The Legalization of the Use of Steroids in Professional Sports

The Legalization of the Use of Steroids in Professional Sports
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There has been an ongoing debate on using steroids in professional sports to augment the athletes' physical abilities. Some suggest that it is plausible, while others argue that it is unsafe and unfair for other athletes who compete with brute strength and basic skills. This leads to the creation of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which mediates the arguments presented by various parties CITATION WADnd \l 13321 (WADA, n.d.). WADA conducts blood serum testing to detect the use of prohibited drugs during sports competitions. In 2019, it reported that more anti-doping organizations invested in establishing laboratories that test for the prohibited use of the three primary substances, including growth hormone-releasing factors (GHRFs), growth hormone (GH), and erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) compared to 2014 CITATION WAD19 \l 13321 (WADA, 2019). The creation of WADA addresses two significant growing concerns in the field of professional sports. The first pertains to outdated doping policies, and the second refers to the lack of commitment by the countries to these policies. Currently, the policies are directed to the prohibition of the use of doping agents in professional sports. Despite WADA and other government agencies' efforts, the anti-doping policies have only reduced the prohibited substances' use but only to a minimal amount. This is why this paper shall prove that reforms are necessary to ensure that the use of prohibited drugs in professional sports shall not be tolerated. Legalizing steroids in professional sports benefits athletes by instilling equity through improved performances, reducing cheats in the sports field, and promoting safe doping.
Prevalence of Performance-Enhancing Drug Use in Sports
The Northwestern University (2015) revealed that the implementation of stricter rules in 2005 hinted at the steroid era's end. Steroids and related hormones, stimulants, anti-masking agents, oxygen transfer enhancers, and diuretics were banned from the industry. Likewise, any athlete found taking any of these shall be banned from the games. Due to this, 47 baseball players have been disqualified in participating in the Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2005, garnering penalties of not less than a ten-day suspension during the entire season. The National Football League (NFL) players also suffered a loss, particularly in 2011, where 21 suspensions were noted, which increased to 82 suspensions in 2012 CITATION Nor15 \l 13321 (Northwestern University, 2015).
The Founding of WADA
This organization combats the chaotic arguments between the use and non-use of doping substances. It joined forces with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to protect the athletes, medical staff, and coaches from corrupt sports organizations that benefit from their health, talents, and experiences. WADA also established the World Anti-Doping Code, supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention Against Doping in Sport in 2005 and other national governments globally. All of these ratifications are aimed at promoting an ideal platform or drug-fr...