>>>True, but when billions of $$ are involved in the sport, and these drugs have an adverse impact on other players tyring to earn a living the right way, then examples need to be set. Especially when we start looking at youth leagues, High Schools, etc. I think we saw what kind of pressure these kids were under when they started seeing that the only way to make it to the next level may be to start taking steroids. This is devastation on them and their families.
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>>Charles Barkley once said, "I ain't no role model." The real role models should be the parents. Didn't the Charles Bronson character in "The Magnificant Seven" say something like that? I've seen too many parents, trying to live their lives vicariously through their children. My father didn't do that to me, and I haven't done it to my daughter or two sons. Eleven years ago, I told the boys, I'll help you all I can, but I can't give you the desire necessary to achieve what you want. That has to come from you.
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>I agree 110% on the role models aspect, but I am talking about pressure in lower level athletics when these kids "see" what cretins like Bonds and Giambi are doing with these drugs. They start thinking they may have to go this route just to compete at the next level because others are gaining (an unfair) advantage by doing this. We saw this with the first generation of steroids especially at the collegiate level. Tony Mandarich?

Mark,

This stuff has been around for more years than you realize. Back in the '60s, when I was in high school, our basketcall coach gave us these pills, before important games.

I don't, however, think so much that it's the kids, as it is the parents and coaches. The parents want the kids to succeed. The coaches want to win because their jobs depend on it.