Why Steroids Should Be Allowed

Despite that, I think steroids should be allowed in sports.

Allow steroids in sports? What about the legends who accomplished their feats without synthetic performance enhancing concoctions? What about fairness? What about ethics? What about the damage to the athletes' bodies?

Those are great questions. Let's take a look at them.

Sports legends. Through out sports history, athletes have tried herbal supplements, protein supplements, sports psychology, massage therapy and other techniques to gain a competitive edge. Many old-timers even admit that if steroids were around when they played, they would have taken them to increase their performances and maybe even extend their playing days. Of those old-timers who say they would not take steroids admit they would have had a tough time coming to that decision.

Fairness and ethics. Is it cheating if everyone is doing it? No - it maintains a level playing field. (Consider, for instance, that every football player lifts weights. Those who do not are significantly weaker, therefore at a competitive disadvantage.) Conversely, prohibiting steroids and other performance enhancing substances is inherently unfair. Just as there will always be those who take these substances, there will also be those who do not for fear of being caught. This gives the rule-breakers a distinct advantage. Those who still opt out of synthetic hormones can still do so - and may just find better options for everybody else.

Damage to bodies. We own ourselves. Our bodies belong to us. And, while many believe our bodies are temples, there are quite a few who choose to get tattoos and take illicit drugs. Even tattoos, in their own way, damage bodies. They are not illegal because we have a right to do with our bodies what we want. Those who take steroids know the risks and, as long as they're consenting, they should be allowed to take them.

Side effects. There will be side effects, of course. Not just the physical manifestations, either. Some of the side effects will actually be good - and are quite similar to those who believe in the legalization of marijuana: 1) if steroids are legalized, they will become regulated, therefore safer; 2) regulation will increase government revenue in the form of levies and taxation; and 3) it will also (because desperation is the mother of invention) produce innovations in sports training and viable non-synthetic athletic enhancements.

Steroids should be allowed. It will maintain a level playing field, thereby increasing fairness, while producing positive side effects. And those who partake will be better educated about what they're doing to their bodies.