With the recent news of Manny Ramirez's suspension another blow to baseball, I got to thinking about the 4 major sports, MLB, NFL, NHL and the NBA, and the role steroids has played in each.
With the NFL, steroids were an early subject and it in turn implemented testing much earlier than the other sports. Each year we learn of a handful of players getting suspended. One cannot say their system is flawless, but it does yield tangible results.
MLB has received by far the most scrutiny based on the fact that we are slowly but steadily piecing together the number of the modern day power records were aided by steroids. Baseball was slow to acknowledge and react to steroids and as a result it is paying the price.
The NBA and NHL have largely avoided the fray. I wonder why that is and if we need to take a closer look.
The NHL was embroiled in a minor controversy when it was learned many of the players took Sudafed prior to games back in the '90s. The active ingredient in Sudafed acting as a stimulant. But I cannot recall one NHL player being nabbed for steroid use. How can that be?
A quick search reveals that as of December 2007, only 1 NHL had been caught using steroids all the while the NHL refusing to believe steroids could be an issue with NHL players.
NBA commissioner David Stern said he doesn't think steroids are a concern in the NBA. The idea being NBA players prefer leanness and athleticism, not bulk or power. Well, have you seen Dwight Howard? He looks to be both powerful and athletic all in one. One can't help but wonder how NBA players can have such developed deltoids and biceps without some kind of aid.
NHL players are protected by the equipment they wear, not only from physical harm, but judgment by the fans as we cannot see their physical appearance beyond broad assessments.
The fact remains that athletes in all sports, especially sports that reward play with hefty salaries, will and do try to gain any competitive edge possible. To think NHLers will stop at Sudafed and smelling salts is naive. And to think a fringe NBA player wouldn't be tempted to use steroids and HGH all the while trying to cover his tracks is laughable.
I wonder if we will ever get inside these 2 leagues to learn the truth. I find it hard to believe we are seeing a drug free NBA and NHL when nearly every other sport, both professional and amateur has had to deal with the issue.
Your thoughts?
Well, looks like we have another big star who tested positive for steroids a banned substance. Only this time, he will be suspended 50 games.
UPDATE: Ok weird addition to the story here. Peter Gammons is reporting that Manny has been suspended for using a drug other than steroids that he had a prescription for. If it was legally prescribed, why the suspension?
UPDATE 2: Manny has issued a statement where he says he took a prescription drug that was not a steroid but was on the banned list. He points out that he has passed 15 drug tests in the past 5 years and apologizes to the Dodgers, fans, etc.. Now, will Manny take questions on this and if so, you have to assume that question #1 is going to be about whether or not he has ever taken a banned substance. Also, I would assume he is going to produce the Dr. involved in this mess if he really wants to clear his name.