Steroids
Steroids are a group of compounds that derive from testosterone and are produced synthetically to stimulate tissue repair and body growth. Steroids are prescription drugs and are used for treatment when diagnosed with anemia, breast cancer, and muscle wasting conditions. Steroids are commercially available in several forms including tablets, syringes, and powder forms.
Steroids, although beneficial when prescribed for muscle wasting conditions, are often misused for its desirable effects on muscle growth. Some of these desirable affects include making one bigger, faster, and stronger. When news of the effects of steroids became known, it captured the attention of many athletes such as swimmers, weightlifters, bodybuilders, those who run track and field, baseball players, and other athletes who require speed, power and endurance when playing a sport. When demands for this drug increased and professional athletes began to use steroids it cause major arguments about the unfairness of the game. Athletes that did not resort to taking steroids began to campaign along with their coaches and fans about the advantages the other players had, thus making the game uneven.
Steroids in Real Life
With the increasing amount of misuse of steroids and the complaints of its unjust effects on the game, in 2004, steroids were made illegal. In sports, steroids are considered illegal and if an athlete is tested positive for steroids, he can be banned for life from baseball. Yet despite the sanctions, some athletes still use steroids to improve their athletic performance. One professional and well known baseball player, Roger Clemens has been indicted and is awaiting trial on perjury charges, with prosecutors claiming he lied in federal court on his testimony about his steroid use. If convicted, he will face a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine if convicted on all charges. Though the trial still continue, Clemens career is on the line. To read more about Roger Clemens click here!
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/health/diseasesconditionsandhealthtopics/steroids/index.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/08/19/clemens.perjury/index.html#ixzz1KDSPVg9d
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/08/19/clemens.perjury/index.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/08/19/clemens.perjury/index.html#ixzz1KDSPVg9d
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/08/19/clemens.perjury/index.html
