In today’s world it has become too normal to hear of athletes using and abusing drugs to their advantage. Whether it is something as simple as taking daily vitamins or as serious as steroid use, drug use and abuse is everywhere.
We face a time when the line becomes hazy as to whether an athlete has natural athletic ability or performs well because of a pill. Are we facing an era where drug abuse gets so ridiculous that it becomes the norm for an athlete?
As an NCAA athlete, I know that the list of banned drugs is a long one, full of names that most of us cannot even pronounce. However, the more the list grows the more intense the rules become on what is and is not allowed.
For every positive drug test taken by the NCAA, a student-athlete faces one year suspension from all play starting that day. Is this punishment too harsh and rash, or does it legitimize the seriousness of the situation?
While I agree with most of the banned substances on the extensive list such as street drugs, steroids and other performance-enhancing substances, there are a few banned items that seem a bit absurd.
Most people, including some athletes themselves, do not know that the list begins with energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Rockstar. It even extends to eating a poppy seed bagel on the same day one is supposed to be tested. While this may seem like a hyperbolized example, I distinctly remember being told not to eat an everything or poppy seed bagel on a day that we might be drug tested – just in case we are trying to cover up the absurd amount of opium we are currently taking.
Do not get me wrong, I think it is right to tell my trainer that I take a one-a-day or a glucosamine pill. But when I am told stories of people chasing the Red Bull guy off campus, I cannot help but chuckle.
Drug abuse for any student-athlete is a serious issue. But if there really are students getting suspended for drinking a Red Bull before a competition, are others who are using steroids sliding by?
We are mostly aware of what a performance enhancing drug consists of, but there are some items on the list that I do not think enhance performance. In fact, they may even inhibit performance.
Such examples are marijuana and alcohol. Although they are considered illegal – unless you are 21 or reside in the city of Denver – can they really be considered performance enhancing?
There should be ramifications for the use of these drugs, but why is it the NCAA’s job to suspend individuals for this choice? The rules are designed to keep competition fair, but why do these odd items fall on the list?
At the end of the day I am pretty sure that disorientation, loss of balance and the munchies do not enhance one’s performance. A poppy seed bagel, however, just might.
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