2 « BENNETT BANNER » OCTOBER 30. 1998
• OPINION • OPINION • OPINION • OPINION ♦ OPINION
KE¥YA A. SAMUELS
Editor
McGwire’s power supply
I breathed a sigh of relief when I read a story (OcL 23 News &
Record) about the death of world record sprinter Horence Griffith
Joyner. According to the published results of a toxicology report,
FloJo’s death was the result of complications associated with an
epileptic seizure, and there was no evidence of drug use in her death.
FloJo’s image has been cleared, but what about the image of new
home run king Mark McGwire? During the 1998 season, McGwire
earned 70 home runs, breaking a
record held by Roger Maris for 23
years. That’s a remarkable feat.
But what is disturbing is that
McGwire has admitted to using a
variation of a steroid testosterone, "Androtenedione", also known as
"Andro". Andro, which is one molecule short of being testosterone is
not illegal and is classified as a dietary supplement McGwire also
takes "Creatine", another muscle-building supplement not banned by
the Major League Baseball Association. Both supplements are
supposed to raise testosterone levels, just like the banned steroids,
but baseball is the sport that allows steroids, and McGwire and
others seem to be taking advantage of that privilege.
The only illegal substances banned by MLB are “prescription
drugs without a prescription,” and anything illegal such as cocaine,
marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP.
Steroids have been banned in the NFL, NBA, NCAA and by the
International Olympic Committee, and they should be banned by
MLB for good reason. They are dangerously addictive drugs that
can cause major internal problems and eventually become fatal. It
could be that McGwire needs to reevaluate his power supply before
it is too late.
The opinion expressed in this column is that of the author and does not
necessarily reflectthe opinion of the Bennett Banner staff.
EDITORS
The Bennett Banner
The newspaper produced by and for the
Phenomenal Women of Bennett College
KENYA A. SAMUELS Editor
NAIMA Q. BARBOUR Nevt/s Editor
EDITORIAL STAFF
DEANNA HARRIS Features
ERISHA UPFORD Briefings, KUDOS & Herstory
SAAAANTHA MOREY PRESIDENTS OFFICE
RUNGANO NYAJEKA Natural, Behovcrial &
Social Sciences
KRIISHAL A. PANTON Graphics Editor
JANISHA THOMASSports
MONYA TOMLINSON Humanities
MARIE A. SMITH Chief Photographer &
Editorial Assistant
SHAYLA WEST Health Center
SHANTILEE OTEYGraphic Artist
SALfS & MARKETING
NIKIA M. STEELE Sales & Marketing Director
SHAMILAH HARRIS Sales & Marketing Rep.
DARNITA HOWARD Circulation
PRODUCTION
Amber Lugo Production Manager
Amber M. Townsell Production Assistant
ADVISER
DR. LONA D. COBB
The Bennett Banner is a laboratory newspaper published twice a
month during the academic year, except during months with College
recognized holidays or College vacations. The newspaper is pro
duced by and for students at Bennett College. The newspaper office
is located in Shell Hall C-2.
SiTTIDENT OPINION POLL:
Do you think it is appropriate for atheletes to use
legal drugs to enhance their performance? Photos by
Marie Smith, Staff Photographer. The new home run king McGwire takes Creatine,
another muscle-building supplement not banned by the Major League Baseball
Association.
TRINA SEABROOKS
MATTHEWS
CLASS; SOPHOMORE
MAJOR: SOCIAL WORK
HOME: WASHINGTON, D.C.
BETTY THOMPSON
CLASS: SOPHOMORE
MAJOR: MUSIC ED.
HOME; WASHINGTON, D.C.
I don’t think athletes should / don’t think athletes should
be able to use drugs to
enhance their abilities
unless playing time is
divided equally. If not, then
it’s not fair to the other
athletes.
be able to use legal drugs to
enhance the muscular ability.
It wouldn’t be fair their
competitors.
LAUREN MELTON
CLASS: SOPHOMORE
MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY
HOME: NEW YORK
In time the usage of the drug
is going to affect them not just
in playing but in every day
life.
W
i
‘I
NATSHA CARTER
CLASS: SOPHOMORE
MAJOR: COMP. SCIENCE
HOME: NEW YORK
Athletes should not use legal
drugs to enhance their ability
because if they are true
athletes everything should
come naturally.
CHERYL CHESNUT
CLASS: FRESHWOMAN
MAJOR: MASS COMM.
HOME: NEW YORK
/ believe God gives a person
what he or she needs to
perform. Besides, with lots of
practice and modification
people can do whatever they
set their minds to do.
CHASSIDY MOORE
CLASS: JUNIOR
MAJOR: BIO. /PRE. MED
HOME: VIRGINIA
Athletes should not be able to
use legal drugs to enhance
their performance because
their performance is the one
chance to show their physical
abilities.