November 07, 2012 – Cycling legend, cancer survivor, bestselling author, global philanthropist and multimedia icon Lance Armstrong recently descended into a world of controversy, humiliation and public shame. Last month his entire professional life, charity work and avid support for cancer research was questioned after a US Anti-Doping Agency report detailed his use of performance enhancing drugs during his years as a professional athlete.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) has since stripped Armstrong of his seven Tour de France titles, stating that “Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling”. Corporate sponsors have dropped him and lawsuits may be looming on the horizon. Amidst all this scrutiny and public humiliation Armstrong maintains his innocence.

One can only assume that he is sticking with the idea that his actions were fair and just given the doping culture of the sport. The gist of this is that it is ok because everyone is doing it. But, will Armstrong ever clear his conscience and publically admit guilt? Will he ever succumb to the reality of his actions on his own? In some twisted reverse psychology, Armstrong may be able to salvage his reputation and restore his “hero” status if he does.

Admitting guilt, apologizing and shifting blame to the pressures, culture and doping realities of professional cycling (a legitimate argument given the sheer number of professional cyclists who have recently admitted to doping, and the overwhelming support for a truth and reconciliation process) might give him the chance to regain some favour. His public apology may also hold more weight if he vows to help clean up the sport that he claims to love. No athlete should be forced to use performance enhancing drugs in order to compete with the best, and Armstrong can do a lot if he chooses to champion that cause.

For now though, it seems that Armstrong is unaware of his power to change a bad situation into a positive one. His actions as a do-gooder may eventually save not only his reputation, but his state of mind. He will eventually have to come to terms with his choices and the realities of his professional life if there is even a small part of him that questions his innocence. He may be able to privately exonerate his conscience, but to do so publicly may save the mountain of fame and fortune he has worked hard to build.

Why not turn the tide of public scrutiny by supporting the UCI’s mission to clean up professional cycling? It would certainly be unexpected, and some argue that his charity work and devotion to cancer research is what really made him popular in the first place. Armstrong needs to show the world that he is human, and has a future in the world of cycling by championing the international fight against doping. The truth can set him free.