In response to a Kidzworld story that mentioned steroid use by Mark McGwire, one of our members wrote in to say, "I am a personal friend of Mark McGwire and am absolutely outraged that you feel you can associate his name with steroids. I highly suggest that his name be removed from that page before further action is necessary. Thank you for your cooperation."
We appreciate all the comments we get from Kidzworld members - especially those who are personal friends of Mark McGwire. However, associating Mark McGwire's name with steroids is hardly outrageous. During his magical 1998 season, where he broke baseball's homerun record, Mark admitted taking Androstenedione - a substance which is classified as an androgenic steroid and increases the levels of testosterone in the body. Androstenedione is banned by the NFL, the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee. Despite the health risks, Mark McGwire was not breaking any rules by taking Androstenedione. Major League Baseball won't even begin testing players for steroid use until 2003 and some baseball players have estimated that up to 50 percent of the players in the league use steroids.
The increase in steroid use amongst professional baseball players has led many kids to start using steroids. This is a major health risk, especially for kids and teenagers whose muscles and bones are still developing. A 2001 survey by Blue Cross Blue Shield found that nearly one million kids in America are now using steroids and other muscle building substances to help their sports performance.
To learn more, check out some of the risks of taking 'roids.
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