A-Rod, McGwire and Armstrong—just to name a few.
Athletes are increasingly getting caught using steroids. Whether it is while they are still actively playing or when they are retired, performance enhancers are often dealt within sports. However, it is the punishment that makes the difference. Should coaches suspend players and let them play again? Or should they banish them from the league altogether?

When it comes to the topic of performance enhancing drugs, there are differing opinions regarding the consequences. One argument believes athletes should not be punished at all, whereas another assumes they should be banned from their respective league entirely. Either way, this controversial topic impacted some of the most highly decorated athletes.

Avid sports viewer and sophomore Jack Connelly said, “I don’t think that they should be allowed to play again. If they get caught they are probably going to do it again.”

As of right now, athletes usually are able to play after getting caught with steroids once. However, the athletes receive consequences that are then used as a reminder to the rest of the league not to use steroids. These could consist of taking away trophies, championships and even reputations.

This is true in many professional, collegiate and recreational leagues. With the NFL and MLB, multiple athletes each season get caught or admit to using steroids.

Connelly said, “I don’t think that the consequences fix the problem because there tons of [athletes] that are repeat offenders and get caught and caught again.”

Lance Armstrong, seven time Tour de France winner, had his championships taken away and was even sentenced to a life ban from the sport of competitive cycling.

From the NFL to the MLB, steroids are used and everyone knows it. It could be generalized that almost all athletes have used performance enhancing drugs once in their career.

Why don’t the professional leagues do anything about it?

Sure some would say that a ban from the sport would be too excessive. But then why do people get kicked out of college for cheating? Student’s do not get a second chance so why do athletes?