"On Oct. 16, Terry Madden, chief executive of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, announced the existence of THG, saying that positive drug tests signaled a 'conspiracy involving chemists, coaches and certain athletes using what they developed to be undetectable designer steroids to defraud their fellow competitors and the American and world public.'"
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Performance enhancing drugs seem to be a staple of many top-of-the-line athletes. This NY Times story suggests that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of athletes take steroidal drugs, obviously sanctioned or provided by coaches and trainers. What to do about it?
There are only two choices: test, screen and take drastic action to eliminate offenders and their coaches/trainers from competition for an extended period of time. This probably won't work because the US has little control over the practices of other countries.
The other choice is to allow a free-for-all. This approach signals "may the best drug designer win." Is that the message we want to send to youngsters when at the same time our US message is that recreational drug use is wrong and against the law for certain drugs?
The present game, cheat and hope you don't get caught, exposes the moral swamp in which so many people live.
What a terrible dilemma for sports.
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