Steroid Use In Professional Sports Sport Essay Example

possession of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is illegal. Cortico steroids mimic natural cortisone acetate in managing inflammation for conditions like asthma, allergies,and kidney diseases. They are commonly referred to as pumpers, weight trainers,and Arnolds. Endurance athletes often use Erythropoietin to enhance their performance. This drug stimulates the production and release of red blood cells from the bone marrow,resulting in increased oxygen circulation throughout the body.The use of steroids in sports remains widespread despite severe consequences for athletes caught using them. Many athletes turn to steroids to improve physical performance and gain an advantage over their competitors.The usage of steroids often leads to significant increases in muscle mass and strength, particularly in sports that prioritize power and size like football, baseball, wrestling, swimming, and track events. Bodybuilders and individuals seeking muscular development also commonly rely on steroids. However, it is important to note that while steroid use can offer physical benefits, it does not necessarily enhance an athlete's overall skill or performance level. Factors such as body size, age, diet, and training frequency play a significant role in determining an athlete's success.

Each sports organization has its own procedures for drug testing athletes to detect whether they are using steroids. This includes implementing penalties for those who are found guilty. Despite political disagreements surrounding participant testing, all stakeholders within the sports industry recognize the importance of conducting tests and publicizing results to reduce skepticism surrounding steroid use (Rogak, 1992). However, challenges arise when participants argue that such testing violates their privacy rights and may lead to false accusations of steroid use.

In minor league baseball specifically, players undergo testing for cocaine,marijuana,s teroids,androstenedioneFirst-time offenders in the NFL

receive education,counseling,treatment,and random tests.Repeat offenders face league suspension.The NFL conducts player testing during preseason as well as randomly throughout the season and offseason.First-time offenders in the NFL receive a four-game suspension;Second-time offenders in the NBA receive a six-game suspension, while third-time offenders are completely ejected. The league conducts four annual tests on clubs, with penalties including suspensions without pay.
The US Olympic team has strict testing procedures that prohibit blood doping, stimulant use, alcohol consumption, marijuana use or mimicry. Punishments for substance use range from warnings to suspensions lasting two to five years.
The Steroid Control Act has had various effects on athletes involved in steroid use. These effects include stripping them of titles, medals, and records in order to minimize cheating and hollow victories. This approach ensures fairness by preventing steroid users from competing against drug-free athletes.
Constant drug testing and strict punishments also serve as deterrents for athletes considering steroid use. To control the trafficking of steroids, government bans and harsh penalties are imposed on users and possessors who acquire them without prescriptions from pharmaceutical companies. Some argue for criminalizing individuals possessing drugs as they believe severe punishments will deter steroid trafficking (Roberts, 2005).
Monitoring internet sources where steroid sales occur can help reduce the flow of drugs into the market. Government agencies have the responsibility to monitor these sales channels and determine their source and destination.Strict controls on pharmaceutical substances are necessary to prevent the production of harmful drugs like steroids. According to the control act, individuals involved in manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing controlled substances must register with the attorney general's office (Paterson, 1998). This registration helps regulate the industry and distribution of steroids but has

also led to counterfeit labs imitating legitimate pharmaceutical companies. The government's ongoing efforts to eliminate steroids from users' hands face constant challenges from the black market for poorly manufactured steroid drugs.

