Sports And Drugs”The Sports World Should be Drug Free” This article was derived on thequestion: Why the sports world should be drug free? Barry McCaffrey’s answerto this question is based on a simple assumption that drug usage in sports has adirect impact on children which will ultimately lead to downfall of sports. Theessay takes on the belief that all or most kids look up to athletes. And ifthese athletes do drugs then kids will do drugs. It is directed to the athletesthemselves, coaches, and the parents of all children.
McCaffrey states thatafter the death of athlete Len Bias, youth cocaine use suddenly dropped (page1). It seems that this is a safe assumption because after a death of a famousathlete, people as well as children learn the disastrous effect of drug use. Healso believes that when athletes use drugs and are rewarded for theirathleticism kids get the misimpression that drugs are not dangerous to theirwell being, dreams and aspirations (page 1). This essay is compelling and alsological. We as a culture know that children look up to all athletes. They arepictured on cereal boxes, sneaker ads, cartoons, etc.
. . . The author makes thenatural assumption that if these athletes use drugs that kids will get thepicture that it is alright for them to use them as well. His argument is veryconvincing especially for a parent. He gives evidence that professionalorganizations are know getting involved to take a stand against drug usage.
McCaffrey states, ” Eighteen Major League Baseball teams are showing anti-drugpublic service announcements in their stadiums at home games. Major leaguesoccer is sending strong anti-drug messages to its young fans. On October 23rd ,as part of the Office of Drug Policy’s athletic initiative, the first ever”National Coachathon Against Drugs” will see coaches across thenation?from pee wee to the big leagues?starting practices with messagesagainst drugs” (page 2). The only thing about McCaffrey’s argument is thathe didn’t consider the other side’s point of view. He must of thought theydid not have a relevant case to even consider their view. He did a good jobresearching and making a firm strong point.
BibliographyMcCaffrey, Barry R. “The Sports World Should Be Drug Free” St. Petersburg Times. September 9, 1998. p. 12A
