Why do you think steroid use in the NFL is so easily forgotten?

Question

I find it interesting that steroid use can be considered such an evil thing in one sport, baseball, and then talked about briefly for a few days then completely forgotten in another sport. I'm reminded of 2 star defenemen testing positive in recent years, Julius Peppers and more recently, Shawne Merriman. Does it show us how much we love football these days? Are we willing to turn a blind eye to it because we're so in love with this great sport? Or does it bother us less because these guys are playing defense and are less glorified than an offensive star? People seem to hate Barry Bonds more because he is close to a sacred record. Baseball stats are more coveted, but shouldn't we care the same if a football player is juicing up to get an edge and pile up the tackles and sacks? Just curious what people think about why there's such a difference in the reactions.

Answer 1

Because in football all sorts of enhancers from steroids to HGH have been the norm for years. It's not a few guys doing stuff like that, it's a LOT- offfense and defense, and it's a constant arms race to stay ahead of the testing. The players destroy their bodies in the process and it leads to unhappy endings when they retire.

Baseball was the one sport that tried to maintain some illusion of purity, that they were untouched by the need to get an edge that prevails in track & field, football, etc.

You're right- people have viewed baseball records as scared, but people hate Barry Bonds more for his personality than anything else- the denials of steroid use when it's so OBVIOUS in his case just make him an easier target. He's always had a chip on his shoulder and been surly at best (he's finally mellowed out a little as he closed in on the record, but 15 years of rude behavior prevails)

Answer 2

I think this is because steriods will help u with your power so hitting homeruns but in football steroids won't help u as a blocker cuz steriods make su slower so its useless in football and same in bball cuz u gotta run alot. roids user are always 1st basemen so they don't have to run alot.

Answer 3

Uh...Because unlike baseball, the NFL has regular drug testing, and specific steroids are banned...The NFL cracks down on it, as opposed to burying it under the rug like baseball does...

Answer 4

Because to many people are worried about dogs.