Imagine all of the work that goes into setting a record. Now think about how the

Transcription

1 Imagine all of the work that goes into setting a record. Now think about how the record setter would feel if someone on steroids broke the record. This is unfair and is happening more and more. Steroids are not only unfair to fellow players and viewers, but they are dangerous to the user as well. Steroids should be outlawed in baseball to maintain the health and integrity of the players. The first use of steroids started in Germany in 1930 s, when the Germans were fighting in World War II. They were given to the soldiers so they could stay strong despite the bad conditions and malnutrition. Steroids first came to the United States in the 1950 s and were used until the FDA made it only obtainable through prescriptions (Pilar, Quezzair). Germany wanted an extra edge, similar to today s baseball players, so they could be more effective. Steroids increase the testosterone level in the body. Testosterone, is a hormone that increases muscle mass and strength. Just like today, people saw a short cut by using steroids. Although players see benefits at first, steroids can cause health problems further down the road. Studies have shown that anabolic steroid use can lead to serious behavior problems, (Pilar, Quezzair). As a result to the use of steroids, users may have uncontrollable anger and/or impulses. This anger could turn into abusive behaviors towards others. In addition to uncontrollable rage, suicide is another repercussion of steroid use (Pilar, Quezzair). The pressure of performing well and using steroids may be too much for some people to handle. Not only are there emotional effects, but there are physical conditions too. Some of the illnesses are, heart disease, stunted growth, and

2 bone degeneration, (Pilar, Quezzair). These are among the most severe conditions because they can be fatal. For example, heart attacks are one of the major causes of death; steroids will just increase this statistic. All of these side effects are very serious and are definitely not worth the risk. Certain players using steroids is unjust for fellow players, record setters, and fans. Ninety-two percent of sports fans say they are aware of the use of performanceenhancing drugs by athletes. Eighty-five percent assert that governing bodies and leagues should do whatever is necessary to rid sports of these drugs, including imposing lengthy suspensions and other forms of discipline for athletes caught using. (USA Today). The majority of fans think that it is time for change and that Major League Baseball needs to use harsh suspensions, heavy fines, and the consideration of expulsion for repeat offenders (Jones, Jeffery). With these new rules, the players will think twice about violating them. A poll was taken and most people are not suspicious when a record is broken in the Olympics. When an Olympic athlete gets caught for steroids, the media does not focus on it for as long because Olympics only last two weeks and most Olympic athletes are not as well known as baseball players, like Alex Rodriguez. There are many differences between steroids and protein supplements. Protein supplements can be acquired at a shop like GNC (Zazworskey). This shows that protein supplements are safe and do not have to be prescribed by a doctor. Steroids have to be prescribed by a doctor for specific medical conditions. The FDA approved protein supplements to have no side effects what so ever and steroids have not been approved (Zazworskey). Protein is made naturally in the body and it is consumed when people eat foods such as meat. For active people a regular diet often does not have enough protein to

3 supply one s muscles. However, steroids increase the amount of testosterone in the body (Zazworskey). It is important to have balanced hormones, other wise health problems will occur. Naturally, men have a higher testosterone level than women. This is what makes men typically stronger. When women take steroids they acquire more man-like traits, such as, a deeper voice. Taking protein can help you stay energized and build muscle in a safe way. Steroids should be banned from baseball to protect the honor and wellbeing of the players. Steroids are very bad and are certainly not worth the health risks, they are unfair to the fans and players, and protein supplements are safer. Unfortunately, because this is an era of steroids and short cuts, steroids will be a topic of controversy for years to come.

4 Steroids Should Be Outlawed In Baseball To Protect The Health and Integrity Of The Players Eric Coletto Writing-period 3 March 20, 2009

5 BIBLIOGRAPHY Zazworskey, Joe. "Steroids vs. nutritional supplements." The Hawk 2 Feb Mar. 2009, Pilar, Quezzaire. "Steroids: An Overview." Points of View Reference Center. EBSCO. 12 Feb. 2009, "Steroid suspicions dampen fans' enthusiasm." USA Today 6 Jan Mar. 2009, Jones, Jeffrey M. "Sports Fans Not Suspicious of Steroid Use for Record Breakers." gallup. Mar Mar. 2009,