Tony Thompson: just good guys don’t break anti-doping laws

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are widely taken around the world. While several individuals use these preparations in order to treat several illnesses, others administer them in order to enhance muscle mass, get energy, decrease fat deposits, etc. Of course, nobody will be ever capable to contest positive effects that can be reached with the help of these medications. But it is important to consider that anabolic steroids cause unwanted reactions along with benefits. That’s why those that plan to use these preparations should study probable dangers before they start administering these preparations.
Knowing about possible risks, you can find certain methods in order to prevent or decrease them. Those that have ever applied anabolic steroids know that some of them convert into estrogen in the body, leading to such side consequences, as fluid retention, gynecomastia, fat accumulation, etc. Anti-estrogen drugs have capcity to prevent or at least to reduce severity of these health problems. Anabolic steroids also suppress natural production of testosterone. Luckily, there are some remedies that can restore this process.
Besides of medicines, there are also other ways to avoid or minimize negative consequences. Doses should be lowered; cycles must not be prolonged; suitable stacks should be chosen, etc.
While several adverse effects of steroids are evident, others can be detected just with the help of lab tests. So, anabolic steroids may increase hematrocrit levels. This unwanted effect is quite dangerous. High hematocrit levels cause other serious side consequences. Individuals with this problem may face illnesses of cardiovascular system and problems related to blood circulation. Even heart attack and death may occur because of elevated hematocrit levels. That’s why it is necessary to check hematocrit levels while applying anabolic-androgenic steroids.
If a consumer of steroids finds out that he/she has high hematocrit levels, this person should consult his/her treating doctor. Intake of steroids must be discontinued. Doctors appoint preparations for reduction of hematocrit levels. Thus, hematocrit levels should return to their normal levels. Otherwise, further complications will occur.
Hematocrit levels should be maintained within normal range. There are several simple rules which should be kept by sportspersons for this purpose. Those who train hardly should consume much water. Furthermore, it is recommended eating grapefruit. It is stated that this fruit contains a substance which can reduce high hematocrit levels.
In case you desire to avoid having elevated hematocrit levels, don’t take anabolic steroids!

Elevated hematocrit levels caused by steroid use

Tony Thompson, a boxer, states that steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs should be permitted in boxing. The sportsman thinks that anti-doping laws and gun laws are identical. Who doesn’t break gun laws? Only good guys do it. That’s why good guys are at a disadvantage. Thus, the similar situation is related to anti-doping rules. Just honest athletes don’t apply anabolic steroids and/or other doping products. Thus, they fight with those that have enhanced their performance with the help of steroids and other related preparations.
It is stated that anabolic steroids are not permitted in sports because they are dangerous. What would you say about boxing in itself? Isn’t boxing dangerous? The answer is evident.
But it is also claimed that it is needed to prohibit steroids and other related drugs in order to make boxing safer. Steroids and other doping products enhance performance. The more enhanced performance is, the more dangerous matches are. However it is true, would you ban anything which promotes performance of boxers? So, you prohibit steroids because they increase performance. Then prohibit trainings as well since they increase performance too! So, you will reduce performance while reducing possible risks. What do you think about this condition?
Tony Thompson also adds that detection tests are not efficacious at all. While numerous athletes use forbidden medications, only some of them are caught and sentenced to suspensions. Thus, dopers have unfair advantage over those who obey anti-doping rules. There is no logic.
Undoubtedly, arguments provided by Tony Thompson are reasonable. Anti-doping laws make rounds more unfair. Furthermore, the prohibition of doping doesn’t make fights safer. A lot of boxers continue to take steroids and/or other forbidden medications without being detected. They continue to fight and succeed with the help of doping, while honest guys are at a disadvantage because they keep anti-doping laws.
So, if doping is allowed in boxing, matches will be more honest. Undoubtedly, they will remain unsafe. But they will be at least honest.
Tony Thompson has been harshly criticized for his statements pro legalization of doping in boxing.

