Read the debate intro and the opposing argument from Babe Ruthless that blood testing should not be required in non-union sports.
Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Rodney Harrison, Marion Jones, Ben Johnson, Bill Romanowski, Shawne Merriman, Tyler Perry?! Well, you get the picture.
The illusions of fair play, good sportsmanship, and honest athletes have been completely shattered. No more is the innocence of “the boys of summer” or “America’s pastime” preserved. Instead, innocence has been replaced by “Show me the money,” contract athletes, the win-at-all cost mentality, and athletes who are more concerned about off-the-field celebrity status than on-the-field performance.
Being a sentimental sports fan, it pains me to face that harsh reality, but it is a reality nonetheless. Athletes can no longer be taken at their word for being honest and hard working. History has shown us that the billion dollar industry of athletic competition creates too much temptation for athletes who want to make “the big bucks.” Athletes today have proven that they are willing to shortcut and cheat the system to gain a competitive edge over opponents, even at the expense of their own physical well-being.
Since the participants can no longer be trusted to train honestly and ethically, it then becomes the responsibility of larger governing bodies to enforce the ideals of pure competition. In order to ensure that sports remain a matchup of people competing based solely on talent (as opposed to a comparison of who got the better injections), it is vital that ALL sports take on a more proactive approach to drug screening. Mandatory blood testing is the most effective method today.
Just because athletes in boxing, cycling, or track and field (for example) are not bound to the governing rules of a player’s union does not mean they should have the right to decline blood testing.
The problem is that athletes who refuse to test give the appearance that they have something to hide. Consider boxer Manny Pacquiao, who has refused to submit to the increased blood testing that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has requested. He claims that his reason is a dislike for the process of having blood drawn. So let me get this straight – Manny Pacquiao has no problem at all with standing in front of another man and getting beaten senseless (or beating him senseless, which is more often the case). He will exchange punches to the head, face, and body, resulting in cuts, tears, and blood. But he cannot stomach a little needle and pin prick to help verify that he is not cheating? I don’t buy it!
It is precisely for that reason that athletes such as Lance Armstrong and Michael Phelps already voluntarily submit to a greater number of tests than is currently required. They understand that the feats they have accomplished seem so extraordinary that many will question whether they have legitimately accomplished them, or if they instead have cheated in some way.
Just imagine the backlash if Michael Phelps had not volunteered for the extra testing after winning his eight gold medals in Beijing. It would cast doubt on his accomplishments, because people would think he has something to hide. Consequently, that doubt would radiate into speculation about the sanctioning bodies in which Phelps competes. Just as Major League Baseball has been accused of allowing its players to use steroids, the International Olympic Committee would be challenged and their legitimacy would be diminished.
Why blood testing, though? Simply put, it is harder to “fool” a blood test than it is a urine test. Blood testing seems to bring with it the confidence necessary to ensure fairness and quell speculation, which are the purposes of drug testing. Athletes, and the sanctioning organizations they compete under, should be clamoring to ensure their reputations remain unquestioned and untarnished, and the best way to do that is through mandatory blood testing.
That was spot on! I could not have done that better at all haha. Hate to admit it though
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!