Steriod Use Threatens Image of Sports Industry

Last week track star Marion Jones plead guilty in court to lying to a federal investigator about taking banned substances. For years Jones vehemently denied taking any steroids, but she finally admitted to taking a substance known as “the clear” or THG from 1999 to 2001 which includes her time at the 2000 Olympics.

Her admission has already been costly. She may face jail time, lose her five medals from the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and she announced that she is retiring from the sport as a result of her shame.

Jones is just the latest athlete to admit to using steroids during competition. Other track athletes include Dwain Chambers, Michelle Collins, Ben Johnson, and Tim Montgomery. Track and field is not the only sport that has been affected by players using steroids. As time goes on, more and more athletes are pleading guilty to playing under the influence of banned substances.

Individual athletes and the sports industry itself needs to frame this issue very carefully. First of all, they need to be careful not to alienate any of their current fans who might lose faith in the natural talent of their athletes. Secondly, they need to be careful not to turn away any potential fans who may be skeptical of a sport with athletes who use steroids. Finally, the issue should also be framed so that children don’t lose their love of sports and faith in their heroes. Children who are interested in particular teams usually continue to support that team throughout their lifetime. Losing their support could be dangerous for many athletes and teams.

Above all else, the sports industry needs to find a more effective way to keep athletes from using steroids, and they need to make sure that the public is aware of the effort. Without some kind of intervention, sports fans may become jaded and turn to other sports, other teams, or other players. A major image overhaul is needed for the entire industry, especially with the Olympics coming up, or the sports industry could suffer.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/10/05/jones.doping/index.html#cnnSTCOther1