playing field.
What about such drug use in tennis?
The evidence is compelling that tennis is not entirely clean, and the sport’s motivation to not commit self-immolation and turn in its’ highest profile stars is enormous.
Lance is not a nice guy, so I don't feel too much sympathy for him, but I wonder how the sport's fans would treat their own if the abundant rumors about the best and brightest were confirmed.
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Steven Kaplan Steven Kaplan is the owner and managing director of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as director emeritus of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation and executive director and founder of Serve & Return Inc. Steve has coached more than 1,100 nationally-ranked junior players, 16 New York State high school champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous highly-ranked touring professionals. Many of the students Steve has closely mentored have gone to achieve great success as prominent members of the New York financial community, and in other prestigious professions. In 2017, Steve was awarded the Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award by the USTA. He may be reached by e-mail at StevenJKaplan@aol.com. |