March 15, 2015
Professor Selwyn Williams
Human Anatomy and Physiology 2
Negative
Question: Should the use of performance enhancing drugs be permitted in professional sports? I.
II.
Introduction: Closing Statement
A. Attention Grabber: There is a common known adage that states “The greatest health is wealth.” We know that in good health there is a certain freedom that enables you to live life the way you please. And for that reason, B. Thesis: I believe that performance enhancing drugs should not be permitted in sports.
C. Establishing Qualifications: After extensive research on this topic, I understand that allowing these drugs can have devastating effects.
D. Roadmap: I am now better equipped to say that not only would it be detrimental to the player’s health, but it can disturb the integrity and corrupt the sports industry.
Body
A. Main Point One: Performing enhancing drugs should not be permitted in professional sports because these drugs can have devastating effects and can be detrimental to the player’s health as well.
1. Some proponents of the use of performance enhancing drugs will say that life in general is unfair. And that it is illogical to ban the use of performance enhancing drugs on the basis of the unfair advantage it can give players. On the surface, this appears to be sensible. Because some players are just naturally faster than others, but we don’t ban genetics. Or some players have coaches who are naturally smarter and can win because of their better decision making, but we don’t give them regulations on coaching.
However, the key word is natural. These factors are not a predetermined choice like the decision to dope, but an inherent gift. What is not natural, are these drugs and the reason for using
them. In the short term, hormones or steroids can strengthen muscles, bones and tendons. Dr. Robert Truax, who practices family and sports medicine at University Hospitals Case Medical
Center in Cleveland, says the drugs allow athletes to train harder and longer, with fewer injuries.In the long term, PEDs can cause impotence, worsening acne, balding and “steroid rage.” PEDs can also stunt growth in adolescents. More serious effects include heart and liver damage, and an increased risk of blood clots. You might say,“Well all medications have side effects – but taking them when your body doesn’t need them can cause serious damage to your body. And while some of the drugs on the prohibited list can be purchased at the pharmacy, we must acknowledge that medications are for people with specific health issues – not for healthy athletes.
B. Main Point Two: Performing enhancing drugs should not be permitted in professional sports because they have the potential of corrupting the sports industry.
1. Some advocates of the sanctioning of performance enhancing drugs might even suggest that we should allow them because we have no right to interfere with a players personal and independent decision to use drugs. And as Americans we understand the importance and the value of freedom of choice. However, free choice is truly present in the absence of coercion. When you’re getting robbed at gunpoint, although you made the decision to give the thief money, is it because you wanted to be out $40 bucks or because you were afraid to die? In the same way, because sports focuses more on the glory instead of being healthy and the hard work. Performance enhancing drugs are very enticing. The world of sports is highly competitive and can be very lucrative and fun. The slightest edge can mean the difference between being merely a great high school athlete and being an Olympic champion. The pressure of being