Athletes always dope

Anabolic steroids are regularly used by sportspersons, bodybuilders and by ordinary individuals. Since these products are banned in sports, doping scandals appear every day. Other remedies are administered along with steroids. Many sportspersons are inclined to apply heroin. You would probably wonder why heroin is used in sports. It is suggested that heroin is applied by sportspersons for relief of pain.
Studying history of doping in sports, you can see that athletes are ready to take a lot of strange things, if these remedies are able to promote muscle growth, decrease fat deposits, add energy, speed recovery from injuries and kill pains. Gorgets and pickle juice represent only some remedies that are used along with anabolic steroids.
Doping is not a new issue in sports. Sportspeople dope from ancient times. They try to elaborate new remedies which can help them to achieve several goals through increase of performance. It is frequently stated that sports are good for health. Sportspersons and bodybuilders are usually seen as healthy persons. But it is a wrong point of view. Sports are connected with several dangers for health. Sportspersons push their bodies till limits. They take certain dangerous remedies that promote their succeeding, obtaining awards and earning money. Although several sportspersons achieve excellent results related to prizes, they ruin their health essentially. Certain athletes and bodybuilders even apply such drugs which may be fatal. They do it in the name of physical performance and success in sports.
Although new remedies for increase of performance are elaborated, you probably notice that the most of scandals are linked with steroids and growth hormones. While some preparations appear and disappear quickly, anabolic-androgenic steroids are unlikely to disappear. However anti-doping agencies try to eradicate intake of anabolic steroids from sports, their efforts turn out to be unsuccessful. While anti-doping agencies elaborate more effective tests for detection of steroids and other related medications, athletes and bodybuilders find more sophisticated methods to dope and avoid detection. Thus, many athletes dope while not being caught by anti-doping officials. No one can contest that steroids and several other performance-enhancing drugs are widely abused in the world of sports and bodybuilding. Usage of steroids is unlikely to be eliminated from sports.

Will “steroid defense” work in case linked with murder committed by Oscar Pistorius?

Oscar Pistorius acknowledged that he had murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. But the athlete underlined that he had killed her because he had mistaken her for a thief.
Police officers try to define why the Olympic athlete really murdered Reeva Steenkamp. They found anabolic steroids at the athlete’s home.
Since anabolic steroids have been discovered in Oscar’s bedroom, it would be probably argued that steroids caused uncontrolled aggression in the sportsman. Steroids would be blamed for the murder.
In fact, you should comprehend that it is quite hardly to state that anabolic steroids are responsible for aggression and violent behavior. Researches related to this issue are quite limited. According to results of several researches, users of steroids are predisposed to aggression, paranoia, jealousy, etc. It is claimed that those who use steroids are more likely to commit crimes than those who have nothing to do with these medications. But it is necessary to take in consideration that steroids may only contribute to aggression. Just these products alone can’t lead to aggression. They turn out to be only factors that contribute into uncontrolled aggression. Other factors should be also present for appearing of aggression. Circumstances play essential role in such situations. So, it is even impossible to define whether steroids cause aggression or certain circumstances. Violent cases should be reviewed as a complex of steroid use and circumstances.
It is also claimed by experts that enhanced levels of testosterone are connected with aggression in some persons. So, it is important to underline here that while certain persons with increased testosterone levels experience aggression, others with high testosterone levels are not predisposed to uncontrolled aggression. This effect differs from one person to another.
You can see that the link between intake of steroids and crimes is a complicated issue. Specialists have not studied this condition well enough to engage it. So, if defense lawyers of the Olympic athlete want to argue that anabolic steroids have made their client to murder his girlfriend, they should recognize that they are going to use controversial affirmations.

Anti-doping agencies get help from drug manufacturers

Nowadays numerous pharmaceutical companies are ready to collaborate with anti-doping officials in their fight against application of forbidden products in sports. It sounds strange but this is the reality. In fact, if you look at the fate of EPO, you can understand why drug manufacturers agree to support efforts of anti-doping officials. EPO is really an efficacious remedy for treatment of anemia. Numerous persons with anemia that have used EPO have been treated. But what do you think while hearing about this drug? Almost each individual associates this remedy only with doping in sports. This product has been abused by the American cyclist Lance Armstrong that has cheated the whole world. So, EPO is associated only with cheating, disgrace, etc. Looking at this condition, pharmaceutical companies try to “defend” their medicines from the similar fate. That’s why they cooperate with anti-doping officers.
However several drug manufacturers began to cooperate with anti-doping agencies earlier, sometimes there were some problems between them. Anti-doping officers criticized some pharmaceutical companies for their connections with doping.
Nowadays relations between anti-doping officials and pharmaceutical companies are closer. Pharmaceutical companies share detailed information about new drugs with anti-doping officers. It is precious information for development of detection tests for these medications. While anti-doping agencies learn how preparations are manufactured, how they pass into body, how they work in the body, they can introduce more effectual tests for these drugs.
For example, the pharmaceutical company Roche that introduced the preparation CERA helped anti-doping agencies to elaborate a detection test for it. Later other companies followed the example of Roche. The drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline went so far, as it sponsored an anti-doping lab during London Olympics.
While relations between anti-doping agencies and big drug manufacturers become closer, smaller drug manufacturers started to collaborate with anti-doping officials too. While previously pharmaceutical companies haven’t desired to discuss about their relations with anti-doping officials publicly, today they don’t fear to announce about this aspect.

