I DISAGREE HOWIE.. IF THE PUBLIC WOULD RALLY BEHIND DRUG FREE CONTESTST THEN MUSCLEMANIA WOULD BE A RIP ROARING SUCCESS.. and we know it is not.. and as for the track meet.. you can not tell who is drugged most of the time.. would you assume clements was using??.,. no way.... so just because they look like they are not does not mean a thing.. plain and simple, people know what is going on.. they just dont want to talk about.. it is the see no evil, hear no evil.. they want records broke and excitement.. but, they just dont want to know exactly what is going on...
This is the classic debate on the issue and your point about drug free shows being less than ideal events is well taken.
For the record, on a personal level I have no problems with any pro athlete in any sport useing whatever drugs they choose. I also agree that much of it is a matter of "don't ask, don't tell" when it comes to drugs. From a practical standpoint I agree with you ( see #1 below).
Having said that would it not be a lot better to have either of the following options:
* I am going to restrict my reply to pro bodybuilding as I am not a fan of pro baseball or football, etc
1. The IFBB continies as is with the NON testing policy and simplys deletes the section on drug testing.
In this way, the drugs bodybuilders use would be a NON issue on an official basis. Having a 48 pg drug testing /banned substances section that is not enforced in the least, looks pretty lame to any fan or pro in the sport.I doubt that the IFBB could defend their actual , current drug policy in any court in front of a judge.
The pro bodybuilders could continue on doing whatever drugs they want to prepare for shows.
In my opinion , this is the best option for the fans and promoters. In the long run it is the worst option for the pro bodybuilders themselves. Why? A drugged pro bdybuilder will be a bigger, harder bodybuilder . This is what we fans enjoy seeing and promoters get more tickets sales at pro events.
The individual pro bodybuilder however, shoulders all the legal and health risks. To compete asa pro and get the extra 10-15 % that drugs clearly give, you need to take extreme levels of them just to compete on a level playing field.
Plus, the pros spend a good chunk of change on these same drugs. In the end, under this or the current system of don't ask - don't tell, the pro bodybuilders lose out , while we fans get to see the freaks and the promoters get to sell tickets. It also ensures that bodybuilding will remain a cult sport and not attract major corperate sponsers.
2. The pros simply get together and decide that the extreme levels of drugs is NOT worth the health and legal risks and along with the financial burden. The fans agree to support slightky smaller , less freaky pros and reward their efforts to compete drug free by buying tickets , attending events, etc. A basic drug testing protocal could be enforced similar to the one outlined on the IFBB web page.
I know this sounds very polyanna and many will say it is a fantasy island plan. I admit that and understand the idealistic nature of this option. But consider it on the merits for a min, please. Imagine having the pros we admire as healthy role models that competed with integrity. They obeyed the rules , competed with honor and lead the way for a drug free healthy sport. As fans we could see what was possible in building a great physique with the most gifted useing only natural means. the individual pros could avoid all the legal hassles and health problems.They would not have to piss away a that $$$ on drugs, just to compete in the sport they love.Simply logic dictates that the sefl destructive behavior of extreme drug use is NOT a positive thing for the overall lifestyle of the individual pro.
Wouldn't it be a much better sport overall if this would happen?
I know the naysayers feel this is impossible, but I don't think. Imagine of you feeel that the biggest names in the sport decided drug free is theway to go. That is was the only viable option for the sport to grow. I suspect it would happen then.
The drug culture has created its' own cottage industry of gurus and underground trade. This would put that element out of business for good and they won't go without kicking and fussing either. Are the drug advocates really interested in a better sport?...or are they merely intent on keeping the status quo? If drugs became a NON issue what would that do to the " I will be a pro when I get on the right cycle" myth"? Most would have to finally accept that while drugs were an advantage , the best physiques are the result of genetics, training and diet.
Food for thought, Howard
