Final Blog: What is stopping pro athletes from using PEDs?

Athletes have been competing in sport for millenniums, but never before have they been more admired for excelling at their craft. The rapid rise in popularity of modern sports has created an ultra-competitive atmosphere in which athletes are constantly striving to improve themselves and become the best at their sport. The ludicrous amounts of money and fame that result from success drive athletes to adopt a mentality in which they must “win at all costs.” This mentality is creating a dangerous attitude in professional sports and has led to many athletes using performance-enhancing drugs, known as doping, to give them a competitive edge. Over the past decade, several high-profile athletes have been caught doping and were handed consequences that varied in severity. However, while the judicial enforcers can ban players and impact their future, they cannot change the past or take away titles. Seeing the positive impact that doping is proven to have on one’s on-field performance, and the lack of severity in recent punishments, why wouldn't a professional athlete choose to dope?

Source: The Pioneer (2013) Steroids [digital]

Many sports fans argue that the use of PEDs should be a mute point across sports; they claim that they make the athletes better and make the games are more exciting to watch. I believe that this is a very important issue to address, not only because of the harm the drugs pose to the athletes, but also to uphold the integrity of professional sports and create a legitimate level playing field. While it is easy to call the perpetrators cheaters and berate them for their acts, we must consider why they are choosing to dope. The purpose of this blog is to view the issue from the other side, the perspective of the athlete, and to attempt to explain why steroid usage has become such a widespread problem.

From the time we were children, it has been drilled in our heads that cheating is unacceptable and that we would be punished for doing so; however, that principle has not held up in professional sports and the lack of accountability has just began to be addressed across sports. In the Major League of Baseball, from 2009-2014, a total of 26 players were suspended for at least 50 games for using performance-enhancing drugs (CNN, 2014). According to MLB.com, this total is greater than the number of suspensions in total prior to 2009. This lack of enforcement, which has just recently picked up, caused Sports Illustrated to name baseball’s steroid scandal the number one sport story of the decade (Khing, 2014). In fact, a recent 2012 poll of MLB players found that over one-third said they would still dope or are still doping; this number does not match up with the number of suspensions that have been handed out. This problem is not limited to baseball as the NFL is also struggling to prevent doping. The NFL has been under fire for a myriad of recent transgressions, but nobody seems to be caring about the lack of steroid enforcement. This year, the NFL player’s association agreed to a new HGH testing policy in which players would get suspensions of four games for the first offense, ten games for the second offense, and a two-year suspension for the third offense (Pro Con, 2014). This is a huge step up from its past history of enforcement in which seemingly nobody was caught, but most everyone was using. The recent changes in the two prominent sports leagues has demonstrated a willingness to change and stop PEDs, but this still has not prevented athletes from doping and for good reason.

If you ask any athlete or sports fanatic what means most to them, their answer will likely be titles and statistics. These two things drive sports, giving a quantifiable figure to define success or failure. The goal of every athlete is to improve his or her statistics and win as many awards as possible, and time after time, performance-enhancing drugs have proven to do just that.

Barry Bonds, one of the most famous steroid users in sports, was an above-average player for the first quarter of his career. He hit about 25 home runs a year, which is average, and was not known for mystifying power. Bonds began using PED’s in the late 1990’s, a fact that was not uncovered until late in his playing career. Bonds went on to hit 762 home runs in his career, the most ever hit by one player, in addition to breaking the single season home run record with 73 (Brotherton, 2004). Bonds is now known, and forever will be known, as the “home run king.” There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Bonds’ success resulted directly from his use of PEDs; there is simply no way that he hits that many home runs without the help of drugs. 

Source: The Observer (2012): Home Run Graphic [digital]

The graphic above is a chart demonstrating the number of home runs that each player hit after turning 35. These six players are all high on the all-time home run list and are known for hitting home runs. The chart exemplifies that while most players were declining at the end of their career, Bonds got even better, hitting 72 more home runs than the next closest player. This is the impact that steroids had on Bonds late in his career, as he was able to sustain his power when other's lost theirs.

