Every know and again, I think it is helpful to shift gears from all the political rhetoric and look at another issue, so I've decided to expound a little "wisdom" on the controversy of anabolic steroids in professional sports, particularly in Major League Baseball.
As I was thinking about this posting, I recalled the old Memorex recording tape commercial, which asked: "Is it live or is it Memorex?" Well, now I guess the question might be: "Is it natural or pumped-up by a drug?"
One thing that totally escapes the comprehension of most professional athletes, and that is they are role models to millions of young people, who desparetly look to a Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa or Raffy Palmerio for a pattern to follow, or a hero to look up to and say to themselves--I want to be like these guys. So what kind of message does it send to our youth when allegations surface that their hero may have used or is using performance enhancing drugs? I think most folks will agree, the message is not a good one.
All one has to do, in order to fully appreciate the dangers of anabolic steroids, one need only look at the tragedy of Pro-Football star Lyle Alzado, who died from brain cancer, which was caused by his extensive use of performance enhancing drugs.
Regardless of whether we're talking about professional sports, or life itself, one this is clear--there are no short cuts--no easy ways to accomplish one's goals. This is the message that should be sent, and the example set for our young people to follow, because anything less sets a dangerous precedent and will result in disastrous consequences.
As I was thinking about this posting, I recalled the old Memorex recording tape commercial, which asked: "Is it live or is it Memorex?" Well, now I guess the question might be: "Is it natural or pumped-up by a drug?"
One thing that totally escapes the comprehension of most professional athletes, and that is they are role models to millions of young people, who desparetly look to a Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa or Raffy Palmerio for a pattern to follow, or a hero to look up to and say to themselves--I want to be like these guys. So what kind of message does it send to our youth when allegations surface that their hero may have used or is using performance enhancing drugs? I think most folks will agree, the message is not a good one.
All one has to do, in order to fully appreciate the dangers of anabolic steroids, one need only look at the tragedy of Pro-Football star Lyle Alzado, who died from brain cancer, which was caused by his extensive use of performance enhancing drugs.
Regardless of whether we're talking about professional sports, or life itself, one this is clear--there are no short cuts--no easy ways to accomplish one's goals. This is the message that should be sent, and the example set for our young people to follow, because anything less sets a dangerous precedent and will result in disastrous consequences.
2 comments:
Baseball! I don't think our young people pay much attention to this controversy. Me and you do but we are purist about the game. This is the latest black eye on baseball but we are talking about a game that has had a lot of them. I still have a hard time deciding if this if worse than emory boards, corked bats or stealing signs. Let alone gambling.
Hind sight being 20/20 gort, I don't that young people pay too much attention to anything. Nevertheless you made very excellent points.
Post a Comment