Is there a Problem?

Jerry Tipton has a story on former UK star Dirk Minniefield, who had problems with addictions. It goes on to talk about him smoking pot before an important 1983 NCAA Tournament Regional final game agaist Louisville.

After we smoked, I didn’t give a (hoot),” Minniefield said yesterday during an appearance at an NBA-sponsored camp for star high school players. “I went to my room and smoked some more.”

I don’t know if the marijuana had an impact. I’m not a doctor. Being a player, I’m going to say that (it did).”

You could argue all day if this indeed did cost UK the win.

It made me think

This is unfortunate, and something that still exist with the youth today. You will hear about players being kicked off teams etc. because of the use of marijuana and other drugs.

I think the culture today, among other things play a part of the problem.

You can also take a look at some of the Professional athletes that are known to dabble, or have been linked to drug use. Are they the greatest “Role Models” for today’s youth?

I know many will say things like…

They’re college kids, they are just having fun, or It’s just pot, it’s no problem.

You got to remember that many of these “kids” are student athletes who are getting paid scholarships, and should cherish all the good things college has to offer. Is it worth losing an education, and playing career to get high on drugs?

Addictions can happen, and it’s something you really just hate to see with these young people, let alone anyone for that matter.

The real fact is drugs are drugs, whether it be pot, alcohol, cocaine, legal or illegal. Millions of people across the world have, and are fighting these addictions.

It’s simply not worth it.

My question to you today is…

Are drugs becoming a big problem in High School and College sports? If you feel there’s a problem, how should it be dealt with?