Bonds was eventually indicted in court, most of the charges resulting from lying and not the actual PED usage (CNN, 2014). So what were the consequences for Bonds’ actions? He may have lost a few years at the end of his career, but surely he would sacrifice that time for the glory he held in his prime. Despite being infamous for using steroids, Bonds will likely end up in the Hall of Fame and, if you ask any baseball fan who the home run king is, they will still answer Barry Bonds.

Clemens testifying before a
Grand Jury in 2010

Source: Deadspin (2011) Clemens [photo]

Two other famous steroid cases that came from the MLB are the suspensions of Roger “the Rocket” Clemens and Alex Rodriquez. Similarly to Bonds, Clemens was indicted in front of a grand jury, receiving a greater punishment for perjury than for using PEDs. Despite the revelations that he was a PED user, Clemens is still regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time and is still officially recognized as third all time in wins (Knapp, 2014). Alex Rodriguez, the biggest name in the most recent MLB steroid scandal, was found to have taken steroids in 2003, when he was with the Texas Rangers. The following year, he signed a 275 million dollar contract with the New York Yankees and won three MVP awards. Despite being revealed as a steroid user, he still holds onto these three MVP awards and has cashed in on the full amount of that contract. (Cross, 2005)

Lance after winning his seventh
consecutive Tour de France

Source: Lesley Miller (2005) Seven [photo]

Quite possibly the most infamous case of doping in sports is the fall of American cyclist Lance Armstrong. Armstrong won an unprecedented seven consecutive Tour de France titles, the most prestigious race in cycling. Following his seven year run from 1999-2006, Lance was caught by the Union Cycliste Internationale for doping and was effectively banned for life (Schrotenboer, 2014). Despite these findings, Armstrong is still a national legend and heralded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. In fact, if you ask the average person, Lance Armstrong is likely the only cyclist they can name. In several interviews, Lance has admitted that it would have been impossible to win the Tour de France without the help of doping. Although he no longer officially holds the titles he once did, Lance is still regarded as the best and was able to make over one hundred million dollars during his racing career, a figure that no other cyclist has gotten close to (CNN, 2014).

These four cases, along with many others, demonstrate the impact that PEDs can have on one’s career. All four individuals won titles as a direct result of their doping and are still attributed with those titles whether recognized officially or simply by the public. When I think of Barry Bonds or Lance Armstrong, the thought that they cheated is in the back of my mind; however, the first thing I think of is home run king and greatest cyclist ever. As a sports fan, witnessing those great accomplishments is a moment I will never forget, despite not being a fan of either person. This admission makes it easier for me to comprehend why so many professional athletes would choose this road. PED use allows athletes to go beyond their typical performance and achieve glory, while facing consequences only after their prime has passed.

Another scenario, more prevalent in the NFL, which has been brought to light, is the use of PEDs by young players. Last year, a rookie, Dion Jordan was suspended four games for using PEDs, the suspension for a first time user. His coach, Joe Philbin, later remarked to ESPN that Dion got exponentially better as a result of the PEDs and likely would not have played in those games anyways because of his youth (Khing, 2014). This statement summarized the issue with PEDs in sports, they are proven to make the player better, and the players often don’t face grave consequences even when they’re caught.

In addition, the most prominent issue that professional athletes face is financial security. The turnover rate amongst professional athletes is remarkably high and most will do anything to get another contract. Seeing as there is no financial penalty for the use of PEDs, it is yet another temptation for players to dope. These are the contracts the aforementioned athletes signed at the height of their steroid usage:

Player	Contract Years	Money per year
Barry Bonds	5	18 million
Roger Clemens	1	22 million
Alex Rodriguez	10	27.5 million
Lance Armstrong	0	125 million (total)

All four of these figures are far above the average value of a player at that age and it is hard to deny that the money offered was a result of their PED use. 

