Doper opens up

Canadian national team mountain biker Chris Sheppard opens up and comes clean with his doping admission. It's rare to get such an open admission after the fact. Like a lot of cyclists he periodically sent out emails keeping friends updated on his racing. Recently he sent out his final "Shep report" explaining the "why" of his turning to drugs to compete.

Read Chris' message HERE from Cyclingnews.

Chris provides what looks to be an honest and straightforward answer without any excuses. As you read his description of what led to him taking drugs it can be understood why he'd consider it, but actually following through and taking them are another matter. It's painfully obvious Chris is a broken man right now, probably broken down even before taking the drugs, but more so now.

He sounds fully aware of the potential career ending mistake he made, but I believe he still has an opportunity to remain in the sport in some capacity. I am all for punishment for athletes who cheat with more severe actions taken against habitual offenders. There must be consequences for using performance enhancing drugs.

However, once the price is paid they should be allowed another opportunity to redeem themselves. Life is all about making mistakes, learning from them, and moving on to make better decisions later in life.