The big sports news is that Barry Bonds was indicted for steroid use. I'm glad. I didn't feel one bit excited about him breaking the home run record, and taking the record away from Hank Aaron, because I think everyone knows that Bonds has been on the juice. Dr. Will had some great comments (as always) about it, essentially saying that Bonds was his own worst enemy when it came to garnering support against his accusers, because of his extremely unlikable personality:
"And today was the day of reckoning for the loathsome, narcissistic and friendless Barry Bonds.
The whole sordid episode is a reminder that regardless of what you accomplish, in the end your fate is determined as much by your social skills as your actions. Of course, there are those whose pathology features strong interpersonal ability as a mask and manipulation for their depraved intent. But such psychos are actually the minority. In general, engaging other people in a warm, open and transparent manner is the ideal approach to having your achievements recognized and your success endure."
Beyond that, I have to wonder why athletes feel they need to use steroids. Because they can't compete against those who do? That's a pretty lame excuse, but that fault lies with the leagues and commissioners. If you really want to stop this, start regular testing and come down hard on them. Give 'em three chances, and if they test positive for a third time, terminate their contract immediately, with the remaining amount forfeited. If you hit them in their wallet, they will take notice. I love sports, because I love the competition of it all, and I love seeing people work so hard to be the best. The Olympics has always been the ultimate in competition for me, with the cream of the crop representing their countries. To have Marion Jones stand in front of reporters and admit to using steroids was so disillusioning for me. (I applaud her for admitting to it, but that certainly doesn't make it right.) The IOC was considering taking the medals away from her teammates in the relay because they won under false pretenses. I don't think that's fair, because her teammates may not have known what she was doing, and it's not right to punish an entire team because of one individual's short-comings.
What a shame that we've fostered an atmosphere of "win at any cost." Everyone loves to see their team, their favorite player, or their country win, but I think most of us want to see those wins happen from hard work, both physical and mental, and the sheer desire of our athletes to compete and to be the best. Certainly not because they've been messing up their bodies with growth hormones and other injectables.
3 comments:
Excellent! I agree wholeheartedly.
Traci
I have been waiting for the personable Mr. Bonds to get his just reward since the investigation began. I have written about him and his lack of character many times and he is a poor example for the young people of the nation. His actions suggest that you can do what you like and get away with it. Much like the Lindsay Lohans, Britney Spears and Nicole Richies of entertainment, actions like Mr. Bonds need to be punished and the young people need to know that there is a price to pay for this type of behavior.
Thanks for stopping by my journal. Most of the comments I post on journals are humorous, but the Bonds situation just brings out the rant in me.
Jimmy
http://journals.aol.com/jimsulliv3/jimmys-journal/
Jimmy, there was a great editorial in the paper today by a guy named Tim Dahlberg, an AP writer. He said that Hank Aaron and Roger Maris should be restored to their rightful place as career- and season-homerun record holders, until someone breaks the records without being juiced. I agree. Personally, in my heart, I don't recognize Bonds as being the record holder. His accomplishment means nothing to me because he did it dishonestly. (As you can see, this is a hot-button topic for me, too!)
Thanks for reading! Beth
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