When Winning Costs Too Much: Steroids, Supplements, and Scandal in Today's Sports World - Hardcover

Bailes, Julian; McCloskey, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1589791797 ISBN 13: 9781589791794

Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing, 2005

Synopsis

The authors combine to produce a work that addresses some of the most pressing issues in athletics today. While the book focuses primarily on steroid and supplement abuse, it also covers unethical practices on the part of some coaches and athletes to gain a competitive edge. Finally, it offers healthy alternatives to supplements for athletes wishing to gain size and strength without putting their future health at risk.

About this title

About the Author:

Dr. Julian E. Bailes is a neurosurgeon who has worked the NFL Players Association in tracking long-term effects of concussions, steroid use, and depression among its retired players. He lives in Morgantown, W.V. John McCloskey is a sports editor at the Houston Chronicle. He lives in Houston.

Review:

The use of performance-enhancing drugs is an invidious practice, condoned by too many and ignored by more. This work explores the nature and extent of such activity and its authors are to be congratulated for turning over some of the rocks and exposing the rot that threatens the lives and well-being of young athletes. (Richard W. Pound, Founding Chair of the World Anti-Doping Agency)

Have you ever wondered what's happened to the 'purity' of sport - where playing the game for sheer enjoyment and the thrill of competition were reward enough; where fair play, i.e. ethics and integrity, were an integral part of each contest? Dr. Bailes and McCloskey have invested years of study to produce this incredibly informative book on the 'state of the sportsworld.' As a former professional athlete I am ecstatic that the authors of 'When Winning Costs Too Much' are willing to identify and confront the 'wrongs' in the world of sport. This book should be required reading for the parents of all aspiring athletes! (Steve Bartkowski, two-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons)

Throughout my career I have had both great success and great struggles. But I have always been able to overcome the struggles with honor and with a respect for the rules and integrity of the game. Kids today need to know how important that is to succeed in sports and life. 'When Winning Costs Too Much' can help parents know whether or not their kids are on the righttrack. (Hal Sutton, winner of 12 PGA Tour events, including the 1983 PGA Championship, and the captain of the 2004 Ryder Cup team)

I loved the book, and was blown away by all the information and warnings about the impact of concussions and steroid use. I was forced to retire prematurely due to concussions so I know first hand of the dangers from head trauma. The book will help all who read it to know what takes place at the time of a concussion, what to look for, and the best way to care for that person before returning back to action. The information on the prevalence of steroid use was mind-boggling. Every player, coach and parent should read it so that everyone understands the potential disasters that can occur. (Merril Hoge, former Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears running back who is now an NFL analyst for ESPN former Pittsburgh Steelers and Chi)

In 'When Winning Costs Too Much,' Julian Bailes and John McCloskey provide factual data and compelling testimonials to present a devastating portrait of sports in America today. Together the authors have assembled more hard-won research than I've ever seen on the subject of steroid abuse and its effects not only on the individual performer but on society as a whole. Here is a screed against a culture that celebrates dopers who cheat to get ahead. It also is a document with a powerful personal message that comes with equal measures of good and bad news. First the good: Only about one out of 10 young athletes in this country is using drugs to help him perform better. Now the bad: Every last one of us is being victimized as a result. (John Ed Bradley, All-American center at LSU and Sports Illustrated writer)

The single greatest lesson I learned from athletics that has contributed to my success in other areas of my life is that winning isn't everything. Somewhere along the way too many people have forgotten that it is the pursuit of success, not success itself, which makes the games worth playing. 'When Winning Costs Too Much' will help parents and athletes understand how much of the journey is lost by taking the easy route. (Chris Nowinski, World Wrestling Entertainment star, former Harvard football player, Founding Board Member of Teams of Angels)

...examines the broader intent of what people go through to win... (Therese Smith Cox Charleston Daily Mail)

"When Winning Costs Too Much," a comprehensive analysis of the rise in steroids and supplement abuse at all levels of sports (Inter-Mountain)

McCloskey and co-writer Julian Bailes spare no anecdotal or pharmacological detail in illustrating how the once-proud world of professional sports is threatening to degenerate into a narcotic-stained sinkhole. (Houston Press)

About this edition

• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1589791797
• ISBN 13: 9781589791794
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352