Is it fair to punish athletes who use steroids?

In the last few years there have been a number of athletes, especially in the game of baseball, who have been accused of using steroids to enhance their performance. Sometimes it is not easy to prove that an athlete has used steroids, but there have been quite a few professional baseball players who have admitted to using these substances. A few names that come to mind include Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, and Jason Giambi. Some, like Rafael Palmeiro, have publicly denied any use of steroids (in front of Congress, no less) only to have incriminating evidence revealed later on. Is it fair to criticize these athletes, or are they simply struggling to meet the rigorous demands of their profession?

It may be tempting to overlook these mistakes when you have looked up to these players for years. However, because these athletes have corrupted the integrity of the game and, more importantly, are influencing young athletes to put their health at risk, we shouldn’t be so sympathetic when they are punished. It is one thing to put their own health at risk, but these professionals are breaking the law and negatively influencing thousands of young men (and an increasing number of young women – see the department of justice). Moreover, they lessen the value of a game that has meant so much to so many Americans over the years. I think it is only fair that we hold them responsible legally and morally wrong to violate the law, cheat while playing America’s favorite pastime, and set a bad example for the next generation of athletes.

Many young athletes and bodybuilders today are tempted to experiment with illegal and harmful substances instead of taking the time and commitment to build muscle mass naturally. Even though there are safe and effective ways to gain muscle fast , it is easier and far more exciting to believe that a drug is all a person needs to gain of massive amounts of muscle. We cannot merely blame the professional athletes, since every man must make the decision to stay clear of steroids and train naturally. Nevertheless, every professional who steps on to the baseball mound or any other public event must become more aware of the millions of young guys that are watching, and because of this, professional athlete must rise to a higher standard. Fortunately, it seems that most of them do.

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