Too many sports superstars are getting involved with drugs.
These superstars are role models to children and heroes to everyone. This means that these athletes have to take on the ultimate societal responsibility of influencing the future. Whether these athletes like it or not, their every move and action is watched, and judged, by the public.
These superstars make millions of dollars and have access to the top parties across the world. However, this has shown to be a bad combination. Over the last week alone, several athletes have been at the forefront of the sports world. And they have all been drug related.
STEROIDS
The biggest news came early this week when Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez admitted to using steroids from 2001-2003. Although legal, this sad fact diminishes Rodriguez's reputation to his fans and to those who look up to him.
The topic of steroids in baseball has been a constant story for the past several years - and nothing seems to be resolved as of yet. Tuesday, Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada was charged with lying to Congress and other federal officials about steroids in baseball. Congress charged Tejada with perjury due to false statements he made to cover up an ex-teammate's use of steroids. What this indicated was that no matter how much testimony Congress forced these players to go through, none of it can be believed.
MARIJUANA
U.S. swimmer and 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps was being honored by sports team after sports team while participating in the opening coin toss with the Baltimore Ravens. He was on the cover of Kellogg's cereal boxes and signing checks for Visa. However, this Hollywood story will never be the same after the release of a scandalous picture during his stay at the University of South Carolina.
In this scandalous photo, Phelps was pictured sitting on the couch while inhaling from a bong. Phelps immediately fell into the same class as every drug-abusing athlete. He was no longer considered the golden boy that women had drooled over for the past six months. He was now just another sports hero caught up in a drug scandal.
The deals that Phelps may potentially lose are nothing compared to the respect he has lost from many sports fans.
Drugs have even crept into the NBA's rookie transition program when college stars Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur were booted from the program for possessing marijuana in their hotel room.
Last season, Chalmers and Arthur led the University of Kansas Jayhawks to its first NCAA basketball national championship since 1988. Now they seem to be just two more players who are willing to risk their careers for a marijuana addiction. It's not that these players will be kicked out of the league, but NBA stars make a great of money from endorsements. Companies who want to appeal to a wide audience will take one look at these players and pass right on by to the next NBA icon. These players have gifts that make their potential endless and they are throwing that all away.
COCAINE
One of the most addictive and deadliest drugs on the street seems to be corralling more and more athletes.
Earlier this week, former Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson was caught and charged with cocaine possession. In 1998, Anderson led the NFC in rushing and appeared in the Pro Bowl after his Falcons lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII. After suffering a career-ending knee injury, Anderson appeared several times as an analyst on ESPN, generally to promote his alma mater, the University of Utah, and the Mountain West Conference. After seven seasons in the NFL and a successful stint as an analyst, Anderson was still willing to risk his life and public image.
Cocaine is a very expensive drug that can usually only be purchased by the wealthy. These athletes are both rich and hitting the party scene that provides these athletes with the perfect situation to obtain career and life threatening drug addictions.
You can reach this columnist at sports@theeagleonline.com.
