Man Up, Lance

In new interview, Lance Armstrong says he was unfairly treated and has paid a heavy price

Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is apparently having a rough time dealing with the consequences of lying and cheating his way to the top of the Tour de France. In an interview with the BBC, Armstrong lamented his self-directed plot in life.

"It's been real tough. I've paid a high price in terms of my standing within the sport, my reputation, certainly financially because the lawsuits have continued to pile up," Armstrong told the BBC. "I have experienced massive personal loss, massive loss of wealth, while others have truly capitalized on this story."

For years, Armstrong vehemently denied doping rumors, going as far as suing his accusers for libel and defamation.

"If everyone gets a free pass, I'm happy to take a free pass," Armstrong told the BBC.

But his throne of lies came crashing down in late 2012, when Armstrong stepped down from Livestrong and was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.

With his back against the wall in January 2013, Armstrong at long last admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs. He also returned a bronze medal from the 2000 Olympics.

In the aftermath of his confession, Armstrong lost his lavish Austin mansion. He sold it ostensibly to pay massive legal fees related to lawsuits by his former sponsor, insurer and teammate. Further legal action is believed to be in the works.

Armstrong's supposed mea culpa interview with Oprah failed to cast the cycling star in a remorseful or even sympathetic light. Instead, he appeared defiant and cocky.

In the BBC interview, Armstrong projected self-righteousness as he pled for equitable treatment from the International Cycling Union, which has the final say on whether or not Armstrong and others who admitted to doping will ever be able to race professionally again. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency banned Armstrong from cycling for life in 2012.

"If everyone gets the death penalty, then I'll take the death penalty," Armstrong said. "If everyone gets a free pass, I'm happy to take a free pass. If everyone gets six months, then I'll take my six months."

It's a bold move for Armstrong to ask for fairness after making a career out of systematically cheating drug tests. After all, Armstrong always insisted he belonged in a league of his own. It's only fair that the International Cycling Union treat him that way.

Armstrong made headlines when he stepped out with girlfriend Anna Hansen [http: /dallas.culturemap.com/news/society/08-05-13-lance-armstrong-anna-hansen-aspen-art-museum-artcrush/] in Aspen.

Lance Armstrong, Anna Hansen at Aspen Art Museum

Photo by © Billy Farrell BFANYC.com

Armstrong made headlines when he stepped out with girlfriend Anna Hansen [https: /dallas.culturemap.com/news/society/08-05-13-lance-armstrong-anna-hansen-aspen-art-museum-artcrush/] in Aspen.

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pucker up

Growing pickleball franchise smashes into Houston with 2 locations

Two men play pickleball on a Picklr court.

Photo courtesy of The Picklr

A Picklr court campus similar to the ones soon to open in Houston.

Pickleball is one of the hottest sports sweeping the nation, and one of the biggest names in the game is setting up two new facilities in Houston. Picklr is scheduled to open indoor sports campuses in Cypress and The Woodlands in the coming months.

“Bringing a pickleball facility to Cypress will not only provide a fun and engaging recreational outlet for residents of all ages, but will also foster a sense of community and promote a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Steve Nguyen, owner of The Picklr Cypress.“This facility will serve as a vibrant hub for social interaction, skill development, and friendly/competitive competition, enhancing community bonds and offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.”

Although the game is approximately 60 years old, pickleball saw a massive spike in popularity following the pandemic when people were looking for fun group activities with easy points of entry. Though a racket sport like tennis, it is far easier and slower thanks to using perforated balls, smaller courts, and lighter paddles. This means the game is open to players of all ages, and was originally most popular with retirees. Now, there are roughly 5 million players across America, with players under 24 making up the majority. Houston even has its own professional team, the Hammers (not the Texas Hammer; that's this guy).

The court in Cypress will be located in the old ASI Gymnastics building at 8920 Barker Cypress. It's a relatively modest facility with only six courts including a practice court. By contrast, The Woodlands location will be much more opulent. At 66,517 square feet, it will have 20 courts, 4 private event spaces (one with an exclusive viewing area), as well as a shower, changing room, dry bar, and kitchenette. Picklr The Woodlands will be located at 16590 Interstate I-45 South.

These locations are the first for Picklr in Houston. They have twelve locations all throughout Texas, including in Round Rock and McKinney, and many more nationwide. Picklr locations operate on a membership model similar to a gym. Memberships run $159 a month for adults and $89 for minors, with unlimited access to open play, league play, and tournaments , as well as four free clinics a month. Additional coaching is available.

There is currently no set opening date for the two Houston-area Picklrs. Players interested in learning more may sign up for updates at ThePicklr.com.

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