Steroid Side Effects Anabolic steroids are highly dangerous substances that have significant side effects. When used without a doctor's prescription, as often done by celebrities, these drugs can cause extensive harm to the body due to incorrect dosage and duration of use. The specific side effects vary depending on factors such as usage length, drug type, individual sensitivity, and dosage. Users commonly experience "Roid fury," characterized by uncontrolled and aggressive behavior, particularly when discontinuing the drugs. Oral consumption of anabolic steroids can negatively impact liver function and potentially lead to liver lesions. Hospitalized patients who frequently use steroids may also suffer from other conditions such as anemia, weakness, and renal insufficiency. Steroids containing the 17-alpha-alkyl group can induce liver convulsions.Although these abnormalities often go unnoticed, they do not typically cause blood irregularities or symptoms such as liver tumors or purpura. Prolonged steroid use can lead to structural changes in the heart and reduced ischemic tolerance after discontinuation. Steroid users have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and skin infections. The use of AS (anabolic steroids) derived from testosterone has negative effects on the reproductive system, including decreased birthrate and development of male chests, as well as abnormalities in ovulation and menstrual rhythm in females. Continued AS usage results in the development of more feminine features in both males and females. In children, AS use causes masculinization, stunted growth, and gynecomastia. Additionally, AS usage impacts the cardiovascular system by increasing blood pressure and reducing immune

system productivity. Other side effects include acne, rosacea, hair loss, and increased fat elimination. Experienced steroid users may also experience a decrease in glucose tolerance and an increase in insulin levels which can result in symptoms similar to type 2 diabetes.Marion Jones faced serious consequences for her use of performance-enhancing steroids as a track & field athlete.In October 2007,she was found guilty by the U.S.Anti-Doping Bureau despite initially denying any involvement with drugs.As a result,she had to return the five decorations she earned during the 2000 Summer Olympics,and her records were strippedTim Montgomery, like Marion Jones, faced consequences for using steroids and human growth hormones. The USA Anti-Doping Bureau banned him for four years in December 2005, causing him to lose all his awards and records since 2001. In the Sydney relay race in 2008, Tim admitted to taking testosterone, resulting in his team winning the gold medal. Using steroids to enhance athletic performance is considered a criminal offense under the 1990 Anabolic Steroid Control Act, which also includes drugs such as Ketalar, LSD precursors, and barbiturates. Marion Jones violated this act by possessing and using steroids during significant competitive events. As a result, she was apprehended, persecuted, and imprisoned. Tim Montgomery's admission of using performance-enhancing drugs highlights the widespread issue among athletes who seek an unfair advantage in their sports. Strict punishments for drug users in major competitions serve as a deterrent against potential steroid use. Increasing penalties for sports figures involved in steroid use is crucial to clearly convey that such behavior is completely unacceptable. Throughout Marion Jones' career, there were constant allegations of her involvement in steroid use until she was ultimately

found guilty in 2007. Consequently, Jones had to forfeit all the awards she earned while competing in violation of the rules.
During the 1980s, Ben Johnson, a renowned Canadian sprinter, achieved notable fame in Issue 2 by winning two bronze medals and an Olympic gold medal. Unfortunately, his success was tarnished when he tested positive for Stanozolol during the 1987 World Championships and the 1988 Summer Olympics. Consequently, he was disqualified from both events and had his records and Olympic title stripped away. Johnson faced a suspension until 1991 as punishment but later encountered another doping conviction due to elevated testosterone levels. This led to a complete ban from sports imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

To address this issue, Rule 2 set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) mandates random testing of blood and urine samples without prior notice. Any violation results in a two-year suspension from sports competitions. Following the trials in Seoul, Ben Johnson initially denied using performance-enhancing drugs; however, during the 1989 Dubin Inquiry, he admitted to steroid use under his coach Charlie Francis' guidance. According to Francis, Johnson had been utilizing steroids since 1981.

It is crucial to strongly discourage steroid usage among athletes as it undermines the integrity of sports by preventing naturally obtained results. Random testing effectively enforces anti-doping laws while minimizing scandals in professional competitions and ensuring their credibility remains intact.Barry Bonds, a renowned baseball player, was linked to the use of steroids, which tarnished his accomplishments and accolades in baseball. Despite earning seven MVP awards, numerous home runs, and All-Star titles, Bonds' transfer to the San Francisco Giants during the 2008 baseball season was prohibited by

BALCO ordinances that strictly prohibit steroid use. This text explores the impact of steroids on players' careers in baseball. One undisclosed player who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates displayed talent but continued using steroids. Another player, Ken Caminiti, openly confessed to using steroids while playing for the Atlanta Braves team. Although he had notable achievements such as winning three Golden Gloves awards and being named MVP in 1996, his involvement tainted the entire profession of baseball and fostered a belief that all players were engaged in this misconduct.

