Chapter[ XI. Recommendations ]
Section[ C. 2. Spring Training Programs Should Include Testimonials and Other Speakers and Presentations ]
2. Spring Training Programs Should Include Testimonials and Other Speakers and Presentations
As explained above, Major League Baseball does an effective job of
communicating its “no gambling” message through testimonials and dramatic role playing. The
same methods should be used for performance enhancing substance education as well. The
following are examples of such methods that have been used effectively in this area.
Dr. Jay Hoffman is a professor who has written extensively about the effects of
performance enhancing substances on the body. Dr. Hoffman also admits that he used anabolic
steroids when he played college and professional football during the mid-1980s.
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Jamie Reed, head athletic trainer for the Texas Rangers and President of the
Professional Baseball Athletic Trainer Society, told us that because Dr. Hoffman is a former
athlete, players respond very well to his anti-steroid message and are more open to accept his
attestations concerning its use. Other athletic trainers and strength coaches echoed the opinion
that Dr. Hoffman is an effective speaker on these issues. For example, Rick Slate, the New York
Mets’ strength and conditioning coach, identified Dr. Hoffman as a “tremendous help” to the
Professional Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coaches Society in formulating its policies.
The Taylor Hooton Foundation was founded in memory of Taylor Hooton, a high
school baseball player who committed suicide after taking anabolic steroids. Taylor’s father,
Don Hooton, created the Foundation and has educated high school and world class athletes
around the country about the dangers of performance enhancing substances. Mr. Hooton’s
message painfully demonstrates that, when major league players use performance enhancing
substances, the ramifications go far beyond the players themselves. Whether they like it or not,
Major League Baseball players are role models for young athletes, and what they do – right or
wrong – affects those young people. Telling the story of Taylor Hooton, and those like him, to
players – many of whom are fathers or are considering becoming fathers – will serve to
underscore the profound social dangers associated with performance enhancing substance use by
high profile athletes.
Law enforcement agency personnel have offered presentations to players during
spring training concerning the use of drugs of abuse and gambling, and some individuals we
interviewed reported that these talks were memorable. Law enforcement speakers also should be
employed to discuss the dangers of performance enhancing substances from their institutional
perspective. Law enforcement personnel are uniquely suited to emphasize the criminal
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implications of buying, selling, and using these types of substances, and of consorting with those
who engage in illegal trafficking.
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