Anabolic Steroids: A Look at Potential Drug Testing Legislation and its Constitutional Implications.

Abstract

Anabolic steroid use among American athletes has been the subject of much debate in the last half-century. Despite evidence tending to show significant health risks associated with steroid use, there remains considerable speculation as to its ultimate effects. And whether Congress should step in and provide uniform rules governing the testing of professional athletes is a question that still remains. Through this paper I intend to provide a historical account of the steroid “epidemic†and a look at the constitutional implications of Congress’s recent proposals to bring steroid testing in professional sports under its purview. In the first half of this paper I provide an outline of the development of anabolic steroids on a commercial level, as well as a short explanation of the negative and positive effects steroids can have on the body. In the final section, I offer a overview of the current testing regime in Major League Baseball, a discussion of Congress’s reasons to legislate in this area, and an analysis of the constitutional problems Congress will likely face if it chooses to become involved.