...Comp I 4/26 /13 Steroids in Sports Should athletes be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs in order to improve their performance? Steroid usage in sports has long been a real big issue for many athletes both professional and amateur. Steroids are not allowed in any sport however; some athletes do take the chance by using performance-enhancing drugs in order to increase the chances of a successful outcome in a competition. Many athletes have been banned from participating in certain sports because they were convicted of taking steroids. In light of this, one can only wonder how many top athletes have won events due to the use of steroids. There are many sides to the debate of whether or not athletes should be able to use steroids. Despite health reasons there are quite a few people who do believe that athletes should be allowed to use performance- enhancers. On the other hand, there are those who believe that steroids should not be used. First, in the current sports arena , professional athletes are known to have well paid salaries and because steroids have the potential to improve performances and to heal injuries, it is not surprising that research activities have been enhanced to develop better and acceptable alternatives for testosterone. The Germans had started taking steroids during the 1960s in order ...
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...Mrs. Figs English 3 10 February 2013 Steroids In many parts of the world today, sports competitions are the vehicle for the fierce quest to win, to be “the best.” Athletes will do anything to win whether that be cheating in golf or taking steroids in order to excel in baseball. It is said that over three million athletes and bodybuilders have used illegal steroids in this country alone (Solberg 92). If many people already use steroids why not make them legal and let people take them at their own risk? Or perhaps do you think steroids should stay illegal because they have harmful side effects and promote an unfair advantage in sports? With the growing concern over steroid use in our country, we must look at what is really best for the future of our athletes and the spirit of competition. Steroids are extra hormones that are either taken orally or injected into the body. Theses hormones set off a reaction that sends an individual’s testosterone level soaring, which in turn allows that person to increase muscle size and strength. But with this new-found strength comes some harmful side effects. Steroids can cause heart attacks or liver cancer, not to mention all the newly acquired acne that often develops. These are only a few of the hundreds of unhealthy things that can happen to you when you are on steroid (Harris129). Many people, medical experts and athletes alike, feel steroids should be legalized. They feel that the use of steroids a few times and in moderation is acceptable...
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...Havlin WR-115 Clemenzi-Allen March 16, 2015 Do you even take juice: Excitement, Power, Steroids? Have you ever wondered about how far the human body can be pushed? The amount of stress that you can overcome that leads to a massive amount of growth. Are our bodies being limited from super natural abilities? If I told you that there was a possible way that you could feel stronger, faster, have an increase in muscle growth while also losing fat, would you take this product? Well what if this product offered several possible side effects such as development of male breast tissue, increased acne, hair loss, high blood pressure and causes temporary sterility. Would you still take this product? Lastly, if I told you that with proper dedication...
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...[Debate 3: Steroid Use in Professional Sports] | A view opposing the use of steroids | Merriam-Webster defines a steroid as “any of numerous natural or synthetic compounds containing a 17-carbon 4-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides.” A more specific steroid is called an anabolic steroid. The definition for Anabolic steroid is “a class of man-made drugs that are chemically related to the male hormone testosterone.” Anabolic steroids are more accurately called anabolic-androgenic steroids. This name defines their two principle characteristics. Anabolic means to synthesize or build up; thus anabolic steroids increase skeletal muscle mass. Androgenic means involving male sexual characteristics. Anabolic steroids are related to testosterone and affect the body in many of the same ways as testosterone. As of 2009, not a single anabolic steroid had been manufactured that was free of negative side effects. In many developing countries, anabolic steroids can be purchased without a prescription. However, in the United States, they have been controlled substances since 1991. Possession of an anabolic steroid without a prescription is illegal and can result in a maximum one-year prison sentence and a minimum fine of $1,000 fine for the first offense. Steroids only purpose for the professional athlete is to artificially boost muscle mass and power. The steroid user gains a significant edge over their fellow competitors who do not employ such unscrupulous...
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...competitive sports, doping refers to the use of banned athletic performance-enhancing drugs by athletic competitors, where the term doping is widely used by organizations that regulate sporting competitions. Doping has turned into a world wide issue that still to this day has gone unnoticed by society but some how seems to cross many peoples minds. Little do the athletes and the contributors to their addiction know what lasting effects involving health issues, how it alters their life longevity, and how it can also ruin their careers. Doping is an unfair advantage in sports and deserves to be banned. A article “Drug abuse in Athletes,” by Claudia Reardon and Shane Creado, part of the department of psychiatry, at the University...
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...Using Performance Enhancing Drugs In the recent years the use of steroids in professional sports has become widespread, and major league baseball is more than any other. This paper will discuss using performance enhancing drugs will not get players into the Hall of Fame. Players use performance enhancing drugs to gain a competitive advantage over other teams and players. The definition of cheating is violating rules or restrictions to gain an advantage. It’s plain and simple and is a form of cheating. Major league players who got in the hall of fame in the past used their pure natural talent. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize outstanding natural talent in the sport of Baseball. Look at our beloved long time baseball legends, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and many more. How would they feel to see professional baseball players cheat their way in and make it easy on themselves? Baseball meant so much to them and to see future players disrespect our baseball legends and allow them to go to Cooperstown, would be awful to past and present players. Baseball fans know players want to give it all and ultimately make it to the World Series and achieve other outstanding goals, but taking illegal drugs is taking it too far. This leads into the major league baseball punishments for using performance enhancing drugs. The major league baseball has punishments for players who use steroids and performance enhancing drugs. First offense is a fifty game...
