Heroes or Villains
By Tony DeFazio

Muhammad Ali

Ali is not only one of the most popular athletes in history; he is one of the most recognizable figures in the world. An Olympic Gold Medal, the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila were Ali's highlights in the ring. Since his retirement, he has engaged in numerous humanitarian efforts, including a 1990 journey to Iraq to negotiate the release of 15 hostages. And who can forget the image of Ali in 1996, ailing with Parkinson's, lighting the Olympic flame in Atlanta? Many Americans, however, were turned off by his brazen attitude and his relinquishment of his "slave name," Cassius Clay. He created a national furor with his refusal to join the Army during the Vietnam War, famously stating, "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong." The governor of Illinois called Ali "disgusting;" the governor of Maine said he "should be held in utter contempt by every patriotic American." He was prosecuted draft dodging and sentenced to five years in prison. He was released on appeal, but the boxing commission took away his title and his lisence, and Ali did not fight again for 2 ½ years. To some, his refusal to serve his country is the lasting legacy of Ali. To others, he is as beloved a figure as the American cultural landscape has ever known.

Lance Armstrong

In 1996, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer, which had spread to his abdomen, lungs, and brain. Doctors thought it was highly unlikely that he had more than another year to live. His survival alone is quite an accomplishment, but to dominate the Tour de France, most strenuous athletic event in the world-an unprecedented seven times-is simply unbelievable.

However, rampant rumors of steroid use and blood-doping have dogged Armstrong for years. While Armstrong has vehemently denied using performance-enhancing drugs, numerous European media, fans, and even cyclists themselves have accused Armstrong of doping. Other accusations have come from ex-Armstrong employees Emma O'Reilly (his masseuse) and Mike Anderson (his assistant), both of whom described the cyclist's steroid use in detail. Even American Greg Lemond, himself a multiple Tour de France winner, expressed "disappointment" over Armstrong's decade-long relationship with Italian doctor Michele Ferrari - convicted in 2004 of doping-related offenses.

There is no doubt that Armstrong is a pillar of inspiration and hope to anyone fighting adversity. But the shadow of steroid use-whether true or untrue, fair or unfair-will continue to be part of Armstrong's legacy.

John Wooden

John Wooden, simply put, is one of the most revered men of his time. His basketball accomplishments are astounding: Ten NCAA championships. Eighty-eight straight wins. Off the court he is held in even higher esteem, especially by those who know him best: his players. Of the 180 who played for him, Wooden knows the whereabouts of 172 and is in touch with most. His doctrine was "never lie, never cheat, never steal." His role of mentor to young men is well-known by many. What is less well-known is his relationship with a man named Sam Gilbert, a millionaire contractor in the Los Angeles area and a generous donor to UCLA basketball. Bruins' players-who knew Gilbert as "Papa Sam"-were regulars at his L.A. mansion, lounging at his pool on weekends. If a player needed money for books, Papa Sam arranged for the books to be purchased and delivered to the player. If a player needed an apartment, Papa Sam knew of an available one. In 1981 (years after Wooden's retirement), the NCAA found that Sam Gilbert's name was used to co-sign a loan for a player's car. The basketball program was placed on probation and ordered to disassociate with Gilbert. A year later, Gilbert began laundering money for a known drug runner. He passed away two days before federal agents had enough evidence to arrest him. Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight once told Bill Walton, a former Wooden player, "What you see with me is what you get, which is a hell of a lot different than the guy you played for."

While Wooden's image as a wise and saintly mentor of young men remains in tact-and seems genuine-in the shadows of that image stands the mystery of Sam Gilbert.

Tony DeFazio is the editor of the Pittsburgh Sports Report, KidSports Magazine and Keystone Recruiting.