B-12 Injection

Vitamin B-12 has the primary use of treating a rare form of anemia. However, according to an Oregonian story, “it is also often implicated in steroids-related cases.” The intended use of injection for people with anemia is to build fresh cells and protect nerves. Justin Gatlin, a world record-sharing sprinter was recently suspended from the sport for eight years after testing positive for steroid use. Gatlin said this came two weeks after he thought he was injecting a shot of B-12 given to him by an assistant coach, not a banned substance. Gatlin stated his suspension was too severe, considering he did not know he was taking a banned substance. I cannot imagine any athlete who would voluntarily confess to taking illegal drugs. It would be in his or her best interest to place the blame on someone else. The steroid use among sports figures these past few months alone have been covering the sports sections of newspapers. It is getting old, and I don’t want to read about it anymore. Eight years is a long time, and this could potentially mark the end of Justin Gatlin’s sprinting career, but he made the ultimate decision to inject himself with a substance that he wasn’t entirely sure what it was. The punishment is harsh yes, but it is also fair. When you put yourself in the public eye your job in not only as an athlete, but also as a role model. Gatlin failed in both those aspects, and he deserves to be punished.