Taboo topic -- Steroids (w/poll)

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Taboo topic -- Steroids (w/poll)

By boppitywop on Sep 14 2010, 9:09a 69

I realize that this is a subject rarely addressed in pro-basketball. In fact, of the 3 major sports in the US, the NBA has to be the farthest behind in discussion, regulation and enforcement of drug testing. Even if it wasn't a major problem there still would have to be steroid users among basketball players and yet we never hear about suspensions or even players getting warnings about steroids.

I firmly believe there is a lot of Steroid use in NBA basketball. When you look at certain players Dwight Howard, Lebron James etc... their physiques don't look natural:

http://beforeafters.com/people/athletes/dwight-howard-steroids/

This relates to the Blazers because in the last few summers, both Greg Oden and LaMarcus's body's transformed gaining over 20 lbs. of what looked like muscle each. Oden then suffers a freak accident (broken kneecap) which has been vaguely associated with weight lifters who overuse steroids(I can't find a study to cite, only anecdotal evidence).

So is it possible to gain 20 lbs. of muscle in two months naturally?

And more importantly does it matter?

Poll

Does steroid use matter to you in sports?

66% Yes, every measure should be made to level the playing field (90 votes)
11% Yes, in extreme cases like Barry Bonds (15 votes)
7% Sort of, amateurs and college athletes should be kept off the juice. Leave it to the pros. (10 votes)
4% No, to be a professional athlete already requires that your a freak of nature. drugs can't affect that (6 votes)
8% No, I like seeing amazing sports feats no matter how they happen. (12 votes)
2% Other, explanation below (3 votes)