Dear GiGi: Since Lance Armstrong admitted to doping, the media frenzy has quieted down. Have people forgiven or forgotten him?

February 19, 2013

Dear GiGi: Since Lance Armstrong admitted to doping, the media frenzy has quieted down. Have people forgiven or forgotten him?

February 19, 2013

Dear Claudio,

I don’t think people have forgiven or forgotten Lance – I think they’re fatigued. In today’s 24-hour news cycle, it takes a lot to hold the media’s – and the public’s – attention for more than a few days. Look at the Pope, for example. His resignation sparked a day of continuous coverage during which little else was covered. If you think Lance’s media frenzy was fast and furious, consider that the Pope’s announcement lasted just that day.

Perhaps coming (partially) clean to Oprah has garnered some forgiveness for the former champion, but for the most part people will probably not think too kindly of Lance when they hear his name for quite a while. In terms of forgetting him, the most attention he got was really over three weeks each summer.

The fact that the media scrutiny has died down for now bodes well for Lance, but the story probably isn’t over. If he can get past this lawsuit, lay low for awhile, and then take a few smart steps, he may be able to reemerge for a second act. Regardless, we’re going to be hearing about him sporadically for the time being.

Stay on message,