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...realm of sports that’s forever changing. Professional sports have significantly become a huge role in many different cultures and have become a realm of its own. Professional players have adapted to succumb to the level of athleticism that continues to rise within every generation. They are adapting to a constantly changing sport where athletes are becoming bigger, stronger, and faster. The increased amount of competition and athleticism in professional sports has advocated a need for new ways for players to get ahead of the rest of the pack. Performance enhancing drugs sit high on the list that the athletes have to choose from as a method to gain the advantage, but these substances have been recently heavily fought against in the realm of professional sports. This resistance has done more harm than good in a sense in that drug testing fails at what it’s supposed to do. It has led to more players turning to black market labs to obtain their steroids. As drug testing is supposed to level the playing field for all athletes, it truly de-levels the playing field in that so many athletes are cheating the drug test than there are natural athletes. Athletes who are taking PED’s are going to these black market labs that are not controlled or supervised when they are creating these drugs and as a result could potentially harm the athlete’s health. The legalization of PED’s in professional sports will not only reduce the amount of uncontrolled steroid activity in professional sports, but also...
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...Ethical issues regarding the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports In the history of 20th century sports, specifically in the post World War 2 era, there has been an ever increasing use of performance enhancing drugs in all avenues of sport. Sports have become money making machine for both athletes and big business and the “win at all costs” attitude which has permeated itself into all aspects of professional and college level athletics. Winners make money, losers don’t. The temptation of fame, notoriety and million dollar contracts in all venues of sport is a lure for many athletes. Elite professional athletes are worshiped in today’s society. This paper will elaborate on the use of performance enhancing drugs in the sporting world and the associated sports ethical issues. It is a majority belief in all sporting circles that the “true” spirit of sportsmanship does not allow any aspect of performance enhancing drugs. There are several arguments both in favor and against the use of performance enhancing drugs which will be presented and discussed in this paper. While addressing this ethical issue, we need to define the term ethics. Ethics can be defined as the socially accepted norms and values. These norms and values are varied from society to society and are based on culture and tradition. Ethics also could be defined as the unsaid, un-written and understood laws that prevail in a society. Ethics also cover what is right and what is wrong in society and teaches...
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...enhancing supplements have caused a big controversial topic in today’s fitness world. Many may say that it is cheating, while others may say it is needed to help achieve the desired physique and fitness goal. From steroids, to ephedra, to creatine, people have mainly been confused on deciding whether or not these enhancers are fair and safe. Creatine or androsteredine might not mean anything to an unknowledge person. These words may cause the knowledge person’s ear to hurt, because these words may represent evil that has no longer kept the fairness in the competition of a person. To the athletes and people who actually take these supplements and know what they do for the human being, will know that they are beneficial in many ways. These are just a couple of supplements listed, but there are plenty of others that are very beneficial and looked down on. In 1990 lots of substances and performance enhancers were made illegal and removed from marketing and store shelves due to The Steroid Control Act of 1990. (Collins) These enhancers were made illegal due to not only health issues but also due to preserving the fairness in competitive sports.(Collins) The Steroid Control Act of 2004 also took away more substances from store shelves that athletes will never get their hands on again. Yes, most of the substances that were banned and made illegal were proven to be unsafe, however soon congress will take away all sports supplements whether they are safe or not. Anything that the people see negative...
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...Anabolic Steroids used to obtain competitive advantage are prohibited by the rules of the governing bodies of many sports. The use is prevalent most athletic competitions even among high school students to give them an ‘edge.’ Taking steroids is iniquitous in competitive sports. In addition, a good performance just brings up doubts and questions about consumption of steroids. These problems indeed have a solution. The mayhem would simply be solved if every athlete took steroids. Steroids are the paragon of drugs. It is structured with convoluted formula but the injection is basic and painless. Recognized by specialists, steroids work extremely fast. Athletes could simply inject themselves right before every game and feel the upshot. With everyone taking steroids, the game would be much more exciting. The enhancement of the energy of the athletes would contribute a lot. The game would move much quicker and athletes would feel indefatigable the entire game. Audiences and athletes would feel excited alike. Individuals taking steroids would no longer be penalized. Great performance would be truly great, since everyone fairly took steroids. World records would all be broken in a matter of days. Athletes would save more time by giving up their fruitless workouts. Steroids would provide all the power necessary anyways. Who could possibly not take steroids? It is a no-brainer. It is not cheating; it is maximizing your performance. Some...
