STEROIDS IN SPORTS - CARSON MILLER

-WHY STEROIDS AND OTHER PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS NEED TO BE BANNED FROM SPORTS COMPLETELY. Time and time again, we see professional athletes who have thousands of fans who consider them hero’s and even role models, being busted for steroid use. Steroids not only jeopardize the athlete’s health, but also steal the integrity of the games we love.

HISTORY - Steroids and other forms of PED’s have been around since the time of the ancient Greeks -In July of 1991, Major league Baseball bans steroids. -January 2007, the Nation Football League announces stricter Anti-Doping policies which includes more frequent drug testing, and more players to be tested during the offseason.

PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT: Growing up I played all kinds of sports year around. Sports were my life and still are a huge part of it. Lance Armstrong was one of my greatest role models. Although I did no cycling whatsoever, the way he carried himself and his fight with cancer inspired me. I definitely felt let down when he came clean about doping during his career, and I know I wasn’t the only one let down. Same thing with Barry Bonds. My entire family consists of die hard Giant’s fans, so seeing someone on the edge of greatness get caught for steroids that we look up to, its truly devastating.

VIEWS All of those opposed to steroids are in favor of stricter policies, and more frequent drug tests at random. My own view is a bit more radical than the ones being brought up in NFLPA or MLB Player’s meetings. Those in favor of steroid use, see it as a way to level the playing field, and also a way of increasing revenue because of the athlete’s supernatural abilities.

“Well, when I think of steroids I think of an image. You have the advantage over someone, which is a form of cheating. I guess it wouldn't be right unless it was legal for everybody. Reason it's not legal for everybody is because it can hurt people seriously.” - Evander Holyfield (professional boxer) Studies have proven, “Both men and women who take anabolic steroids may: Get acne, Have an oily scalp and skin, Get yellowing of the skin (jaundice), Become bald Have, tendon rupture, Have heart attacks, Have an enlarged heart, Develop significant risk of liver disease and cancer, Have high levels of bad cholesterol, Have mood swings, Fly into rages, and Suffer delusions.” – Daniel J. DeNoon from webmd.com. SUPPORTING POINTS

-I believe this image is a perfect example of my research, and more importantly my outlook on steroids. I believe athletes need to work and push them selves naturally to achieve their goals and peak performance. Steroids will cause harm to your body, whether you see the negative effects immediately or over time. It’s time for them to go and be a thing of the past in professional sports.