A literal bombshell was dropped on professional sports last
Thursday, namely Major League Baseball, and the repercussions that
emerge will have quite an impact on the future.
A literal bombshell was dropped on professional sports last Thursday, namely Major League Baseball, and the repercussions that emerge will have quite an impact on the future.
Denials, allegations, and lawsuits are sure to follow the Mitchell Report on the use of steroids in professional baseball.
What everyone found out was that Barry Bonds didn’t walk alone.
Other well known players, from All-Stars to Most Valuable Players, participated in either the ingestion or distribution of illegal steroids.
Parents, coaches and youth sports organization leaders should take particular note of the section entitled, “The Effects on Young Athletes” that appeared midway through the 409 page report.
It spells out that there isn’t a shortcut to success even at the expense of breaking the law or making more money.
It began by saying that the youth of this country, and other countries, model their behavior after prominent athletes. These athletes are second only to parents in the extent to which they are admired by children.
A Kaiser Family Foundation study found that over half of the youth surveyed believed that it is common for famous athletes to use steroids or other banned substances in order to get an edge on the competition.
In essence, if major league baseball players send a message that the illegal use of performance enhancing drugs is acceptable, then more young athletes will use those substances as they emulate these prominent figures.
This common sense conclusion is well supported by the facts.
After the Associated Press reported in August of 1998 that Mark McGuire was using androstonedione, a steroid precursor that was legal at that time, sales of the supplement increased 1000 percent.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse also found that eight percent of male high school seniors had used andro the prior year.
Some estimates appear to show a recent decline in steroid use in high schools, from three to six percent. But even the lower figures mean that hundreds of thousands of high school aged young people are still illegally using steroids.
In further exploration of the report it says that it is important to devote attention to the major league players who illegally used performance enhancing substances, because we need to be concerned of the reality that hundreds of thousands of our children are using them.
Every American, not just baseball fans, ought to be shocked into action by that disturbing truth.
Don Hooton, whose son was in high school and eventually committed suicide after taking steroids, said, “I believe the poor example being set by professional athletes is a major catalyst fueling the high usage of steroids among our kids. Our kids look up to these people.”
He further commented by saying, “Our kids know that the use of anabolic steroids is high among pro athletes and they hear the message loud and clear, and it’s wrong. It’s a real challenge for parents to overpower the strong message that’s being sent to our children.”
That message is clearly about making more money, prolonging careers, getting more scholarships and providing more winning performances.
It is no wonder owners turned their heads, managers dismissed allegations and trainers kept things hushed up. The economics play a pivotal role in the success of teams.
With that in mind, winning became the only priority and what happened off the field was no ones business.
As youth sports parents and coaches we’re faced with a challenge and an ongoing dilemma based on the Mitchell Report.
We must educate and teach our youth athletes that while performance enhancing substances may indeed increase your ability and strength, they are illegal.
In addition, we have to explain the long range effects of these drugs after the days of competition are over, such as cardiovascular trouble, liver disease, psychiatric problems and an overall deterioration of the body.
Otherwise, a personal bombshell or revelation may drop within your own family, and that is something you don’t want to face.
Rich Taylor has been coaching youth sports for over 25 years, is the Co-Director of the ACE Powerband national arm strengthening program and formerly scouted and coached in professional baseball. Reach him at rj********@***oo.com.
