My 'Roid Rage
By Tracey McCoy
February 14, 2008
I am currently finding it difficult to keep my cool.
I just finished reading ANOTHER article about Roger Clemens and his alleged steroid use. And I’ve officially reached my limit. I cannot hear about anymore professional athletes who have taken steroids, who are accused of taking steroids, or who have merely SEEN steroids.
I fully admit extreme ignorance when it comes to professional athletics, the allure of steroids, the effects of steroids, or the hush-hush society around steroids. But as a very regular consumer of sports news, I just can’t wrap my head around 1) why anyone would take steroids and 2) why anyone would think they’re above getting caught taking steroids.
This is when people start shaking their heads at my stupidity. Um, Tracey? The reason people take steroids is for strength, endurance, power, speed, etc. Yeah, I get it. But, it’s not REAL strength, endurance, power, and speed. All of the accomplishments of an athlete using steroids aren’t real. It’s not the REAL athleticism of the person – it’s enhanced! I want to watch a real football game. One where the players have practiced and worked hard. And spent their lives training and preparing to be a professional football player. Not one that features players who shoot themselves in the ass twice a day to be stronger and faster.
And where do people like Andy Pettitte, Barry Bonds, and Mark McGwire get off thinking that they won’t get caught? I mean, OF COURSE THEY’RE GOING TO GET CAUGHT. Sure, there are ways to beat a urine test, but did they forget that someone had to actually PROVIDE them with drug? And that there were other people around while they were throwing pills back? In professional sports, there just aren’t that many people you can trust. And these idiots should know better.
I’m sure there are people out there who disagree with my stance and think, if all players are using steroids, doesn’t that even out the playing field anyway? No, all it does is tarnish it. Fans watch sports for many reasons whether it’s for entertainment, inspiration, or to bond with a child or friends. And the exceedingly overwhelming use of steroids is tainting it. Kids grew up idolizing Barry Bonds. And now, those grand slams were bogus because he was hopped up on ‘roids. It’s sad, really.
Enough with the steroids, people. Trust in the fact that people will enjoy watching you even if you only hit 60 homeruns in a season. And all you athletes still in high school trying to decide whether juice will help you get that scholarship, listen up: you’re better than that. And trust me, even if you go on to win the Super Bowl, deep down you’ll always know that it wasn’t real.