"Banned Substance Use by Athletes of All Ages Debated at URI"

Zack Burgess
Providence Journal
June 24, 1989

SOUTH KINGSTOWN --- In the wake of the Ben Johnson scandal for the use of anabolic steroids, the world is more aware of the use of banned substances by athletes - including adolescents.

Some doctors believe the public is apathetic about the situation. Others say let the moral dilemma rest with the athlete. And some say it's an anomalous problem altogether.

This was the gist of the conversation at the University of Rhode Island yesterday on the final day of the Ethics and Sportsmanship seminar.

"Giving the virtual show trial that is taking place in Canada with Ben Johnson, and the war against drugs taking place around the world - there is a clear anti-drug sentiment in the air," said Dr. John Hoberman. "But, on the other hand, there is a clear apathy among the people throughout the nation and world, too."

Dr. Hoberman went on to talk about how unconsciously drugs are accepted by society.

"Today's society wants bigger and stronger athletes," Hoberman said. "And to meet the demand of the (George) Steinbrennerism attitude of the people; how else do you expect these guys to meet those expectations? You actually force an athlete to push himself beyond, and then some."

Debating the choices

The debate that took place was titled, "Performance Enhancing Drugs: Should There Be a Choice?" There were two people on the affirmative side of the issue and two against. Representing the affirmative were Dr. W. Miller Brown, professor of philosophy, Trinity College, and Dr. Richard Ratzan, University of Connecticut Health Center.

For the negative were Ron Mix, a member of pro football's hall of fame, and Dr. James O'Brien, University of Connecticut Health Center.

Mix talked about keeping the body in shape and making the moral choice between working hard and using banned substances such as steroids.

"I had to make the choice in my career. I took it upon myself to work to be in the condition to play in the NFL. Some guys don't want to work hard," Mix said. "It's a sacrifice you make. I said to myself, do you want to work hard and not regret the effects (of drug use) years down the road, or do you want it the easy way. I chose the right way."

But, Brown felt otherwise. He felt as though the choice of performance enhancing drugs, should be on the individual, not other people. "These people are adults and should be allowed to make their own decisions," said Brown.

He thought if stimulants should be banned, then why not ban Coca-Cola or coffee, beverages containing caffeine, often used by runners before marathons to get their adrenalin flowing.

Problems for teens, too

Steroid use has become rapid over the past couple of years. And Dr. Hoberman pointed out that it's not only a problem among adults, but teenagers, too.

"In 1985 a group of West German athletes published a report called 'Stop Doping', because they were tired of the use of drugs among athletes," said Hoberman. "And in 1987 we finally came to the realization that adolescent use (ban steroid use) was at epidemic proportions.

"Let's face it," he said. "The role model (professional athletes) cannot be set aside. He does not have the right to do as he pleases. He can not afford to be a non-rational thinking human being."

Russel E. Hogg Jr., chairman of the board of directors, Institute for International Sport, thought the whole idea of drug use among child athletes was unusual, "because it shouldn't be allowed by the parents of today. I can't see how the parents allow this."

"The parents must stop this with the children and start spending more time (with them) - stop putting them on pedestals in little league," said Hogg. "If they don't? They'll (the children) look back, some will have a whole lot of money, some won't, but the bottom line will be, they both will have nothing to really smile about after destroying the bodies they once physically enjoyed."