Despite the step up in prevention and enforcement that has taken place in professional sports in the last decade, players are still using at a high rate and first time users often become repeat offenders (Thieme, 2010). In order to completely straighten out the leagues, commissioners must take necessary steps to ensure the most legitimate testing procedures and create stricter violation policies.

As an educated person on this issue, I cannot blame the athletes for choosing to use PEDs. If I told you that taking a drug would help boost your performance, make you more money, and only after your career would you face any consequences, you would take that deal every time. However, I do believe it is important to completely eradicate PEDs and uphold the integrity of professional sports, but that will only occur when testing becomes more legitimate and punishments are made more severe. In the mean time, you can call them cheaters for what they are, but with the lackluster enforcement and punishments, can you really blame them?

References 

Brotherton, Stephen L., Norman Fost, and Gary A. Green. "Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports." Virtual Mentor 6.7. (2004).

CNN. "Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports Fast Facts." Cable News Network. (2014). http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/06/us/performance-enhancing-drugs-in-sports-fast-facts/

Cross, Aaron, and Mike Kulycky. "Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports." (2005).

Knapp, Gwen. "The MLBPU Is Getting Real about PEDs." Sports On Earth. (2014). http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/54039118/the-mlb-players-union-led-by-michael-weiner-wont-fight-evidence-of-ped-use

Khing, Tony. “Performance-enhancing Drugs in Sports.” ABDO Publishing Company. (2014).

"Performance Enhancing Drugs - Drug Use in Sports." Pro Con. (2014). http://sportsanddrugs.procon.org/view.subissues.php?issueID=000407

Schrotenboer, Brent. "For Lance Armstrong, Sorry Has Been the Hardest Word." USA Today. (2014).

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2013/05/27/for-armstrong-forgiveness-is-not-saying-sorry/2364137/

Thieme, Detlef, and Peter Hemmersbach. “Doping in Sports.” Vol. 195. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer. (2010).

Final: Dream job vs. "real" job

What do I want to do in life? What can I do? Is this job a good choice? Will I be able to live off of it? So many college students, especially upperclassmen, have asked themselves these questions. As college students approach graduation, these questions become more and more urgent, and students become more and more stressed out. They start to wonder if the job they “wanted” to pursue is worth it or if it really is their passion or calling. As a college senior, I understand this situation. I have often wondered if the career choice I have chosen, pharmacy, is my truly my calling or my passion. I have always had a passion for the arts. I love creating things with my own hand. I love knitting, crocheting, sewing, DIY projects, etc. However, is art something I can really pursue…as a job? Because these situations are so commonplace, I would like to explore the topic of whether students should pursue a dream job or a “real” job. Even though it is tempting to choose a job or industry that one is passionate about, I encourage college students not to blindly chase after a dream, especially if that dream is unrealistic. When choosing a job, students must consider their skill sets, interests, financial stability, and future changes in live.

However, before we jump into discussing which choice—dream job or “real” job—is better, let’s take a look at Gen Y, our generation. Writer Tim Urban and psychologist Jean Twenge have characterized Gen Y as unhappy and miserable. Why? According to Jean Twenge in her book, Generation Me, Millennials are constantly told that “you can be whatever you want to be” and “nothing is impossible” (Twenge, 2006). Millennials have greater expectations for themselves (and for life) than previous generations do. They feel that nothing is beyond their reach and that they only need to try. Unfortunately, the greater the expectation, the greater the fall when that expectation is not reached. The following images from the article "Why Generation Y Yuppies Are Unhappy" by Tim Urban illustrates this concept well:

Source: Urban, T. (2013) Equation [digital].

Source: Urban, T. (2013) Expectations and reality [digital]. 

