Ethics of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports Persuasive Essay by Nicky

The paper discusses both the deontological viewpoint that Mr. Rodriguez's use of steroids is not harmful in terms of public safety and so his right to privacy should therefore be respected, as well as the utilitarian viewpoint that the concept of public safety is much wider than simply the physical safety of citizens; it also concerns their psychological well-being, and particularly those of young children. The paper discusses the arguments that by using drugs, Rodriguez is indirectly disadvantaging other players on the field, and the image of the sport itself suffers by means of such actions. This writer reaches the conclusion that Rodriguez should be banned from baseball, since disciplinary action will create a precedent of due punishment for disregarding basic ethics and will show young people that unethical actions have unpleasant consequences. However, the writer asserts that since baseball will suffer a loss from banning Rodriguez permanently, he should be banned only for a limited time.