With these bombs dropping yet again around the pro leagues (Arod again in MLB, Ray Lewis allegations today) I wonder how the NCAA has managed to avoid a giant PEDs scandal to this point. It would be folly to think that there aren't plenty of college kids juicing. If I were a borderline pro prospect and thought a boost would get me drafted... well, I know I'd be tempted at the very least, especially at an age when the consequences of reckless action aren't generally fully refined yet.

One would assume that PEDs are even more dangerous to use when the body is still growing, as is the case for most 18-21 year olds. I could also see it more easily covered up, given that it's not unusual for a young person's body to change in ways we would find suspicious for a guy in his late 20s/30s.
Also, a collection of blue chippers at, say, LSU or Alabama is going to naturally look much bigger/stronger/faster than other teams. However, I know I have sometimes seen a (non-UNC) player's body change wayyyy too much to buy that it "happened over the summer" via workouts.

Maybe I'm just a cynic at this point.I am one of the dopes who thought Lance Armstrong was clean. But not one who believes you can fully recover in two months from an injury it takes a year to recover from without juicing..cough..raylewis..cough. Again, I've not noticed anything with UNC players but I hope that's not rose colored glasses.

A few weeks ago, someone posted several university policies regarding PEDs. Perhaps someone can dig this up, but I recall Carolina's policy was very strict. I also recall that Notre Dame's policy was laughable...basically couldn't test positive within 7 days of a game.

Funny that you mention LSU and Bama, as they're both now being accused of taking banned substances. People generally don't seem to care when it comes to football, but when you mention a baseball player, it is a serious issue that must be addressed to protect the integrity of the game.

It is amazing how the different sports are treated on this issue, isn't it? Somehow basketball generally escapes nearly all mention of PEDS also, but I'm sure plenty goes on there as well.

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--- BRICKSNIVY wrote:

A few weeks ago, someone posted several university policies regarding PEDs. Perhaps someone can dig this up, but I recall Carolina's policy was very strict. I also recall that Notre Dame's policy was laughable...basically couldn't test positive within 7 days of a game.

Funny that you mention LSU and Bama, as they're both now being accused of taking banned substances. People generally don't seem to care when it comes to football, but when you mention a baseball player, it is a serious issue that must be addressed to protect the integrity of the game.

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I wonder how much concussions would be reduced by if an Olympic type of PED testing policy was adopted. Player weights have exploded and I don't buy it's just weight room gains. In baseball enforcing PED rules protects the integrity of the game. In a collision sport like football it may protect the future of the sport and the lives of its players.

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--- davem0511 wrote:

I wonder how much concussions would be reduced by if an Olympic type of PED testing policy was adopted. Player weights have exploded and I don't buy it's just weight room gains. In baseball enforcing PED rules protects the integrity of the game. In a collision sport like football it may protect the future of the sport and the lives of its players.

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I think it could make a significant difference.

Good thought Dave.
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--- davem0511 wrote:

I wonder how much concussions would be reduced by if an Olympic type of PED testing policy was adopted. Player weights have exploded and I don't buy it's just weight room gains. In baseball enforcing PED rules protects the integrity of the game. In a collision sport like football it may protect the future of the sport and the lives of its players.

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What an interesting take--hadn't thought of this. I agree, it seems the concussion/brain injury issue could at least be partially addressed by a stricter PED policy.

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--- davem0511 wrote:

I wonder how much concussions would be reduced by if an Olympic type of PED testing policy was adopted. Player weights have exploded and I don't buy it's just weight room gains. In baseball enforcing PED rules protects the integrity of the game. In a collision sport like football it may protect the future of the sport and the lives of its players.

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