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Let's Just Legalize Steroids

If they're taken safely, why continue to ban them?

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 26, 2011 11:14 AM CST

(Newser) – Let’s put a stop to the controversy of steroids in sports right now—by making doping legal. “I see nothing unjust or wrong about professional athletes using chemical compounds and medical knowledge to improve their abilities and performance,” writes Kyle Munkittrick on Discover. “Let me rephrase that: there is nothing wrong with taking steroids.” Munkittrick agrees with cyclist Floyd Landis—who recently argued for legalization because, in essence, everyone’s doing it—but not for the same reasons.

When professional athletes use steroids, they don’t do it alone, in a dark basement, after getting the doping gear “from a shady fella who hangs out at the track after midnight.” It’s done as safely as possible, under the supervision of doctors, trainers, and nutritionist. Yes, “steroids are dangerous. But so are thousands of other prescription drugs for which we require doctor supervision,” Munkittrick concludes. “Let’s stop pretending that most professional athletes 1) aren’t doping and 2) that they aren’t under strict supervision when they do. Let em take ‘roids.”

This July 22, 2004, file photo shows overall leader Lance Armstrong,  right,  straining in the ascent of the La Croix Fry pass, as teammate Floyd Landis pours water over his neck.
This July 22, 2004, file photo shows overall leader Lance Armstrong, right, straining in the ascent of the La Croix Fry pass, as teammate Floyd Landis pours water over his neck.   (AP Photo/Bernard Papon, Pool, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 27 comments
HMunster
Jan 27, 2011 5:52 AM CST
"Let's Just Legalize Steroids" Barry B., did you write that you crazy kid?...
shonangreg
Jan 27, 2011 12:02 AM CST
This might seem inevitable, but if the use of performance enhancing drugs were to be tolerated by the sports governing authorities, then there would be an incentive for some to damage their own bodies and shorten their life all for the purpose of winning a few competitions and getting in the news. "What? My testes are shriveling? It is the price I pay. I'll die by the age of 40? I don't care. All I want is to win today." No sane athletes would be able to compete with such people. Sports events would become spectacular freak shows instead of inspiring shows of people like us doing the near impossible.
AustinFound
Jan 26, 2011 6:41 PM CST
Even if the sports associations allowed them to be used, they are still illegal and the open use of illegal substances might invite prosecution to the athletes. Just change the stupid drug laws in this country. Steroids aren't all equally bad or even illegal. For example, vitamin D is a steroid. This whole talk of steroids being risky or unhealthy only makes people afraid of those which are harmless everyday medicines. A lot of patients get a fearful look in their eye when a doctor recommends a steroid injection. Folks should understand there is a big difference between the steroids that make Mark McGuire's hat size balloon up in his mid thirties, and those steroids that our grandparents get when they have a cold.
 

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