Erie Weighs in on Lance Armstrong Doping Scandal

   JANUARY 15, 2013-  He was viewed as a hero... dominating the roads and nabbing 7 Tour De France titles...

    And coming back strong after a brutal fight with testicular cancer...

  Now, Armstrong fans like Merychurst University Crisis Communication instructor Brian Sheridan are left shaking their heads...

"It's just disappointing... We like these fairytales," says Sheridan.

    This all on the heels of Armstrong reportedly admitting to doping in an interview with Oprah Winfrey...

    Sheridan, a self described Armstrong supporter, bought Armstrong memorabilia and even shared Armstrong's book "It's not about the Bike.. ,My Journey Back to Life..." as an inspirational story to friends who were battling cancer...

"It shows the real heroes are people fighting cancer... The patients, caregivers, day in and day out and who returned to normal lives... They're real heroes.. Not Lance Armstrong..."

    Harvey Snell of Edinboro has been cycling since 1978... He says news of Armstrong's admission was expected...

"I wasn't shocked at all... I think no one wants to be his friend," says Snell.

    Since the U.S. Anti-doping agency's extensive report last year, Armstrong was stripped of his 7 Tour De France titles.....

    Snell says at this point... With Armstrong banned from sports for her life, this was his only option...

"What's he got to lose now? Maybe money? I guess concerned about jail time? "

    And Sheridan says Armstrong finally coming clean was a smart move... but the verdict is out on if the public will forgive him...

      "It's good he finally came clean... But we have to try to see what he does in following days," says Sheridan.