delta80eight

Perhaps the biggest and most dangerous problem wrapped up in the rampant steroid use in Major League Baseball is the perception of those players abusing the illicit substances in the eyes of our children. Young children look up to professional athletes as if they were gods. These athletes serve as role models, whether their actions are commendable or not. The sanctity of sports and fair competition stands at odds with the steroid era, not to mention the safety and well being of those who may be tempted to use such drugs. Given the success of notable players like Mark McGuire, Roger Clemens, and Barry Bonds associated with steroid use, what young athlete seeking to get ahead in his/her sport wouldn't be tempted to try steroids?

Well folks, I believe the answer is out there, we just need a suitable "poster child" of the steroid era: Jason Giambi. I sense a PSA going something like this:

Kids, steroids may help you get ahead in sports. They can help you crush homeruns hundreds of miles, throw a baseball close to 100mph, and continue playing even when you should have been sent to a geriatric ward a decade ago. But look at the users of steroids. Enter Jason Giambi. "Hi kids, I'm Jason Giambi, and I admit that I once used steroids to gain an unfair advantage in my professional baseball career. I became a monster at the plate, but I'm also a greasy, unkempt, flared-nostril, hygiene-deficient monster." So remember, kids, steroids are just plain bad.

Rants & Raves blog number 1. delta hates you all.