If you ban steroids, then ban herbs and potions too!

It is not necessary to subject sportspeople to tests for performance-enhancing substances. A lot of cases display that tests for banned products aren’t efficient. Furthermore, it is important to realize that application of tests by anti-doping agencies is illogical at Olympics. The main goal of Olympic athletes is following: to become faster, stronger and to be at the top level. So, why should you keep sportspersons far from drugs that could help them to achieve this result?
As you know, anabolic steroids and other related products boost performance. Thus, athletes should be allowed to use these remedies in order to boost physical performance.
A lot of individuals say that steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs make competitions unfair. Is this opinion true? No, it wrong. You should understand that tests for anabolic steroids and other related medications make competitions unfair. Many athletes use performance-enhancing drugs while avoiding detection. So, several sportspersons use anabolic steroids; others don’t violate anti-doping rules. As a result, dopers have unfair advantage over non-dopers. It’s unfair. Let all sportspersons have similar access to doping products. So, competitions will be fairer.
But discussing unfairness in sports, you should not forget about other aspects which have more essential impact of fairness/unfairness than anabolic steroids and other related medicines. Some athletes live in developed countries; others are in less developed countries. Certain sportspersons have money to get necessary equipment; others can’t afford it. Some countries can sponsor sportspersons, coaches, sport physicians and managers; others are not capable to do it. So, unfairness should be noticed here.
Olympic athletes spend much time while training. They sacrifice time, money, etc. That’s why it is illogical to ban those who are caught using anabolic steroids and other doping products.
While athletes are sentenced to suspensions for application of anabolic steroids and several other chemical substances, they are never suspended for application of herbs and certain potions. It is claimed that anabolic steroids and other chemical substances are suspended in sports because they can enhance athletic performance. But what is for herbs and potions? They are also capable to enhance strength. Nevertheless, these remedies are not forbidden in sports.  Chinese athletes use herbal remedies and win.
Of course, you may argue that steroids and certain other preparations may lead to grave negative consequences. Undoubtedly, several forbidden drugs may cause serious health problems. But those who plan to apply these medications do own research. They are aware of potential risks. Let sportspersons decide whether it is worthy to take such drugs. If they are ready to worsen health, let them do it because they should manage own bodies.

China is chief source of materials used for manufacture of steroids

The WADA director general David Howman considers that China is the chief source of raw materials utilized by underground labs for manufacture of anabolic steroids, HGH and other related medications. Raw powders are shipped from this country. Then underground labs manufacture illicit products that are offered for sale by dealers at gyms and on the streets.
The black market of anabolic steroids controls sales of illegal medications on the white market. The black market turns out to be the source of products which are purchasable on the white market. It is believed that almost all products which are sold have been initially acquired from underground labs that have utilized raw materials from China.
Elite sportspersons are often blamed for application of steroids and other doping products. Since doping scandals appear day by day, many individuals think that anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs are mainly applied by elite sportspersons. But it is necessary to note that this a wrong point of view. Some experts have determined that anabolic steroids and other related drugs are more widely administered by high school students and aged individuals that try to improve their appearance. While students desire to increase muscles with the help of steroids and several other illegal preparations, aged persons try to add strength and reduce fat deposits with the help of these products.
Unfortunately, legal supplements often contain steroidal compounds. Companies add such substances intentionally. As a result, those who apply just nutritional and/or sport supplements turn out to be steroid users. According to David Howman, the CEO of the WADA, it is important to supervise supplement industry in order to prevent appearing of supplements which contain steroidal substances.

