Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) have been a lightening rod for years but they have reached their zenith in the last decade. Athletes in a variety of sports have been tainted, jailed and disgraced as a result of their desire to gain a competitive edge.
Background
PEDs have been a problem in the sports world for years. However, they rose to prominence during the late 20th century due to their widespread use by NFL and MLB players, cyclists, boxers and Olympic athletes.
Tainted Records
PED users have broken many hallowed records in professional sports. Most notably, Mark McGwire's, Sammy Sosa's and Barry Bonds' record-breaking home run displays shattered numerous records and signaled a new era in professional baseball.
Peer Pressure
Many athletes use PEDs to keep up with their doping counterparts in an attempt to gain an edge and level the playing field.
Influence
According to a 2001 CDC survey on teen steroid abuse, 5 percent of all high school students reported using steroids without a doctor's prescription. A Dallas Morning News report on teens and steroids found that male high school athletes were more likely to use.
Credibility
The use of PEDs has greatly compromised the integrity of sports. Furthermore, legitimate performances have been discredited since athletes that are not using PEDs have been lumped in with their guilty counterparts.
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