Vincent AcelingDrugs in Sport
October 19th 2006 11:45
In a controversial opening to the recent ICC Champions Trophy, two players from Pakistan were sent home due to a positive drug test, one of those players being Shoaib Akthar a headline attraction in world cricket. Apart from the humiliation both players would have suffered at the hands of fans, the public and the media it again reflects another dark day in world sport.
This is the first time since Shane Warne’s infamous weight loss incident that players have been under scrutiny for drugs in cricket. For those who don’t know much about the game, cricket is a sport that does not require any special athletic ability to take to the field and be competitive. The only reason a player would ever need to turn to drugs would be for an injury, typically an aid in the recovery of that injury. Ideally specific measures and doctors would need to evaluate the type of drugs a player is consuming to ensure they conform to the appropriate guidelines.
Shoaib is claiming that he has not intentionally taken any drugs and any drug he has taken would have helped him recover from a recent injury. Fortunately we all have the right to reserve our judgement until the jury is out on such an incident.
Drugs in sport have dominated sporting headlines for long enough, I think its time individuals were made accountable for their actions and the humiliation they cause their countries, their team mates and most of all the fans that idolise their every move. Maybe the price isn’t high enough?? I think some should be put on a life ban, I mean where does one draw the line. Things have to change and someone should take the fall otherwise sport will be plagued by this evolving disease and champions will never be held in the same light.
This is the first time since Shane Warne’s infamous weight loss incident that players have been under scrutiny for drugs in cricket. For those who don’t know much about the game, cricket is a sport that does not require any special athletic ability to take to the field and be competitive. The only reason a player would ever need to turn to drugs would be for an injury, typically an aid in the recovery of that injury. Ideally specific measures and doctors would need to evaluate the type of drugs a player is consuming to ensure they conform to the appropriate guidelines.
Shoaib is claiming that he has not intentionally taken any drugs and any drug he has taken would have helped him recover from a recent injury. Fortunately we all have the right to reserve our judgement until the jury is out on such an incident.
Drugs in sport have dominated sporting headlines for long enough, I think its time individuals were made accountable for their actions and the humiliation they cause their countries, their team mates and most of all the fans that idolise their every move. Maybe the price isn’t high enough?? I think some should be put on a life ban, I mean where does one draw the line. Things have to change and someone should take the fall otherwise sport will be plagued by this evolving disease and champions will never be held in the same light.
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Comment by Anonymous
Comment by incognito
incognito
I mean the example above is an extreme situation however it is the reality a big star is faced with and has to come to terms with. The media is every where and ready to pounce so it becomes their debt to society to act in a responsible and respectable manner, as their deeds will mirror in the minds of our children.
Comment by Anonymous
Can a sports personality actually expect this? I doubt it. If you're in the public eye, how can you not expect people to look up to you, especially young children who want to be you.
I think it would be safe to say that most young kids, especially boys, dream of playing a professional sport at some point, and in this society where sports players are held in such high esteem it is simply irresponsible of such players.
S
Comment by incognito
incognito