Doping will be ever in sports

What do you believe about legalization of doping in sports?  Some individuals believe that it is time to legalize it. Others don’t agree. What is your opinion?
Those who are against legalization of doping in sports think that steroids and other related drugs represent significant evil. They may cause severe negative reactions in users. Furthermore, a doper has unfair advantage over a non-doper during competitions.
According to another opinion, application of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs should be permitted in sports. Let sportspersons use whatever they want! If they want to administer anabolic steroids, let them do it! If they intend to use other medicines, let them do it! If they want to administer some medications, let doctors monitor their intake! Doctors know what their patients should do in order to prevent certain undesirable results. So, performance-enhancing drugs will not lead to severe undesirable reactions. As a result, administration of anabolic steroids and other related medications will be relatively safe for health and life of users.
As you know, anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs are currently forbidden in sports. When athletes are suspected and/or found guilty of doping, scandals appear. Such situations are often discussed during TV shows, in magazines, newspapers, on internet, etc. You must know that every scandal usually contains not only truth but also gossips, exaggerations, etc. As a result, you can’t be sure whether some affirmations are true or not.
Those that are against legalization of doping in sports claim that sportspersons enhance performance unnaturally with the help of anabolic steroids and other related products. Speaking about enhancement of athletic performance, you should not forget about enhancement of sexual performance, cognitive abilities, improvement of health, etc. Why do we use several products and supplements, improving our health and life, while demonizing athletes who try to promote performance with steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs? Is it fairly? You would note that anabolic steroids and some other performance-enhancing drugs lead to health problems. Yes, it is true. But what do you think about usage of caffeine and nicotine? They are accepted in the society. But it is important to note that caffeine and nicotine result in more serious health troubles than anabolic steroids and other related remedies. Nevertheless, consumers of caffeine and nicotine are not so harshly blamed, as consumers of steroids.
Anti-doping agencies think that they will soon eradicate doping from sports. “Competitions will be fair”, - they exclaim. But it is important to acknowledge that doping will be never eliminated from sports. Anti-doping officials will not be ever able to do it. While they elaborate new methods of detection and increase sanctions for administration of prohibited substances, sportspersons find new ways to avoid detection. So, everyone should understand that this “game” will never end, if doping is not allowed in sports.

All athletes that use performance-enhancing remedies should be treated the same way

The sportswriter Dan Le Batard notices that it is necessary to think over our attitude to doping. Do we evaluate various sportspersons identically? Do we accept intake of steroids and other related remedies by sportspersons? What is our real attitude towards athletes that use steroids and/or other performance-enhancing drugs/procedures? Do we admire of those that have success in sports because of anabolic steroids and other related remedies?
Sometimes the society is guilty for doping of sportspersons. The society should be demonized for abnormal behavior of athletes. The society admires of abnormal things which occur in the world of sports. The society expresses admiration of those that have ligaments removed from cadavers. The society praises sportspersons that are involved in different abnormal actions: playing football with catheter, cutting fingers off, etc. Sportspersons do a lot to be famous. They submit to various procedures that are not required for their health. Furthermore, they use such drugs and procedures that cause various health problems in them. Why do they do such things? The answer is obvious: they want to hear words of admiration; they desire to be famous. Thus, they do it in the name of athletic performance. While athletes utilize remedies which cause grave harm in them, we support their actions through our admiration, awards, money, etc.
In fact, the society is full of hypocrisy. While we are inclined to demonize steroids and certain other prohibited drugs, we don’t condemn athletes that utilize various procedures for increase of their athletic performance. While we blame certain dopers, we admire of others. Why are some medications and procedures forbidden for enhancement of performance, while others are permitted? Let be honest! If you demonize steroids, don’t support those who utilize alternatives to these substances that have also ability to promote physical performance. If you want to see natural talents of athletes, don’t praise those that submit to various procedures for enhancement of athletic performance! Before you demonize or praise someone/something, ponder over this aspect! Don’t hurry and be honest!

