Proposed Bill Would Ban Steroids In High School, By: Steve Sbraccia
Feb 15, 2007
DURHAM, N.C. -- State lawmakers are taking a stand against steroid use in high schools.
A bill proposal has been presented by three lawmakers that would require testing of high school athletes.
It would ban high school athletes from using steroids and also includes random testing of athletes.
A student athlete would be banned from competition if they test positive or even if they refuse to be tested.
One of the sponsors of the bill is a state senator who also happens to be a family practitioner.
And he's obviously worried about the use of performance enhancing drugs like steroids by high school athletes.
NBC17 spent some time at a high school basketball game in Durham Thursday night sampling reaction from parents and coaches.
There are some who wonder why it might be necessary to test for steroids at the high school level. But, some parents of student athletes say it starts earlier than high school.
"I've seen middle school kids take steroids," said Kevin Holmes Sr., a parent of a teen. "I know one kid who was taking steroids. He looks like an old man now."
A trio of state senators is proposing a bill that'll require random drug testing for performance enhancing drugs for all high school athletes involved in interscholastic activities.
"I think it's a good idea to test them," Holmes said. "They shouldn't be taking steroids anyhow at this age. They can harm you."
Bernard Bacon's been coaching basketball at Durham High School for years. As he watched Thursday night's game between Person and Hillside highs, he wondered about the wisdom of that testing.
"I don't think they should do it because to be honest with you I don't see it as a problem," Bacon said. "Kids are just working out, getting protein drinks and stuff. They don't need steroids to get big."
Many high school athletes aspire to play at the college level. And because performance enhancers like steroids are so prevalent there, some parents believe there's more pressure on high school kids to bulk up. One parent told NBC17 that he can see arguments for and against the testing.
"In theory it sets a good precedent especially for those starting early for college basketball," Carlos Sanford said. "I'm kind of undecided because it violates their youth. But, it does help prevent a future occurrence that might take place."
The bill has just been proposed so there hasn't been any debate on it at this point. We'll have to see whether it makes it out of committee or dies there.
