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Essay / Performance-enhancing drug use: The NFL and MLB
Performance-enhancing drug use within the NFL and MLB is seen at two different extremes. Over the past two decades, MLB has been hit more notoriously than the NFL by the use of performance enhancers, more or less recognized as “doping.” First, performance-enhancing drugs come in the form of anabolic steroids, human growth hormones (HGH), stimulants, and supplements. The MLB and NFL collectively have a number of banned substances and could be used for violation and suspension conditions if consumed. One of the supplements banned in the NFL and MLB is a substance known as androstenedione. “Andro” was a former over-the-counter substance that was banned by most sectors of the sports world, including the NCAA and the Olympics. Anabolic steroids are substances used by athletes as well as normal people, but their purposes are different. Anabolic steroids are used by the normal generic population with the aim of relieving physical deficiencies such as hormonal deficiency, cancer and even AIDS. The use of anabolic steroids by athletes involves building leaner muscle mass to add strength and size in an effort to improve their performance. A well-known anabolic steroid by the name tetrahydrogestrinone is one of many steroids used and is closely linked to renowned athletes, for example MLB legend Barry Bonds. Human growth hormones are banned, even though they are not proven to improve performance. Human growth hormones come in the form of an injection and their goal is to increase the endurance and strength of a given athlete. Finally, stimulants are prohibited and recognized as energy boosters. Stimulants are used in cases of very strenuous and tedious exercise that...... middle of paper ......s_3.htm>.DrugFacts: Anabolic Steroids." National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)Web. May 27, 2014. "Performance-enhancing drugs in sports - Highlights." CNN Cable News Network, March 6, 2014. Web. 162-game suspension." CNN. Cable News Network, February 9, 2014. Web. May 27, 2014. .Woerner, Amanda. "MLB Players' Use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs Poses Serious Health Risks. " Fox News FOX News Network, August 6, 2013. Web. May 27 2014./>.