Steroids and other related drugs are sold by anti-aging clinics illegally

Many anti-aging clinics are connected with doping scandals. It’s not surprisingly because they supply sportspersons and bodybuilders with steroids and other related medications. When proper authorities raid anti-aging clinics and confiscate medical records, they see that certain famous sport figures belong to clients of the clinics.
Lately some anti-aging clinics located in Miami were investigated. Federal agents found that the clinics sold prescription drugs illegally. The clinics sold preparations for enhancement of muscle mass, weight loss, increase of strength, etc.
According to the newspaper the Miami New Times, the anti-aging clinic Biogenesis was found guilty of illicit sale of doping products. Moreover, such famous baseball players, as Alex Rodriquez and Melky Cabrera bought doping products at Biogenesis of America. So, the anti-aging clinic appeared to be connected with one of the biggest steroid scandals in the sport of baseball.
Medical records of Biogenesis were taken from an employee of the clinic. The records were presented on the website of the newspaper Miami New Times. Journalists said that the employee who provided the records didn’t want to be identified.
It is reported that steroids, HGH, IGF-1 and other prescription preparations are widely offered for sale illegally by anti-aging clinics. Moreover, clinics hire doctors that provide fake prescriptions. Prescriptions for steroids and other related medicines are often given to clients without proper examination of their individual conditions. Furthermore, doctors provide prescriptions even without seeing their patients. In additions to these aspects, some corrupt doctors allow anti-aging clinics to utilize their prescription pads. So, anti-aging clinics sell anabolic steroids, painkillers and other prescription medicines illicitly, as if they worked legally.
When illegal activities of anti-aging clinics become evident, owners of clinics, physicians and certain employees are sentenced to several sanctions. Nonetheless, the risk to receive punishment doesn’t stop clinics from their illegal activities. However proper authorities try to eliminate illegal sale of prescription medications, their success is not yet essential.

Frank Thomas believes that baseball will be soon totally “clean”

However certain persons claim that doping will be never eradicated from sports, you can come across more optimistic opinions related to this issue.
The former MLB player Frank Thomas notices that he has had success has in baseball without intake of steroids and other related medicines. He is happy that he has never doped. Looking at Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, he is proud of his accomplishments in baseball. The baseball stars Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa have reached excellent success. But now their accomplishments are removed. These sportspersons are claimed to be cheaters. They haven’t been introduced into the Baseball Hall of Fame, despites of their success. Frank Thomas is glad about this aspect. He notes that steroid users must never be in the Hall of Fame. Furthermore, Frank Thomas claims that he has played during the steroid era successfully without application of prohibited drugs.
Frank Thomas notes that he has respected the successful baseball players Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.  But since they have administered anabolic steroids and/or other forbidden preparations, Frank Thomas doesn’t consider them stars longer. However, he doesn’t have harsh words for them. But Frank Thomas claims that usage of doping products is their decision and they should suffer the consequences, being out of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa turned out to be tainted. Their achievements don’t cost anything because they are fake. Such persons shouldn’t be praised.
Frank Thomas considers that the MLB acts correctly, agreeing to introduce blood testing for HGH. While baseball players have submitted to urine testing for HGH, they will be also subjected to blood testing for this forbidden product regularly. Thus, Frank Thomas claims that the drug testing policy becomes more effective in the MLB. He suggests that doping will be eradicated from this sport entirely. Games will be soon fair, according to Frank Thomas.

Anti-doping officials will never be able to eradicate doping from sports

A lot of professional sportspersons obtained steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs from the Miami anti-aging clinic Biogenesis. The famous baseball stars Alex Rodriquez, Melky Cabrera and Bartolo Colon also belonged to persons that bought steroids at this clinic.
What is uncommon here? - Nothing. Steroids and other related preparations are widely administered in baseball and in other sports. Athletes buy these preparations at pharmacies, clinics, etc. Numerous anti-ageing clinics, drug manufacturers and other related establishments sell steroids and other doping products illegally. The Miami clinic Biogenesis is not the only clinic that is involved in illegal actions related to steroids and other prescription medicines. Athletes find different methods to buy steroids and other related medicines and apply them. However anti-doping officials try to eliminate doping from sports, their efforts are not successful.
Do you consider that anti-doping agencies don’t work enough well? Do you mean that they should establish more sophisticated drug testing systems? Do you think that they don’t do their job appropriately?
It is necessary to realize that no any drug testing program is capable to eradicate doping from sports totally. Athletes find certain ways to avoid detection. Doping is a part of sports. It exists from ancient time. Even ancient Greeks and Romans had certain ways to enhance their performance to win. Will sportspersons discontinue taking steroids and other doping products now?
Some sportspersons purchase undetectable preparations and administer them. Moreover, they hire experts that provide recommendations on usage of steroids and/or other performance-enhancing drugs. So, certain athletes have unfair advantage over others. Anti-doping agencies can’t change the situation. They are not capable to make sports “clean”. What is it needed to do under such circumstances? It is probably better to legalize doping in professional sports. So, anyone will be allowed to take whatever he/she wants. As a result, no any sportsperson will have unfair advantage over another.
But since anabolic steroids and other related drugs are prohibited in sports, sportspersons try to find methods to buy and take these products, avoiding detection. When it becomes obvious that certain athletes dope, scandals are reported.