Rick Ankiel, WOW! Why did this guy ever pitch?

[habernac]

there's also buzz that he had a legal prescription for it due to his elbow surgery. I'll wait for more info to come out.

And with all the information out there as to how bad doping's after effects are, I'm surprised anyone would even risk it. No way I'd take some magic potion knowing the consequences later on would be dire.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Table 5

that's actually sorta sad to hear. I took you for a man with more integrity.

Generally I like to think I am - but I also recognize the temptation of all this, and the fact that we don't understand the situations these guys are in. One looks at the difference in terms of lifestyle, earning potential, long-term financial security that exists between say AAA Ball and the majors - if a guy thinks steroids can give him that extra he needs make it - that's a big temptation.

I also think for a lot of athletes, they get into this stuff to recover from injury.

Does any of that excuse them or make it right? No. But I'm not going to let it ruin my enjoyment of sports. Because it ain't going to change.

[Table 5]

i like money as much as the next guy, but i still think there is something to be said for the satisfaction of doing something the honest and hard-working way. im not sure how fun thing would be when you're whole life is based on a lie.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

Haha. I admit, I would strongly consider it too if it guaranteed me a chance at millions. And for a couple of non-athletes to say they would consider it, imagine what actual athletes are facing.

Well lets face it. At the time it was completely within the rules...and if you didn't....Someone else would and take your job. Than what...you can become a journalist who plays the part of wannabe prosecutor and blow the whistle and hope you write a million selling book afterwards?

[FlamingLonghorn]

Originally Posted by Table 5

i like money as much as the next guy, but i still think there is something to be said for the satisfaction of doing something the honest and hard-working way. im not sure how fun thing would be when you're whole life is based on a lie.

Yeah, I guess but when you are 26 yrs of age and there's no chance of going to the majors and you know if you take HGH to have your family set for life by gettin a major league contract I know I would go the "morally" wrong route and know my kids are taken care of....

[Clever_Iggy]

ESPN reports that Troy Glaus received HGH from the same distributor as Ankiel in 2004-2005. No link yet, but it was on First and 10 just a moment ago.

[Clever_Iggy]

Glaus also received performance-enhancing steriods on top of HGH which was banned by MLB at the time.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Sowa

Yeah, I guess but when you are 26 yrs of age and there's no chance of going to the majors and you know if you take HGH to have your family set for life by gettin a major league contract I know I would go the "morally" wrong route and know my kids are taken care of....

yeah, kids love it when dad is dead at 45. Would you want your parents to sacrifice their health and many years of life just so you can live in a nicer house? I dunno about you, but I think doing this kind of stuff is probably one of the worst lessons you can ever teach your kids.

[habernac]

I'm with ya on this one, T5. Too much at stake.

[Bench Warmer]

Originally Posted by habernac

I'm with ya on this one, T5. Too much at stake.

I agree - too much at stake. That said, I remember a time when playing hockey was all I wanted to do. I wasn't playing at level where I was close enough to making a living out of it but if I was, I'm not sure what decision I would've made if there was an option to get an advantage over another guy and get me that much closer. Picture yourself coming out of the tunnel as a Flames player during the 2004 Cup run. There's alot of allure to the show. That said, I doubt I ever would've made the wrong decision but can understand why a guy would do it. Here's hoping from all the info that is coming out that there are some measures put in place to prevent athletes from taking steroids altogether. Probably a ways away from that yet but I think it's coming.

[albertGQ]

We should start a poll!

I'd definately take whatever drug is necessary to turn me into an NHL superstart

Imagine the money, cars, houses, women, public admiration, etc. I don't care if I die at 55 instead of 75.

Sign me up!!!

[JiriHrdina]

Poll added

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by albertGQ

Imagine the money, cars, houses, women, public admiration, etc. I don't care if I die at 55 instead of 75.

you don't even mention playing the sport in your list. you'd fit right in.

[albertGQ]

Originally Posted by Table 5

you don't even mention playing the sport in your list. you'd fit right in.

what list are you talkng about?

I said NHL superstar!

[albertGQ]

Make it a public poll.

And start a new thread!!!

[Jiggy_12]

Originally Posted by albertGQ

Imagine the money, cars, houses, women, public admiration, etc. I don't care if I die at 55 instead of 75.

Wow.

[Cerebral]

I would never touch steroids regardless of the temptation the potential lifestyle brings. I can't believe someone would argue that they would take steroids in order to provide for their family - I could never look my kids in the eye if I had to resort to steroids to make a living.

Heck, that's one step away from arguing that dealing drugs is justifiable if it's how you support your family.

The potential (a better term is "likely") long-term consequences along with the complete and utter shame it would bring to myself and my family make it not even considerable.

It's really too bad Ankiel had to resort to this as his story quickly turns from one of perserverance and hard-work to desperation and weakness.

[Clever_Iggy]

It's difficult for us to understand the mentality of a pro-athlete. They have big egos, have invested their lives into accomplishing their dream of making, staying or returning to the highest level and the thought of leaving the sport because of injury and not on their terms is a devastating thought.

An athlete who is injured and is potentially facing the end or swift decline of his career sees his teammates, training partners and friends taking HGH long enough to help heal and thinks, "why shouldnt I? Just for awhile."

In baseball and football (and I have strong beliefs that it will be revealed that steriod and HGH use in the NHL is widespread) players who dont use steriods feel cheated because they are falling behind those that do use - which some estimate is as high at 75%. I imagine they have the attitude of "why should I miss out on the chance to play in the big leagues because I wont take some suppliments for a little while."

I am very interested in why riods/HGH in baseball is a crisis, but riods/HGH in football is almost expected. All I hope is that the riods problem doesnt illegitimize football and baseball like it has track and field and professional cycling.

[Sylvanfan]

The thing is at the time...it wasn't illegal within the rules of the sport. Hell they still can't properly test for it. So is it cheating or getting an edge? Blatently cheating and breaking the set rules is one thing. But purchasing this stuff before it was illegal...well not morally correct isn't technically in the wrong. So yeah, I wouldn't take something I knew was 100% illegal to forge a career...But damn straight I'd look for any edge I could get to make it over the other guy.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by albertGQ

We should start a poll!

I'd definately take whatever drug is necessary to turn me into an NHL superstart

Imagine the money, cars, houses, women, public admiration, etc. I don't care if I die at 55 instead of 75.

Sign me up!!!

Interesting argument... live well, or live long?