STEROIDS IN SPORTS! HOW DO YOU REACT - AND HOW WILL THE PUBLIC RESPOND?
HERE ARE A FEW OF MY OWN THOUGHTS ON PERFORANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS AND ATHLETES WHO USE THEM!
The most recent saga surrounding steroids has again brought the topic of performance enhancing drugs to the forefront of conversation everywhere. The stories that have unraveled before us teach us so much; but, in its purest form, the whole topic is tragic. It's tragic in several different ways and each time performance enhancing drugs rears its ugly head it brings down a sports hero, that at one time, was highly regarded by fans.
What led athletes to use steroids and other performance enhancing drugs?
Athletes are always searching for ways to perform at a higher level. Is this due to the fact that fans have demanded higher performance - at any cost? Is it because the athlete knows that if his game rises to a higher level, so will his paychecks? Is it inspired by the fame and glory that go with an athlete's success? Or, is it because the next guy is doing it so why shouldn't I?
The fact that performance-enhancing drugs have surfaced should be no surprise. For two generations now mainstream America has emphasized the need to become better and better at whatever we put to our attention. Athletes are no different in being coached, usually starting young, that they need to challenge themselves and to continually improve.
The passion for professional sports has grown in this same time period and thus has placed a high, societal impact on performing at a very high level in an athletic environment.
Through excelling in athletics, students are able to seek dreams of a college education and a shot at the pros. This empowerment that athletics offers is enticing to every American family who would love to send their kids to college and have the tuition paid by an athletic scholarship.
This same empowerment is also attractive to the individual athlete who feels he or she can attain fame and notoriety. In the end, the sport is cheapened and the athlete puts his health at risk.
Who knows what will happen down the road! But one thing is certain - perhaps we Americans have put too much emphasis on athletic success. We need time to consider if this attitude is truly healthy for future generations of athletes and sports fans alike.
JEFF ARDITIO & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
