A letter by Steve Courson discovered posthumously reveals his disappointment with NFL players’ lack of honesty regarding their use of anabolic steroids. He believed the successs and popularity of the NFL and pro football arose from the myth of steroid-free football players (“Courson’s letter assailed ‘myth’ of drug-free players,” July 3).
“I believe the NFL is a prisoner to their own public relations myth… The level of deception and exploitation that the NFL requires to do business still amazes me.”
He also predicted that the rampant steroid use in the NFL would ultimately be exposed.
I believe eventually the magnitude of doping in elite football will be eventually exposed. In many ways, it already has been. Recent events in baseball will eventually take their toll on the “elephant in the living room.” If the NFL is hit with another major doping scandal, it may unravel. They probably have enough power, wealth and influence to weather the storm. But, eventually there will be sacrifices because of the charade.
So far, Major League Baseball has struggled with evidence of widespread steroid use and growth hormone use. But football has largely escaped the steroid witch hunt with a few exceptions. But there is no indication that the witch hunt is nearing an end. When Jeff Novitsky finishes with Roger Clemens and baseball, he will probably turn his attention to football.
About the author
Millard writes about anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs and their use and impact in sport and society. He discusses the medical and non-medical uses of anabolic-androgenic steroids while advocating a harm reduction approach to steroid education.
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