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News Release

Last modified: Friday, January 18, 2013

Indiana University expert: Lance Armstrong's confession falls flat

Disgraced cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong's confession on prime-time television continues Friday, Jan. 18. Galen Clavio, sports communication and marketing expert in the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, shares some insights. He can be reached by news media at gclavio2@indiana.edu or 812-855-3367.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 18, 2013

Cyclist Lance Armstrong's revelations did not surprise Galen Clavio, assistant professor in the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, "for no other reason than the mountain of evidence pointing toward his having used performance-enhancing drugs during his cycling career was overwhelming from the start," Clavio said.

"I am not certain what Armstrong is hoping to gain through his public confession, because thus far he has failed to appear emotionally contrite," Clavio said. "From a public relations perspective within the context of sport, I do not think his Oprah appearance has done anything positive. His performance reminds me very much of Tiger Woods' attempt at a public confession of guilt, although to Lance's credit he has been far more forthcoming and direct than Woods ever was.

"Woods seems to have been given the benefit of the doubt by both fans and media. I doubt that Armstrong will be given the same degree of latitude."

Clavio, assistant professor in the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington's Department of Kinesiology, can be reached at gclavio2@indiana.edu or 812-855-3367.

For additional assistance, contact Tracy James at 812-855-0084 or traljame@iu.edu.

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