Manny Ramirez is the latest in a string of world-class athletes to fall under the shadow of steroids.  When his current and former teammates are asked about it, the answers seem canned and brusque.  The last thing a pro athlete wants to do is think about steroids. 

I believe a minority of professional athletes have used steroids to boost their career.  But I also believe that the majority of athletes have contemplated using steroids at various dips in their careers; not unlike a 40-something Mom contemplates Botox.  Both just want to keep things going a little longer, get a little more mileage out of their looks or skills. 

There are two levels of physical activity in the world: what the vast majority of us do, running around in the park, trying to improve at a particular sport, or signing up for our first 5K; and there are the athletes, not trying to get fit, but pushing their talent to it’s sharpest edge to be “the best.”  The best for the pros means bigger houses, a secure financial future, the ability to help their families.  There is a lot on the line for an aging slugger slipping under .300 as his glory and fan adulation slumps right along with his batting average.  Just ask “Big Papi” of the Red Sox, untouchable two seasons ago and now taking some hits from fans and press alike.  

So if you’re a parent, teaching your children about sportsmanship, athleticism, striving for the almost unattainable, what do you tell them about steroids?  

The glory in athleticism lays in the pure physical energy needed to carry out a task.  The power of team spirit needs honesty and loyalty to be truly effective.  The pride of a championship season comes from knowing that you gave every ounce you had and maybe even a little more and managed to come out on top.

None of these things happens when you cheat.  None of these things happens with steroids or any other performance enhancing drug.  Becoming an asterisk in the record books is not athleticism, sportsmanship, or glory.  It certainly isn’t something to be proud of.  You’re just a cheat. 

We need to teach our children that as amateurs, our distinctions come from our own personal bests.  I am a ridiculously slow runner, but my last 5K was 2 minutes better than my prior one and I was ecstatic. My husband went into great detail this week to describe a perfect spike he made during his weekly volleyball match.  I was almost as proud of him as he was. 

We can teach our children that focus and discipline leads to their own personal bests and that’s the ideal.  Camaraderie developed through strong team spirit creates lifetime friendships.  Earning a brilliant moment is far superior to cheating your way there.  

Steroids have been in high schools for a while now.  If you have a child with any level of athleticism they’ve probably talked to their peers about it.  They probably know someone who’s tried it or wants to.  Maybe even they themselves have contemplated it.  We need to teach our children what we’ve always taught them, “Just say No to Drugs.” 

And don’t forget to give them a huge high 5 when they achieve their own moments of glory.

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