Sometimes a story is too good to be true. And sometimes, we choose to believe it anyway.

This week, Lance Armstrong finally admitted to the truthfulness of accusations he faced throughout his cycling career. Armstrong was repeatedly accused of doping throughout his Tour De France whirlwind, but most Americans chose to believe him when he said he was no cheater.

The story was too good. Here was a cancer survivor turned champion, best-selling author and philanthropist. It’s a classic American narrative. The last time people in this country cared so much about someone riding a bicycle E.T. was fleeing earth for home. Unfortunately, Armstrong’s autobiography was as fictional as E.T.