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...without risks. Take the time to learn about the potential benefits, the health risks and the many unknowns regarding so-called performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids, androstenedione, human growth hormone, erythropoietin, diuretics, creatine and stimulants. You may decide that the benefits aren't worth the risks. What is a drug? | A drug is a chemical substance that, when absorbed into the body, can alter normal bodily function. Many drugs have been banned in sport if they are deemed to provide an unfair advantage, pose a health risk, or are seen to violate the ‘spirit of sport’. The use of banned drugs by athletes is referred to as ‘doping’. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), and more recently, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have been leading the way in the battle against drugs in sport. | Why do some athletes use drugs? | Most athletes take drugs to enhance their physical performance in an attempt to prevent them falling behind other competitors, even if it does mean damaging their health and risking their sports careers. Other athletes may use drugs to help them wind down and relax, to cope with the pressures and stress associated with a constant battle to win all the time, to boost their own self-esteem and confidence, to mask the pain of certain sports injuries, to control and reduce weight, and to hide the use of any other banned substances. | What types of drugs and methods are used by athletes...
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...Is winning real when all you do is cheat? All athletes must remain determined and passionate in order to succeed. However, there are ways several athletes may attempt to succeed unlawfully. Blood doping and the use of steroids are two major illegal acts to commit in the world of sports. Alex Rodriguez and Lance Armstrong are very much admired athletes that were both accused of taking illegal performance enhancing drugs during their winning sport seasons. Lance Armstrong was publicly accused of blood doping, and Alex Rodriguez was accused of taking illegal steroids. While Lance Armstrong and Alex Rodriguez are world famous athletes, they are prime examples of why wining while cheating is not worth the hard work and dedication of a sports profession....
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... Drugs in sport is an ongoing problem which I believe will never be completely abolished from the sporting world. We have definitely come a long way since the early days of drug use with the introduction of governing bodies such ad WADA to help control the testing of athletes and the detection of illegal substances, however I do not think we will be able to completely remove this ’drug culture’ from the sporting world. Therefore having experienced first-hand the drug testing practices involved in detection after competing in the world youth championships this year I was interested to look into the motivation behind athletes who choose to cheat and risk their future career both athletically and their career after retirement having been branded as a 'cheat’ within their sport. I will do this by looking into the history of drug use in sport and the enhancements the drugs provide to performance to try to understand why athletes risk their careers to simply win. Contents | | Abstract | 2 | Introduction | 2 | Drugs in sport; a modern problem? | 3 | Drugs in sport: what are they? * Amphetamines * Anabolic steroids * EPO * Diuretics * Caffeine | 3-6 | Drugs in sport: health risks | 6-7 | Drugs in sport: detection and punishment | 7- | Drugs in sport: why cheat? | | | | Drugs in sport: case studies * Lance Armstrong * Dwain chambers | | Bibliography | ...
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...In professional baseball, players like Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi were called in front of Congress to discuss steroid use in baseball for two weeks. Congress insisted that steroids were ruining the sport and needed to be banned when, in reality, reported revenues were vastly increased during the steroid era. Congress also preached about a level playing field, but the New York Yankees have a payroll three times that of average teams so how fair can the league really be without a salary cap. This research paper is not on the fairness of baseball though; it is about why a person would choose to do PEDs and how it affects society. Looking at some of the influences presented; it is shown that winning is a major force, a motive and drive; going deeper into winning we conclude that money is one of the major rewards for winning. These are seen as endorsements, contracts, and advertisement opportunities that are very profitable and also sponsor individual players and teams in sports. These revenues influence and encourage individuals in sports to preform or use enhancements, these revenues give a higher social status in society’s class system known as “social Stratification” that would give the individuals power property and prestige (Weber’s theory). This is the dominant force that makes individual achieve on the bases of winning. You look at the people over in third world countries especially who can go to the...
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...There has been no bigger or constant story in the world of baseball than the consistent illegal use of performance enhancing drugs. Performance-enhancing drugs are any substance taken to perform better athletically. This term is referenced often and typically refers to anabolic steroid use in sports by professional and amateur athletes. Other substances may also be taken to improve performance, including human growth hormone (HGH). The on going epidemic has brought the attention of some the biggest names in sports into question. Roger Clemens, Sean Merriman and Lance Armstrong just to name a few of what could possible be hundreds according to the Mitchell report. (Thesteroidera.com) The Mitchell report was an investigation to the commissioner of baseball of an independent investigation into the illegal use of steroids and other performance enhancing substances by players in major league baseball, as well as other major sports. The report helped put in the spotlight the ongoing problem mainly found in athletics today. The drugs allowed players to excel far beyond their god given talent and allowed them to produce power numbers never seen before. Not only does “Doping” hurt the integrity of the sport and the athlete, but also causes serious health risks, both mental and physical. I don’t believe there was anyone more intrigued by the epic home-run race of 1998 between Sammy Sosa and Mark Mcguire. The two heroes of the time seemed to sea-saw back and forth until ultimately Mcguire...
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