In recent months the number of suspensions due to use of performance enhancing drugs has diminished significantly, yet rumors continue to swirl about major league sports. It is hard to believe that athletes incessantly push the limits of officials and commissioners despite the strict regulations and emphasis placed on the use of performance enhancing substances. One might question the value steroids in today’s athletic sphere; sure they give you a leg up on competition but for how long does this last? Athletes are sure to suffer the consequences of their wrongdoings, whether suspension, expulsion, steep fines or even jail time. Apparently the “reward” was the worth the risk for 32 year old, Colorado Rockies catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, who on Wednesday was suspended by Major League Baseball for violating the performance enhancing drug policy. The real kicker is, this was not Alfonzo’s first violation, but rather his second … in three years. In a statement released by the Major League Baseball Player’s Association, Alfonzo stated: “I learned my lesson in 2008 and have not taken any prohibited substances since then.” Clearly he did not learn his lesson; it is difficult to fail the illegal substance test if you have not taken any illegal substances. When will players learn that there is no room for steroids of any variation in athletics, it is difficult to tell whether they help or hurt not only individuals but the sports themselves.
In recent years Major League Baseball has lost some serious credit due to the 2007 Mitchell report in which 89 Major League Baseball players were named as potential performance enhancing drug users. It gives a negative stigma to individuals and teams around the world, and in my mind has no place in sports. Despite the number of individuals busted each year, the use ceases to slow down never mind stop altogether.
I’m sure there will be many more incidents in the near future to report on…
The use of steroids in sports has always confused me! Why would professional athletes, who know it is blatantly illegal and will result in their suspensions, take these drugs? Aren't these athletes subject to random drug tests? Why would they be willing to take such a big risk when the reward is not even that great? I don't really follow sports, but Nate brings up Eliezer Alfonzo which, through this blog post, I can see did not use his brain in making the decision to take steroids. It is difficult for me to understand why someone would risk their careers once, but twice by using these drugs? Does this man have any common sense? Nate's blog post has really opened up my eyes into the world of steroids in sports and I will definitely be back to see if steroid use increases or decreases in the next few months.
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