Additionally, therapist Meg Jay, author of The Defining Decade, mentions that clients in their twenties tend to go from one job to another because they’re afraid to settle for “some ordinary thing” (Jay, 2013). To further support this observation, Lucy Cennamo and Diane Gardner in their 2008 research paper, found that Gen Y differs from the baby bloomer generation in that Gen Y places a greater importance on status and freedom when determining job satisfaction. We believe in the “nothing is impossible” and that makes a dream job all the more appealing. However, we must take a step back and think carefully before choosing the dream job.

First, take a look at your skill sets and interests (not passions). Everyone has something that comes to him or her more naturally than something else. For example, I’m good at the sciences. I tend to do better in classes with a biology focus than classes with a focus on writing. However, am I passionate about biology? No. Even though I’m interested in biology and enjoy studying the subject, it is not something I am passionate about. When choosing a job, it is important to take a look at both your skills and interests, but not necessarily your passions. This is important—don’t focus solely on your passions, because you may not be as passionate about your passion in a work setting. However, if you choose a job based on interests and skills, the chance of losing that interest will be smaller than the chance of losing that passion.

There are a two reasons why pursuing your passion as a job can be dangerous. The first is that a dream job can easily become a nightmare. Like mentioned in the previous paragraph, you may find that your passion isn’t as much fun as expected, especially when forced to perform on a schedule, forced to spend hours on reports, or forced to endlessly address customer complaints, etc. When choosing to follow a passion, be sure to ask yourself these questions:

•       Will the passion last through thick and thin?
•       Is it something you can really pursue as a career?
•       Is it something that can support you financially?

The second reason why pursuing your passion can be dangerous is addressed in the last question—can you live off your passions? This really depends on the type of lifestyle you want to live. If you want a luxurious life, you will need a high-paying job. If you want a comfortable lifestyle, you won’t need as much money. The following chart shows the 2011 poverty line:

Source: Tiny House listing. (2011). 2011 HHS poverty guidelines [chart].

However, most people don't want to live at the poverty line (or even just above the poverty line). Having just enough to survive doesn't sound very appealing. Having extra money definitely enhances our lives by providing extra food, comforts, and non-necessities. According to Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, professors at the University of British Columbia School and Harvard Business School, respectively, to live a “comfortable life” in the United States requires a household income of approximately $75,000 per year. Furthermore, the two professors cited that researchers at Princeton found a positive relationship between income and day-to-day mood. So, if you’re the type of person who wants to live a comfortable life, will you make enough money to support that lifestyle by pursuing your passions?

However, I’m not saying to disregard your passions. It is very possible that pursuing your passions will allow you to have financial stability. However, there are dream jobs that don’t pay well or are extremely competitive. Thus, I’m asking you to think realistically. Many college students graduate with a huge debt. For example, according to New York Times, the average debt for University of Southern California graduates in 2010 was just over $30,000. That’s a huge sum of money. Can you really handle student debt and basic living costs with a job that might not pay well? As a college student, you have a long time ahead of you before retirement. You can still pursue your passions in the future, so don’t rush the process by thinking you have to get the "perfect" job right away. Sometimes, you have to go through a period of transition before you find a job to settle with.

Furthermore, having a normal job doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your passions. In fact, there are many people have “day” jobs that not only allows them to pursue their passions but also provides financial security. If you’re really passionate about something, you will find time for it or will find ways to transition into it. For me, I choose pharmacy because it allows me to help others and it gives me financial security. Pharmacy is also a career choice that I know I will enjoy, because learning about different drugs and how they function within the body interests me. However, even though I choose a career based on my interests and skill sets, that doesn’t mean I will give up on my passions for arts and crafts. I know that in the future, I will start my own store, selling my own creations, and I am okay with the fact that it may not become a full time job, and even if that were to happen, I don't think I would let go of pharmacy. Being a pharmacist gives me the opportunity to serve the community and also keeps me up to date with different drugs and medicinal discoveries. Thus, I believe that having a "real" job doesn't have to take away from your passions. 

