Players lose sight of issues in search of victory
Katie Johnson
sports editor

   The past couple of weeks have been tough for sports, and there is only one explanation—it’s the price of winning.
   Barry Bonds’ trainer’s indictment on several counts of providing illegal steroids to well-known MLB players left baseball fans wondering if Bonds’ home runs were as impressive as we thought they were.
   Alex Rodriguez’s lack of loyalty to the Rangers’ fans has left the city heartbroken.
   Now, I am not saying that illegal steroids and an advantageous trade put A-Rod and Bonds’ on the same level.
   Rather, I am saying that both of these athletes did what they felt they must in order to win.
   Regarding the steroids issue, is it any wonder athletes feel they must turn to drugs in order to be better than the competition? As a society, we have become infatuated with “enhancement” drugs. For example, how many commercials did you see for Viagra or Levitra during the Super Bowl? The coverage is amazing; even professional athletes are endorsing these drugs (look at Rafael Palmeiro).
   It does not take a Psychology I class to understand why these men feel they must take steroids or “enhancement” drugs (let’s suspend the fact for a moment that one is illegal while the other is not). Society is telling these men they are not performing well enough. As athletes, performing is the key to their success; winning has taken over legality.
   In A-Rod’s case, it is simply a matter of what is more important. He has given up his home and his fans here as well as his position as a shortstop in order to play with the most prestigious team in baseball. However, it is no wonder A-Rod left in such a hurry. Three years of landing in last place can fatally injure a player’s career, no matter how much he’s making in the process.
   Winning has come with a price for both of these men. The difference is that A-Rod will end up on top whereas Bonds’ could land in jail. In the end, it isn’t just about winning; it’s all about how you play the game.