An article by Marquette University Law School discusses why the use of steroids and sports should not ever mix and the use of steroids needs to be enforced. April Ashby wrote a blog discussing what she has found in her time as a lawyer for the law school. In that blog Ashby discusses the frequency of athletes being caught using steroids and why it is essential for sporting industries to continue to outlaw the usage.
One of the points that she wrote in favor of banning steroid use is regarding the health of the athlete. Ashby writes “First, doping threatens the health of the athlete”. This line alone should be awakening to those arguing for the usage of steroids. Just because someone wants to use something and is “ok” with the risk, the very fact alone that it has been proven to be harmful is all of the reason needed to continue to outlaw the usage. Protecting those who cannot always protect themselves is a must.
I also agree with Ashby’s statement that the use of steroids affects the integrity of sport. Playing sports is about so much more than just winning a title. So much can be gained about perseverance, determination and teamwork that can be learned just as easily through losing as winning. There is a huge ethical line drawn when athletes attempt to enhance their performances rather than work and improve through natural means such as endurance training and weight lifting.
Finally I really enjoyed her point in which she stated “The integrity of the game is compromised because it is no longer about which athlete has the best skills or talent, instead it is about which athlete has the best cocktail or the money to buy the best steroid”. I couldn’t agree more.
Eric Walter
Source:
Group 4-Sport Management Seminar 