Doping in sports is so prevalent that it hasn’t spared even an accomplished nation like America. Sporting icons from USA, Marion Jones, Lance Armstrong amongst others have lost their laurels for taking banned substances. Now the latest revelations about Tyson Gay’s positive test along with other top sprinters of the world has brought shame again.
Many sprinters have put the blame on their physios/trainers for intake of banned drugs but American basketball icon Chris Bosh believes it is the entire responsibility of the player to check what he takes in.
“The unfortunate thing about it (taking banned substances) is whether you know or not it is your entire responsibility what you are taking in. When you are in sports you have to be careful, double check everything with a friend, trainer, coach or any concerned people,” Bosh said at the launch of NBA Jam here on Wednesday.
“It is unfortunate for the guys if they have been taken advantage of, you know it is an unfortunate situation, but it is the part of business,” he added.
He however was pleased that doping was not yet a huge problem in basketball.
“Doping is always going to be part of sport. People are going to do certain things and break the rules. Fortunately it doesn’t exist too much in basketball. I don’t think it is a problem yet in the NBA (National Basketball Association),” Bosh said.
The 29-year-old Miami Heats hoopster stressed that there was no alternative to hard work.
“Keeping the sport clean should be the priority. Working hard that is what you are supposed to do and have belief in yourself and your team and that should be the goal of a sportsman. I believe in playing fair, and in hard work,” he added.
Standing tall at six feet and 11 inches, Bosh achieved individual brilliance during his seven-year association with Toronto Raptors.
The eight-time NBA All Star player also won Olympic gold in 2008 with USA Basketball team and is now part of two-time NBA champions. He credited hard work for his success.