The use of drugs and alcohol by National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I African American female basketball players and their reasons for using these substances were examined. The investigation is part of a broader study investigating the use of alcohol, weight-loss products, tobacco, amphetamines, and anabolic steroids by female college athletes. Of the 50 athletes in this study, 72% reported having consumed alcoholic beverages, and 46% had engaged in binge drinking. Only 8% reported using either weight-loss or tobacco products, and there were no reports of using amphetamines or anabolic steroids. Usage patterns indicated that the athletes in the study were aware of the short-term negative effects of alcohol and tobacco; those respondents who did use these products greatly reduced their consumption during the competitive season. Factors found to influence use include social and peer influences and coaches' rules.
Interview
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose allegedly told ESPN the Magazine that the use of performance-enhancing drugs, which includes drugs such as anabolic steroids, was a “huge” problem in the National Basketball Association. Most people don’t think that steroid use is a significant problem in the NBA. Only two NBA players have tested positive for anabolic steroids
Rose was one of several professional athletes asked the following question by ESPN the Magazine for its May 16 issue: “If 1 equals ‘What are PEDs? and 10 equals ‘Everybody’s Juicing’ … How big of an issue is illegal enhancing in your sport?”
In response, Rose said, “Seven. It’s huge, and I think we need a level playing field, where nobody has that advantage over the next person.”
Rose’s comments in the May 16, 2010 issue of ESPN the Magazine put the steroids in basketball issue back in the spotlight. The mini-uproar caused by Rose’s comments led to some creative public relations by the Chicago Bulls.
And the possibility loomed large that what Rose was asked, or thought he was asked, different significantly than what showed up on the final magazine page. That was the view of a Bull spokesman, who denied the quote on Rose’s behalf that he was alleging a current, ongoing problem in the NBA.