For those of you that love Nike clothes but can’t deal with the expense, now’s the time.

Head to the mall, the Nike outlet, Dick’s Sporting Goods. Do it now.

I predict a major discount on all “Livestrong” apparel. Lance Armstrong hasn’t been setting any records in the character department lately, but I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.

I will tell you that watching those interviews, watching Armstrong talk about the consequences of his actions and watching people like Oprah interview him, I was on his side.

There were some serious, “I’m a better person than you” vibes going around.

Armstrong got a bit choked up talking about his son, and Oprah got a bit impatient, cutting in with something like, “yeah, I know you’re sorry, but what did you say to him?” I might have slapped her if I had been shooting that interview. He’s getting to that, Oprah. Time to chill out and listen.

Lance Armstrong is a broken man. His life has been shattered, everything he holds dear has been rocked and his way of life will never be the same again. He’s been ripped by everyone he holds close, and he had to tell his son that his behavior was indefensible. I think he’s been through enough without having to sit and talk to Oprah with her nose eight feet in the air. We’ve all lied. We’ve all done stuff we shouldn’t have. Who’s to say one wrong is worse than another? In fact, this world and our culture would say that wrong and right are what you make them. Let people believe what they want and be who they want … until someone does something “really” wrong. Maybe the culture needs to be addressed..

Sammy Sosa didn’t make it into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Manti Te’o doesn’t have a girlfriend. It’s sad. It’s a little unbelievable, but in the face of so much lying and deceit, there’s one thing we should come away with.

These athletes are just like us. They’re just like you and me. There’s something missing in their lives. We think we’re missing fame, wealth and glory. They think they’re missing another win, a girlfriend, or a record.

They’re not satisfied with life.

Armstrong survived cancer. He was given a few more years to live. He screwed up. Haven’t we all?

I’d say he’s been rebuked, convicted, addressed and humiliated. I’d say Armstrong is taking a look around right now and seeing that everything he valued has been taken from him.

I’d say he’s learning that what he valued had no value. Maybe this is a time for all of us to question what we value and hold dear. Wealth, jobs, family, possessions, grades, etc. The list goes on.

All of it can be taken in a moment, a heartbeat, a breath. Will what you value least? Will what these athletes strive for hold any value, 10, 15, 20 years from now?

It’s a game, it’s fun, it’s entertaining. The sport is fascinating. Fans love it and athletes love it. It’s a win, win situation. But when Tennessee football goes 5-7 overall (1-7 SEC), fans don’t love it anymore and players find no joy.

Maybe sports should take their rightful position as a pastime, something to enjoy with friends as an activity and not as a type of god to worship every weekend.

I saw a video of Tyler Bray highlights set to the tune of the song, “Our God is an Awesome God.”

Too bad Bray left UT for the NFL.

— Lauren Kittrell is a senior in journalism and electronic media. She can be reached at [email protected].