Columnist loses faith in track records

[MJD]

Jury's still out on that score too

So why do YOU think PEDs are bad?

I predict crickets...........

You were right.

[Mennisco]

You didn't say health problems: you said "cost in human lives"!

Isn't one of the strong reasons drug use was banned in sports is because of deaths? The tour of france is coming soon and it seems every year there are stories about +50 year ago races in which cyclists died during the race, due to drug use. :?

Key concept - not drug use - drug abuse.

The first two beer are from heaven. The next dozen from hell.

They're on the house? You're right, when you get hit by a train, it ain't the caboose that kills you.

[Mennisco]

I'm also sure that the cost in human lives would not be worth it..

There you go again with the "reefer madness" school of thought. You're stating facts not in evidence.

I'm by no means advocating any legalization of steroids by the way. I'm simply saying that by treating the first offense as one that draws penalties equal to a felony on the streets, we've convinced people that track athletes are hard-core criminals. The punishment is out of line with the crime.

Perhaps someone could write a short overview of the history of drug penalties in track and field and explain the rationale behind the current penalties. I'd be curious to know what GH thinks is a suitable initial penalty. What would the purpose of the penalty be, and how would the appropriate penalty work toward achieving that outcome?