2 of 29

Yes

Write now Article Tools

Why does anyone go into professional sports? The two most basic answers are that they really love playing the game and they really love the big bucks it offers. Love of the game is what propels them into professional sports, but once they get a taste of all that money there is just "no keeping them down on the farm".

In order to make the most they have to be the best. Developing star qualities isn't easy. Hence the use of drugs to enhance whatever natural ability they have. And, the use of drugs, illegal or otherwise, is the beginning of a downward spiral in their health, thinking ability and ability to stay at the top of their game. And, in addition to all of this, illegal drugs puts them on the wrong side of the law.

What kind of message is that to our children or to the world in general, for that matter? Stars in professional sports are role models to our children and teens, whether they want to be or not. When anyone chooses a career that puts them in the spotlight and makes children want to be just like them, then they should be willing to shoulder the responsibility that goes with it, not just to the game but to the fans that buy all those tickets and keep them making all that big money. And, a good part of that responsibility is to keep the sport clean and themselves above reproach. If they want to be admired they should make sure they are living a life that can be admired.

Steroids and other drugs have been shown to have devastating effects in the long term. Suicides and murder have been committed while using them. The recent case of the wrestler who killed his wife and son and then killed himself was apparently the tragic result of steroid use. Occurrences such as this should be a warning to anyone, athlete or not, to avoid the use of such drugs.

So, the question is should athletes who use drugs be banned from the sport? There is really no way to straddle the fence in this. Standards should be clear and decisive. If you take drugs you will be banned for life from the sport. It's time to clean up professional sports and enforcing severe consequences for taking drugs is a good place to start.

Learn more about this author, Melba Dagan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should drug use get a professional sports athlete banned for life??
We want to hear your view. Write now!