There's a memorable scene in Dodgeball where Lance Armstrong convinces slacker, but all-around good guy Peter La Fleur, to change his mind about giving up.
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Armstrong: ''Quit? You know, once I was thinking about quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular cancer, all at the same time. But with the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike and I won the Tour de France five times in a row. But I'm sure you have a good reason to quit. So what are you dying from that's keeping you from the finals?
La Fleur: ''Right now it feels a little bit like … shame.''
Armstrong: ''Well, I guess if a person never quit when the going got tough, they wouldn't have anything to regret for the rest of their life. But good luck to you Peter. I'm sure this decision won't haunt you forever.''
Ironic words given the dramatic events of the past two days.
After years of accusations and just as fervent denials of doping, Armstrong's reputation as one of the greatest road cyclists of all time is in tatters. In the face of more than 1000 pages of evidence, the American with the golden smile and heart-warming story continues to plead his innocence.
A damning report from the US Anti-Doping Agency on Thursday found that the seven-time Tour de France winner was at the heart of the biggest doping conspiracy in sports history.
We're not just talking about an injection here or a tablet there.
This was cheating in its highest form.
From his first title in 1999 through to his last in 2005, Armstrong had taken part, organised and distributed performance-enhancing substances.
Testimony from 11 of his former US Postal teammates paints a vile picture of a man who was willing to use whatever illegal means there were available to cover himself in ultimate glory. All the while taking pot shots at any of his rivals when they themselves were uncovered.
Surely Armstrong knew that eventually his terrible secret would be revealed?
Then again why would he, given he has never failed a drug test during his illustrious career.
Many others haven't been so fortunate, but none will have the long-lasting effect on the sport's credibility that Armstrong's fall from grace will have.
He was the poster boy for the Tour de France, having battled back from his much-publicised cancer triple decker to become the most dominant cyclist of his generation.
It was a remarkable tale of beating the odds and overcoming adversity.
But, as there is with any extraordinary performance, persistent grumblings of doping were never far away.
Armstrong kicked up the steepest of mountains when others wilted.
Found endless reserves of energy.
Even bounced back from a crash like nothing had happened, composing himself to chase down attack after attack.
That's when his steely determination and immense mental strength came to the fore.
The shame is, all of that will now be forgotten, as will be his seven titles.
Armstrong has been stripped of every title he's won.
But unlike NRL premier the Melbourne Storm, he doesn't have any opportunity for redemption.
No matter how much charity work he does with the Livestrong foundation, or the apologies from prepared media statements he reads, Armstrong's legacy has been destroyed.
His actions have tarnished cycling with a stain that will take decades to scrub off.
Any amazing feat will be accompanied by the thought that it's only a matter of time before another star tests positive.
It goes without saying that the sport's governing body, the UCI, must come down hard on Armstrong and everyone else who is found guilty.
Suggestions of allowing amnesty for anyone that comes clean and starting with a fresh slate are ludicrous.
You don't see armed robbers confessing which banks they've held up so that security systems can be improved.
Harsher penalties and more effective testing procedures are the answer.
Life bans are essential.
A sport's biggest asset is its credibility. Without it, you may as well turn the whole thing into one big television show, with the outcomes pre-arranged and nominate heroes and villains.
I'm confident cycling is strong enough to emerge from this latest setback and continue to shine at the elite level.
A quick look at Canberra's roads convinces me of this.
The ACT has one of the highest cycling rates in the country, and has produced such stars as Michael Rogers, Michael Matthews and Chloe Hosking.
The sport will survive. Armstrong's reputation won't.
So back to a line from Dodgeball where Armstrong remarked to La Fleur, ''I'm sure this decision won't haunt you forever''.
The only decision La Fleur regrets right now is not throwing one of the red balls directly in Armstrong's nether region.
Sounds like a perfect platform for a sequel.
