Landis Fails Second Test Too

This is really a sad story. I know he claims that he did nothing wrong, but his levels were so high that it is hard to think otherwise.

(AP)Within 45 minutes of the "B" sample announcement, the Swiss-based team Phonak fired its captain for "violating the teams internal Code of Ethics."

Phonak stood by Tyler Hamilton throughout his blood-doping case two years ago; Landis, however, is getting no support.

"This will be his personal affair, and the Phonak team will no longer be involved," a statement said.

Testosterone, a male sex hormone, helps build muscle and improve stamina. The urine tests were done July 20 after Landis' Stage 17 victory during a grueling Alpine leg, when he regained nearly eight minutes against then-leader Pereiro — and went on to win the three-week race.

Both of Landis' "A" and "B" samples turned up a testosterone/epitestosterone ratio of 11:1 — far in excess of the 4:1 limit.

At some point don't we need to just say that it is their body, if they want to kill themselves to be a better athlete, then so be it. People need to stop looking at athletes as role models and rather as entertainment. How come we don't hear people running around saying they were so let down by Mel Gibson or any other actor that wakes up in jail? How come we don't hear people say that their kids were somehow affected by this? Why should we treat athletes any different than actors or entertainers?