Steroid Use in Music and Sport

Music and sport share a common trait which plays an integral role in both industries and that is the emphasis on performance. Whether it is a star athlete or an acclaimed musician, they are willing to push themselves in order to give the best performance they possible can. Lately, there is growing concern about how far they are going in order to enhance their performance. We have all been aware of the controversial use of steroids in sports with prominent figures such as Barry Bonds coming under heavy scrutiny. But by honing in on a specific industry are we ignoring other facets of entertainment where prolific figures that are admired by our youth are also using steroids? This has been an important and particularly relevant question over the past few months with many famous musicians now being named in conjunction with a steroid distribution ring. The Rhythm and Flow research initiative is exploring the significance of this incident and analyzing the impact on society.

According to an Albany Times Union story, Florida doctor Gary Bandwein allegedly shipped steroids and human growth hormone for 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Timbaland, Wyclef Jean, and playwright/director Tyler Perry. These shipments were sent for the artists to Long Island chiropractor Michael Diamond. Many experts are speculating that these artists are receiving the drugs in order to benefit from their untested anti-aging effects.

Musicians as well as athletes need to create and maintain an image in order to retain their place in the limelight. Keeping this in mind, it is no surprise that a rapper such as 50 Cent would resort to using steroids in order to sustain the tough guy persona and jacked physique he is known for. This shows the impact and pressure that these artists have on preserving their brand. It may seem like a top priority but the pressure comes at a price because they are putting their health at risk. As many studies have shown, the effects of steroids and HGH are not merely beneficial.

Dr. Alvin M. Matsumoto of the University of Washington explained the danger of taking these drugs: “If you take it in excessive amounts, it will stimulate a lot of soft tissue growth and make the jaw larger. There could be a lot of the manifestations of organ enlargement – heart enlargement, liver enlargement. All tissues are enlarged, basically, because of growth-hormone stimulation. And that’s not good.” This supports the supplementary research which has shown that prolonged steroid use has been know to increase risk for cancer, diabetes, and heart problems.

Another health risk is that these drugs are being administered by physical trainers and not licensed and accredited physicians. Because of this, they are not receiving professional attention when using the drugs. They are then at greater risk for taking a dangerous dose or having an adverse reaction to the injection. If there are no doctors around when someone has an unwanted response, they may not receive the proper medical attention that they need.

The news of these cases of steroid use can affect popular culture in a number of different ways. One issue that has been discussed at length recently is Barry Bonds’ home run record. Once evidence of his steroid use came into light, many people believed the record was tainted and that he should be stripped of it or have an asterisk placed beside the number in the record books. Artists like 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige may no longer be viewed as models of exemplary physical fitness and health in the eyes of the public. This could even hurt 50 Cent’s endorsement of Vitamin Water which contains his own grape flavor called Formula 50. The greater concern, however, is the influence steroid use will have on youth who consider these athletes and musicians role models.

Young people often look up to these entertainers and view them as societal examples of achievement and success. They scrutinize their actions in order to achieve that aforementioned level of success themselves in an industry of their interest. The wish to become a successful or professional athlete is a typical dream of many youths around the world. By observing their favorite record-breaking athletes taking steroids, it may instill the idea that one can only reach that level of professionalism through performance enhancing drugs. This is not to say that blame should be placed on anyone specific. Some people think that owners, players, artists, and/or drug distributors should be held accountable. More importantly, we should make sure that the public fully understands the effects of these performance enhancers and how they affect not only our physiological makeup but also our society and culture.