That's your prerogative, however, I DO consider it cheating. IF they are using a drug which enables them to *reach a higher peak* than the athletes who refrain from gobbling up drugs, then they are indeed cheating.
This, IMO, is on the same level as someone challenging an individual to a fair fight and THEN pulling out a weapon. One person is utilizing their *natural* talent while the other is relying on a weapon to give themselves an advantage.
Seriously, I don't see this as being any different than some little punk who steals the answers to the final exam and THEN brags because he got the highest score in the class.
Of course, this argument could be made in favor of legalizing ANY illicit drug or even doing away with the age limit for drinking.
Actually, it is quite consistent for me to be against ANY type of activity that endangers the lives of others. I am against steroid use for the same reason I am against drunk driving, use of other harmful drugs (cocaine, meth, PCP, etc.)
These kind of drugs can and have affected people in such a way that they put others in harms way. The most recent case that comes to mind is the double murder and suicide involving Chris Benoit.
Here is a website that with a list of some deceased athletes who have died from steroid abuse.
http://www.athletesagainststeroids.org/pgs/steroiddeaths.php
Here is what NIDA (National Institute for Drug Abuse) has to say about steroids:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Steroids/Anabolicsteroids.html
From the Director
Persistent reports of anabolic steroid abuse by professional athletes, many of whom are regarded as role models by young people, highlight the fact that we are now facing a very damaging message in our society—that bigger is better, and being the best is more important than how you get there.
Abuse of anabolic steroids differs from the abuse of other illicit substances because the initial abuse of anabolic steroids is not driven by the immediate euphoria that accompanies most drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, but by the desire of abusers to change their appearance and performance, characteristics of great importance to adolescents. The effects of steroids can boost confidence and strength, leading abusers to overlook the potential serious and long-term damage that these substances can cause.
While anabolic steroids can enhance certain types of performance or appearance, they are dangerous drugs, and when used inappropriately they can cause a host of severe, long-lasting, and in some cases, irreversible negative health consequences. Anabolic steroids can lead to early heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure, and serious psychiatric problems. In addition, because steroids are often injected, users who share needles or use nonsterile techniques when they inject steroids are at risk for contracting dangerous infections, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C.
Not even comparable. A more valid comparison would be a student stealing the answers to the Physics test, memorizing them and THEN acing the test.
BTW, if steroids are no big deal, why do you suppose they are not legal in sports?
Actually, Beeks is right on this. However, it isn't the fact that they are cheating that bothers me the most. It is the fact that using a dangerous drug that doesn't just endanger themselves, but also anyone who is unlucky enough to be around them should they be experiencing "Roid Rage".