As per Rule 3, any baseball players testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs will be automatically retested for a second offense and face a suspension of 25 games. In case of a third offense, they will receive an 80-game suspension. Barry Bonds had a controversial career due to his association with steroid usage and being one of the prominent implicated players. In 2007, he faced charges related to investigations into his steroid use including perjury and obstruction of justice. The case is still ongoing with little likelihood that he will be reinstated on the national team.The pressure faced by professional baseball players has led many to resort to steroids for muscle enhancement. To discourage steroid use, the baseball commissioner in Washington has implemented strict measures. Players who fail drug tests now face more severe punishments, losing over one-third of their season's games. In an effort to prevent future instances, strict penalties have been put in place. A first offense results in a 10-day suspension, while a second offense leads to a 30-day suspension. If a player commits a third offense, they will face an extended suspension lasting 60 days.

To

deter the use of performance-enhancing drugs among players, baseball teams conduct random testing during spring training and throughout the season, including off-season testing. Measures have been taken to increase penalties for players caught using steroids (Yesalis, 2000; Taylor, 2002). On the East Coast, an individual involved in distributing steroids was arrested with a substantial supply of anabolic steroids (Issue 4). Possessing anabolic steroids without a valid medical reason for personal use or resale is illegal (Rule 4). Upon being caught with steroids for the first time, individuals can be sentenced to over one year in prison and fined at least $1,000. For those with previous convictions, imprisonment ranging from 15 days to two years or a fine of $2,500 is imposed.Individuals facing multiple charges will be imprisoned for a minimum of 90 days and fined $5,000. Distributors of steroids may face fines ranging from $250,000 to $1 million and up to five years in prison (Analysis 4). It should be noted that the mere possession of steroids is against the law. Users should exercise caution as they may incur severe penalties if found with steroids during police investigations. The legal consequences for steroid possession are significant and can lead to prison terms lasting at least two years. Athletes who self-administer steroids should be aware of the potential consequences associated with possessing these drugs. Anyone involved in using or selling steroids should reconsider their association with these drugs from both a medical and legal perspective. The availability of various types of steroids on the market does not contribute to improved athletic performance (Yesalis, 2000). However, the health side effects resulting from their use have led to

strict measures being implemented to control their continued use. Athletes who consistently use anabolic steroids to enhance their athletic abilities experience various side effects that ultimately shorten their lives and careers. Therefore, strict penalties have been introduced to curb this behavior, particularly among adolescents who acknowledge using steroids at some point during training in order to imitate elite athletes.Despite the fact that many users experience increased muscle mass and strength, there is also a concerning rise in injury levels (Taylor, 2002). Tendon and ligament injuries occur as a result of excessive stress on these tissues caused by overdeveloped muscles due to continued steroid use. Baseball players claim that the use of steroids is leading to an increase in rotator cuff injuries. In order to preserve the reputation of the sports industry, governments and sporting bodies should enforce strict penalties within the field. Players should receive education about the risks associated with these drugs and undergo regular testing. These measures do not violate their constitutional rights but rather act as a safeguard against unethical behavior related to steroid abuse. Initiatives such as implementing healthy nutrition and strength training plans should be established to prevent athletes from resorting to using steroids.
References:
- Paterson, E (1998) Anabolic steroids and sports and drug testing, New York, U.S.A: Whitston Pub.
- Roberts, A (2005) Anabolic steroids.New York, U.S.A: Anabolic Information, LLC.
- Rogak, L (1992) Steroids: dangerous game.Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications.
- Taylor, W (2002) Anabolic steroids and the athlete.North Carolina, U.S.A: McFarland.
- Yesalis,C(2000)Anabolicsteroidsin sportsandexercise.NewYork,U.S.A:HumanDynamics.