In class on April 5th, we discussed drug testing in sports. MLB, one of the most criticized leagues in terms of steroid use, now penalizes players using PED's with a fifty game suspension for a first offense, a one hundred game suspension for a second offense, and a lifetime ban for a third offense. This system, which was implemented in 2004. A player with a positive drug test has never successfully appealed a drug test, until recently, when reigning National League MVP Ryan Braun won his appeal. Facing a fifty game suspension, Braun offered an argument which revolved around the procedures that resulted in the negative result. Braun explained that the delivery of the test was flawed, and did not follow protocol set forth in the collective bargaining agreement. Because of this, the test could not be used to incriminate Braun. Braun also vehemently denies the accusations and claims he has never taken PED's. If drug testing is going to be a large part of sports, it has to be done the correct way to avoid situations like these.
In Coakley's text on page 185, he discussed the controversy around drug testing as a deterrent in sport. One of his topics contended that drug testing is necessary in sport in order to achieve a balanced playing field. In the case of Braun, winning the MVP shows that he has a level of play greater than many players around him. However, with the controversial drug test, some may be inclined to believe that he is indeed playing on an unbalanced field, with him gaining an advantage. Others, taking Braun's point of view, believe that he is innocent and playing fair along with everyone else. Either way, as this situation shows, testing is a controversial subject, and in order to avoid this type of confusion again, protocols need to be clarified and followed to the letter of the law.
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