Steroids in Sports: Are We That Naïve?

Throughout the whole sports world where steroids and Human Growth Hormone (aka stuff) have an impact, doesn't it seem like baseball players would gain the smallest advantage?

Considering the physical nature of the NBA, NFL, and NHL, Major League Baseball should be the least of our worries.

Stronger, faster, quicker recovery; these are the reasons for doing it in the first place. Baseball really doesn't benefit as much from these advantages as does football or hockey.

Now, don't go calling me a "hater". Fact is, baseball is probably my favorite sport and will always be. But, the fact remains that it isn't nearly as physically taxing as hockey, basketball, or football. This is where the "stuff" really comes in handy.

Do we really think this "stuff" is not going on in the NFL?  Just like baseball, star players have been caught and suspended (i.e. Shawne Merriman and Rodney Harrison). The difference is, where Merriman makes the Pro-Bowl, Rafael Palmeiro's career is ended.

Or we say, "that's just the kind of guy Rodney Harrison is," where Mark McGwire is the butt of every Popeye/steroid joke out there and is still quoted today, "I'm not here to talk about the past..." Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Why is baseball the poster-child for steroids?

The obvious answer is the numbers. Everyone knows, every record, ever set in baseball and we hate to see our heroes' records broken. I don't want to see Barry Bonds break Hank Aaron's record or Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs. The difference is, no one cares as much about records in football or any of the other sports.

Also, baseball is more of an individual sport so, that "trying to help the team win" subconscious feeling isn't really there. Also, it's easier to single out players who are breaking the rules.

Try to remember what some of the current NFL players looked like early in their college years, minus 30 pounds of muscle.  Do you really think that is natural?  These guys look like cartoon characters that should be wearing capes.  Lavar Arrington is a house for Pete's sake! 

Once everyone is done with baseball, the NFL had better watch out.

Of course, in the end there is one more glaring question. Who is the real loser in this steroid era?