Following comments by first Jose Canseco and then Ken Caminiti, the sports world has once again turned to the topic of steroids in baseball. When discussing his upcoming autobiography, Canseco commented that 85% of baseball players use steroids. He also plans to "name names" in his book, specifically when discussing steroids. Most recently Canseco admitted to having taken steroids. Caminiti reportedly admitted that he took steroids during his MVP season and supposedly estimated that at least half the players used the drugs. He's since "clarified" the record to reflect that he took the steroids for medical reasons and that it's really much less than 50%. Curt Schilling contributed his $10M worth guessing that 15% of players use steroids.

I think the single most irritating thing about the conversation has been the talk of cheating, as to my knowledge, it isn't against any rule in baseball to take performance enhancers. While Anabolic Steroids are illegal in the United States unless prescribed by a physician, the majority of performance enhancers are legal and you can purchase many at your local GNC without any sort of prescription or supervision by a doctor. When reading the recent flurry of articles, I was surprised that people weren't merely using the term "steroids" interchangeably with performance enhancers as is often done, but were actually referring to the specific product.

Obviously there are many health risks associated with steroid use. Doctors suspect the rapid increase in muscle tissue leads to more frequent and severe muscle injuries. The cover story of the June 3rd Sports Illustrated discusses players who take Human Growth Hormone to grow bones that can better handle the extra muscle, compounding their health risks.

I've seen several versions of the following statement, which comes from an AP article, in the numerous articles written recently on the topic of steroids in baseball. "Anabolic steroids elevate the body's testosterone, increasing muscle mass. They are illegal in the United States unless prescribed by a physician for medical reasons. Side effects can include heart and liver damage, endocrine-system imbalance, elevated cholesterol levels, strokes, aggressive behavior and genitalia dysfunction." I've included it here as it seems to encompass the basics of steroids and why they are "bad". I don't have the necessary background to attempt to go into all of the potential consequences of steroid use, so I'm not going to try.

Athletes use steroids as a quick way to improve their performance, which in turn raises their profile in the sport and leads to more profitable contracts. Users assume the legal and physical risks for the perceived benefits. Steroids can enable many athletes to achieve elevated performance goals.

The most persuasive argument I've seen for testing has been that steroids have become so prevalent in the sport that those who don't take them are at a disadvantage. Consequently, some players who would not otherwise use the drugs feel pressured to do so to measure up or even feel as though they are not giving their all if they aren't going for that extra edge.

However, there are other ways to attain results similar to steroid use, though they require more time and effort. Diet and exercise are slower tools that have their own set of risks, and even with a dedicated training regime, some players won't be able to duplicate the results of steroids. Many also blame steroids for prematurely ending the careers of numerous athletes, which leads to a loss of income.

I've never been inclined to make excuses for people simply because their vices were encouraged by others. Therefore, I don't find peer or even institutional pressure to be a compelling reason to implement testing. Whatever means are used to make a decision, an individual is responsible for their own actions.

Personally, Tim and I both abstain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. When feeling poorly I'll appropriately take over the counter medications such as Tylenol or Robitussin, but I'm careful to read the instructions when doing so and always ask questions before accepting a prescription from a doctor. I also prefer to obtain my nutrients through the course of my regular diet rather than through supplements. I provide this information to let you know that we in no way support the use of steroids or similar products.

With that in mind, if a particular substance is legal and not against the rules, it's fair game. I don't think baseball should impose rules such as those used in football or for the Olympics. The Olympics in particular have taken things to the extreme when contestants can't treat colds or other ailments for fear of losing their eligibility due to doping. Sure, there are a few people who will down cold medicine for the extra edge, but at some point you reach a level of absurdity. Technological advances allow us to take better care of ourselves now than ever. We aren't going to make athletes use outhouses simply because athletes of the past didn't have the advantages of indoor plumbing, we don't make modern Olympians compete in the nude, and we shouldn't force them to suffer runny noses.

Additionally, Major League Baseball has no place regulating the use of these materials. The substances are banned due to their potential harmful side effects and not due to possible "benefits." MLB can and should cooperate with any legal investigations performed by the proper authorities, but they themselves do not hold that authority.

Vigilantism is discouraged in the United States and how else can we describe industry regulation of illegal substances? Drug testing is not unique to sports. Many companies test their employees for various substances but that makes it no more appropriate.

It should be clear that I encourage athletes on an individual basis to abstain but that I feel it is inappropriate for non-governmental agencies to regulate. I also admit to having some questions as to the appropriateness of regulation by governmental agencies, though that is another discussion entirely and not relevant to the current topic as the laws are already in place.

The government necessarily prioritizes other drug problems over steroids and therefore has little energy to devote to the problem, though I do think they could initiate sweeping reform if just one judge would grant permission for one locker room search. The fallout from that would likely go a long way towards re-establishing the fear of legal consequences for steroid use.