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Count me among the not in the least bit shocked, dismayed, or even among those that give a rat’s ass that Sammy sosa is among over a hundred players to test positive for performance enhancing substances. I have a hard time understanding why anyone gives a shit what professional athletes do to their bodies. Baseball is no longer the pastural game that bound so much of this country together, it is simply one more mega-corporate conglomerate that cares nothing for America nor your average American.
Professional baseball is an entertainment industry with no more substance or altruism than the movie or music industry. The players are paid to put on a show that sells tickets, advertising and merchandise. So long as they do that no one should give a damn about what they put in their bodies. So long as their pay is based on how well they do that job, no one should be surprised that they will put anything and everything they can into their bodies either. Color me not so shocked Sammy Sosa is among the many other names even non-fans know is among the list of those who tested positive.
It is time to give up on the notion that sports stars are good role models. They aren’t now and never have been, and the same can be said of all other entertainers. While I can’t and won’t say no entertainer is a worthy role model, I do say it isn’t their prowess in their chosen occupation that makes them one. Hitting, Catching or throwing a ball doesn’t mark you as an extraordinary human being anymore than singing, dancing, or delivering quotable movies lines. If these are the type of people you are encouraging your kids to look up to the you have obviously failed as a parent and a person.
Take a moment and ask yourself why you care about this subject.
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You hit it spot on when you say “The players are paid to put on a show that sells tickets, advertising and merchandise.” Sports stars are pretty much like pop stars. Its no shock to see any athlete use steroids, but the main thing is that it is illegal and harmful, and while some use i , those who do not are at a disadvantage. While the intent has pretty much switched to “selling” people still want to see their team win, and players still want to win… so Its important that competition be fair. That’s my take on it.
-Randy
“Take a moment and ask yourself why you care about this subject.”
I think persons who pay the athletes care about this issue. We should hire someone since their physical bodies and skills are good, not since they’re good because of drugs.
Other athletes should care about this too. If we allow to use drugs, I truly believe most athletes would use them in order to get good performances. As a result, drug businesses will grow rapidly. I don’t think that’s a good way to go.
Cheating is destroying the joy of watching sports.
” If these are the type of people you are encouraging your kids to look up to the you have obviously failed as a parent ” This is definitely true. Kids that idolize the atheletes playing today are going to have problems. They are for the most part self absorbed prima donas.
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It’s awful what is going on at the moment…sport looses its point if it is full of drug addicts!
Well, they are all doing it these days, it really doesn’t surprise me to be honest! They are getting better and better at hiding it every year, the testers can’t keep up.
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I agree, who cares what baseball players are doing. I took my son to his first professional baseball game this past weekend, we saw the Detroit Tigers lose to the Chicago White Sox. It was the most boring game I ever saw. The Tigers gave up 4 runs in the first inning, and I just kept thinking how these guys are making millions of dollars to entertain the crowd. They played like they didn’t care. I’m not sure if I’ll ever go to another game.
You are so right, athletes are merely entertainers. I’m not all shocked about Sosa either. His performance wnt down the tubes when the heat was turned up on steriod use in baseball.
Absolutely agree. They are just entertainers. The true spirit of the sportsmanship are long gone.
Agree with you Schol. There is a world of difference between Mark Spitz and Phelp.
I think these days it would be more of a news story to publish the names of the successful athletes who HAVEN'T used performance enhancing drugs. It's all about the dollar bills y'all!!
Who can trust any sports star that does something out of the ordinary anymore ?