Choosing the best job can be difficult, especially if you have a passion in one field but skills in another. However, the best job may not be something you’re passionate about—and it doesn’t have to be something you’re passionate about. As long as the job is of interest to you and provides financial stability, this job will likely give you the job satisfaction that you’re looking for. If you’re lucky. your dream job may provide financial stability, but sometimes a passion is meant to remain a hobby. When deciding on a future career, be sure to make smart decisions and to analyze the pros and cons of your choices. Don't automatically choose your dream job.

References

Cennamo, L., & Gardner, D. (2008). Generational differences in work values, outcomes and person-organisation values fit. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 23(8), 891-906. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/02683940810904385

Dunn, E., & Norton, M. (2012). Don't indulge. Be happy. New York Times Sunday Review. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/opinion/sunday/dont-indulge-be-happy.html

"How much money do you need to live comfortably?" (2011). Tiny House Listings. Retrieved from http://tinyhouselistings.com/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-live-comfortably/

Jay, M. (2013). The defining decade: Why your twenties matter--and how to make the most of them now. New York: Twelve.

Student debt at colleges and universities across the nation. (2012). New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/05/13/business/student-debt-at-colleges-and-universities.html

Twenge, J. (2006). Generation me: Why today's young Americans are more confident, assertive, entitled--and more miserable than ever before. New York: Free Press.

Urban, T. (2013). Why Generation Y yuppies are unhappy. Huffinton Post College. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wait-but1-why/generation-y-unhappy_b_3930620.html

Visual Aid reflection

This speech was by far my favorite and I think by far my best. The content of my visual aid speech was appropriate for the audience considering I get asked questions by my classmates about my schedule and life of being a student athlete, this an obvious sign that there is an interest. I established source credibility considering it was a speech about my schedule as a student athlete and I am on the USC Swimming and Diving team. The main points were presented in a logical order beginning with my mandatory activities, my “homework” and then time for fun and family. Everything else in this speech I felt was a huge improvement. In this speech I did a good job on having a distinct three main points and a much clearer thesis statement. In this speech there was much better organization. It was very clear when I was talking about the first point and then transitioning onto the next. Also through out the speech I did a good job of tying it all together and having a more natural flow through out the speech, and most importantly in the conclusion tying it all together. Unfortunately the one thing about the content that I do think could have been improved was the evidence and sources. 

Visual Aid Reflection

For my visual aid speech, I think I may have back-tracked a bit since my other speeches rather than improving. I made even less eye contact and less projection towards the audience than previous speeches. The lack of confidence really diminished the effectiveness of the speech. In terms of the content, I had many resources and good information. Also, the Greenpeace information in the visual aid speech was well organized. My speaker notes were poorly done and did not quite fulfill the requirement, which may have been why my delivery was poor. I was slightly confused on how to properly cite the images throughout the powerpoint presentation. Overall the content and organization of the speech was good, but the delivery was disappointing in comparison to my other speeches.

Visual Aid Reflection

Overall I thought that this was my most successful speech thus far. It seemed that my classmates were interested in my topic, when they might have not been interested in art in the first place. I think that I was able to adapt my topic to gain the attention of my classmates in a positive way. One thing that I found difficult about the visual aid part of the presentation was timing. I had some trouble with the logistics (moving from one slide to the next) and that threw me off balance a bit during my presentation. I continue to struggle with making sure that I am within the time limit. I think that I feel like I have to overcompensate because I am worried that I will be under the time minimum, but that just leads to me having too much material to cover. I think that this time I did a better job with time management than I had with my previous speeches. I think that it is more complicated to keep track of a visual aid in addition to maintaining the flow of a speech. I did enjoy the freedom of the topic a bit more than the previous assignments, as I feel like I was able to connect to the topic in a way that made it relevant and interesting to the rest of the class. I thought that my classmates did good jobs as well, and really liked Sidney’s speech about the daily life of a student athlete. I thought her visual aid component was really well done, and helped the audience gain a better visual understanding of how hectic the life of a student athlete really is.