Final answer:
Athletes may be hurt by denying true accusations because it can damage their reputation and credibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Athletes may be hurt by denying true accusations because it can damage their reputation and credibility. When athletes deny true accusations, it can cause a loss of trust from fans, sponsors, and teammates, which can have negative consequences for their career. Additionally, denying true accusations can lead to legal and ethical complications, as dishonesty and deception are generally frowned upon in sports.