Agassi’s Haunting Revelation

What does the shocking revelation recently made public in Andre Agassi’s new autobiography “Open: An Autobiography” in regards to his crystal meth use say about one of the most beloved and gifted athletes in the history of tennis imply about sports?

It’s a haunting confession from a man and a sport that makes you say…’really???’

I mean, after all, if Agassi used crystal meth, what athlete in professional sports is not on drugs?

Baseball is tainted if not destroyed by steroids. The NFL is losing some credibility with head cases like Shawne Merriman and Larry Johnson, and it may not be long before basketball players start using ‘roids to mimic the outrageous physical specimen of a guy like LeBron James.

While Agassi’s drug abuse had nothing to do with improving performance, it’s a tragic (if not respected) revelation from a man who we never thought capable. Agassi admits he used meth “for about a year or so” and confesses that he failed a 1997 drug test but later lied to avoid a suspension.

Former opponents and close friends have since come public and admitted shock and surprise, however players like Andy Murray do not personally believe his reported former drug use destroys his reputation and credibility.

Murray is one of many top players critical of the nature of drug testing in tennis. Under the current system, tennis players have to give the sport’s authorities a one-hour window, every day, when they will be at a certain place. Murray has said previously that the system is too intrusive and recently added that he did not believe that drug-taking was rife in tennis.

Right in tennis?

He may have a point.

But what is drug abuse by professional athletes in all sports teaching the young generation? Ten to twenty years ago, kids went out with their buddies and worked on their game in practice. Today, kids settle for “natural supplements,” protein shakes, and vitamin pills. We even defend these actions as youth coaches to “gain an edge” and imply that not all pills are bad.

Has the 24/7 sports media, “competitive” youth leagues, and overreacting parents during games caused a downward spiral in today’s sports world? Sound off on Things People Hate.