The Texan calls for a level playing field.

Lance Armstrong wants the same treatment as other riders from his generation, who in one way or another also used and abused illegal substances.

"It's been tough. It's been real tough. I've paid a heavy price in terms of my standing within the sport, my reputation, I’ve certainly paid a heavy price financially because the lawsuits have continued to pile up,” he said.

And it is true. Compared to doping-confessing teammates, fellow abusing contestants and tainted officials, Armstrong has paid a high price. Definitely financially, but even more so in the world of professional cycling, where he has paid the ultimate price: life ban.

“The only difference, and I won’t name names, but between people who felt burdened by this is that some of them suffered almost opposite to what I experienced. I have experienced massive personal loss, massive loss of wealth, while others have truly capitalised on this story."

“We had a very consistent pattern of behavior in cycling. Yet the punishment and the toll it has taken on some are not consistent. Some took a free pass, while some have been given the death penalty,” Armstrong told the BBC World Service.

“I just hope that people are treated consistently and fairly. If everyone gets the death penalty, then I'll take the death penalty. If everyone gets a free pass, I'm happy to take a free pass. If everyone gets six months, then I'll take my six months."

“I’ll sum it up like this: The playing field at the time was level, the justice served here has been anything but level.”

“I’ll let the general public decide if that’s meritorious but this has been awfully convenient for some.”

Does notorious bad boy Armstrong have a point? It is difficult not to admit that Armstrong have been treated in a rather unique fashion.

Consider for example how George Hincapie, Tom Danielson, Levi Leipheimer, Christian Vande Velde, Jonathan Vaughters, and David Zabriskie have been treated in the last couple of years. They are far from being viewed like the pariah that Armstrong has become.

Nonetheless, there is one thing Armstrong forgets about in the whole “Level field” discussion, and that is the amount of money he gained from cheating, doping, lying, threatening, and deceiving.

Lance Armstrong’s net worth is currently about $125 million (at least according to most online sources).  An amount that no one amongst the so called level field ever gathered

Dear Mr. Armstrong… Might we suggest that: a punishment - proportional to the amount of financial benefit derived from cheating - is implemented? Or would that still make you feel ill-treated?

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me thrice? No way...