BU54

Stroud’s steroid use being ignored
Jerry Sullivan
Updated: 03/13/08 6:57 AM


There’s a lot of justifiable enthusiasm among Bills fans after the team’s bold foray into free agency. Russ Brandon, the new chief operating office, has fortified a young, promising defense and raised the expectation level for coach Dick Jauron. No more feel-good stories when they get to 7-7. Next season, they’ll be under pressure to contend.

Fans are so giddy they’re brushing off Marcus Stroud’s steroid suspension. If Stroud were a baseball player, he’d be an object of public suspicion and contempt. But there’s been barely a peep in town about Stroud’s steroid record. You’d think the NFL had nailed him for illegal parking, not illegal substances.

These are hard, cynical times. Governors, judges, defense contractors, high school coaches — everywhere you turn, someone is betraying the public trust. In the midst of all this scandal, who cares what some mammoth pro athlete puts in his body, so long as he’s ready to stop the run on Sundays?

Some background: In January 2007, Stroud had major surgery on his right ankle. Last November, the NFL suspended Stroud for four games after he tested positive for performing-enhancing drugs. Stroud said the banned substances were contained in over-the-counter dietary supplements recommended by his doctor.

Stroud said his only failure was a lack of research. Sure. That’s what all the athletes say when they get caught with their hand in the steroid jar. It’s the same excuse Shawne Merriman, the Chargers’ star linebacker, used when he got his four-game suspension two years ago.

Sorry for being skeptical, but after awhile you become numb to athletes’ denials. No one is ever guilty. All steroids are taken unwittingly. Barry Bonds didn’t know what he was taking. All Roger Clemens shot up was vitamin B-12 and lidocaine. Stroud and Merriman were innocent victims of tainted supplements.

The difference is in the public’s reaction. There wasn’t much of an outcry when Merriman tested positive. Baseball players are vilified for steroid use, but when an NFL player gets caught, the public reacts with a collective shrug.

But if I’m quick to bash Clemens, Bonds and the baseball crowd, I can’t be silent when the Bills trade for a known steroid user. This is an organization, remember, that claims to favor players of high character and intelligence. They should be held to a higher standard.

FULL STORY
http://www.buffalonews.com/opinion/c...ry/298085.html

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bbills4life

One thing to keep in mind...it was HGH (helps heal faster) and not anabolic steroids. He did the crime, admitted to it (whether he knew it or not), and did his time.

There's no reason to punish him further.

Footbalmaster

HgH is used like steroids so don't cry about how there different and less of a crime. If you knew anything about performance enhancement drugs you would know that HgH pretty much makes everything in your body bigger thus the title Human Growth Hormone. Usually when players are caught using it they claim its for injury recovery which it does help with, but its also used for increase of strength, which is what he and almost everyone else who uses it does for, oh and did i mention they can't test for it.

in easier terms for you
HgH = more advanced anabolic steroids

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bbills4life

And in easier terms for you, it was a one time deal, he did the time, and now everyone is moving on.

Footbalmaster

Well your in denial if you claim it was a one time thing. This is the NFL almost everyone is juicing on something, especially defensive lineman. What angers me is all the lying about it. He took a tainted supplement. Thats so much bull he's already lied about it and you expect to beleive him. Its disgusting. I've come to except pretty much everyone but the kickers are juicing so its all about telling the truth. If I was a Bill's fan I would boo him for lying. Just like I do to Harrison.

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bbills4life

Did you Boo Belichick when he got busted for cheating, or for lying about it?

Professor

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Footbalmaster

lol yes he broke the rules according to Goodell and as of right now he hasn't lied about it, so your post has no point. Was I disappointed. yes i was but the difference is right now I can give examples to back up my case you can't back up yours. It must be hard being a Bills fan so I can see why your angry you get two chances at the Pats a year and lose every time.

I think this is the first time I haven't seen prof get into an argument

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Professor

He lied about it back when it first happened and he said he didn't know anything about it when he obviously did. C'mon man, you know he did.

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bbills4life

Actually, it's quite easy being a Bills' fan. And yes, my post does have a point because you have no proof to back up that Stroud WON'T do anything wrong again.