In Favor of Steroids in Sports

Paper Summary:

The paper presents the argument that the negative impact of performance enhancing drugs in sports is attributable more to cultural perspective, unjustified moral criticism and corporate financial interests than to the drugs directly. The paper looks at the medical concerns and reveals that serious medical complications are relatively rare among moderate users over relatively short periods of time. The paper then looks at ethical issues and suggests that the primary impetus for anti-steroid regulations in professional sports is public perception more than concern for the health of the athlete or honest competition. The paper therefore concludes with the belief that pharmaceutical supplementation would not be unfair competition if medically supervised steroid administration were universally available.

Outline:
Introduction
Principal Argument
Background and History of Anabolic Steroids in Sports
Pharmaceutical Enhancement in Sports -- Medical Issues and Concerns
Pharmaceutical Enhancement in Sports -- Ethical Issues and Concerns
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Pharmaceutical performance enhancement in sports and military combat has existed about as long as recorded history. In many cases, ancient athletes and warriors used some of the same stimulants and medicinal herbs commonly at issue today in connection with professional sports. In principle, it is immediately obvious why drugs taken immediately before competition to provide a momentary advantage would be anathema to the spirit of athletic competition, even in sports like ice hockey (Bettman 2008) or basketball (Stern 2008), where muscular size and strength are not paramount in importance. Likewise, it is perfectly understandable to prevent irresponsible drug use by minors."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bettman, G., Commissioner, C., & League, N. (n.d.). Steroid Use in Professional Sports. FDCH Congressional Testimony, Retrieved June 17, 2008, from MasterFILE Premier database.
• Jacobson, R. ed. (2006) Sports in America: Recreation, Business, Education, Controversy. Detroit, MI: Thomson Gale. Retrieved June 16, 2008, from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Apollo Library.
• Mayo Clinic (2006) Taking performance-enhancing drugs: Are you risking your health? Retrieved June 18, 2008 from: www.mayoclinic.com/health/performance-enhancing-drugs/HQ01105
• McCallum, J. (2008) Steroids in America: The Real Dope -- It's Not Just Sports; Sports Illustrated, Vol 108 No 11 (28-47).
• Schwarz, A. 3/14/07 Football: Wives also Suffer as Dementia Sets In. International Herald Tribune. Retrieved, June 25, 2008, from: http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/03/14/sports/DEMENTIA.php

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