Doug Barron suspended (Merged) Options

[InTheHole]

The problem with taking stuff to bulk up is that you lose tons of flexibility, which is why people feel it is not a big problem in golf. The biggest strongest guys don't hit the ball the farthest. The most flexible guys do. Strength doesn't hurt, but not when you sacrifice flexibility.

Guys like Tiger work out like crazy, but a lot of his workout is to increase flexibility, not bulk up.

As was said, this guy also had medical conditions and had applied for medical exemptions. As long as we're speculating (which is what most of this thread is), it is possible he screwed up and took something to feel better and either didn't realize or didn't care that is was on the banned list. When you don't feel right, you'll do almost anything to feel better. "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead."

Doesn't make it right... but medical condition trumps drug testing and sport, in my book.

Can't see it as a big loss to him- he made $33K in the last two years- he had to have another source of income, I would guess.

[Santafeman]

Doug is truly a great guy. I think the tour did not exactly know how to handle it and that is why there are so many questions. Everyone should hear Doug's side of the story shortly.

[wfrogge1]

Some of you guys are assuming roids would be the only go-to drug one would take for golf. I think EPO and HGH would give more bang for the buck. Also just because you take steriods that dosent mean you instantly bulk up. You have to put in mad hours at the gym for that to happen.... If you are doing weights/workouts for golf you will not see anybody bulk up at all.

I agree with Player when he said that a few guys are on something and now that the WADA is in our sport thanks to the Olympics expect more busts.

This post has been edited by wfrogge1: Nov 5 2009, 11:26 AM

[ragin cajun]

Here is a list for those that asked copied and pasted directly from pga tour website.

Model Prohibited Substances and Methods List
Anabolic Agents

Hormones and Related Substances

Agents with Anti-Estrogenic Activity

Diuretics and Other Masking Agents

Stimulants

Narcotics

Cannabinoids

Beta Blockers

Enhancement of Oxygen Transfer

Chemical and Physical Manipulation


Substances that may be Prohibited At the Option of the Golf Organization

Glucocorticosteroids

Beta-2-Agonists

[mjtoal]

This is a non-story. Nobody, an unknown golfer was suspended. Yawn.

The list of banned substances is interesting. Between high blood pressure and prostate meds, its a wonder half the Champions Tour is not suspended.

[jaskanski]

Diuretics and stimulants? Couldn't these be regular coffee or sports drinks? And since when has cannabis or it's other forms increased anybody's sporting prowess? You'd be lucky to get them off the couch.

[InTheHole]

Diuretics and stimulants? Couldn't these be regular coffee or sports drinks? And since when has cannabis or it's other forms increased anybody's sporting prowess? You'd be lucky to get them off the couch.

EXACTLY! And that is why many athletes have a big problem with drug testing. And they have a point... drug testing is not an exact science in that regard. It may enlighten to the substance in a person's system, but not the source. And the presumption is guilty of enhancing performance and the person is lumped into the steroid category, since privacy issues immediately jump up so everyone suddenly shuts up.

Cannabis may not increase sporting prowess, but it is on the banned list because it is an illegal drug and they don't want athletes that do drugs.

The old urban legend of poppy seed bagels causing a positive drug test makes many people fearful. How would you like a surprise drug test at work come back positive because you ate a poppy seed bagel for breakfast? You could lose your job over something like that. Now I have no idea if poppy seed bagels cause a false positive, but I avoid them at all costs because we have random drug testing at work. It's ashame- I like poppy seed bagels!

I don't want to see athletes cheating by taking performance enhancing drugs, but the flip side of the coin is that drug testing is in-exact and has the potential to ruin people without due course.

This guy will always be known as the first golfer to get caught. Maybe it's true. Maybe he just had a poppy seed bagel, some Vitamin C supplements, and a Red Bull.

[Harry Longshanks]

And since when has cannabis or it's other forms increased anybody's sporting prowess?

Some athletes have been known to use it to relieve anxiety. Similar to beta-blockers. Not getting baked mind you.

[Pepperturbo]

When I saw that it was a bad day for golf, for me, and I bet Tiger and many other tour players as well. Whether it was by accident due to meds or he was hoping to slide under the radar, if he didn't ask about the drugs knowing he could be chosen for drug testing, then it was his stupidity that got him suspended. Same is true for professional cyclists, one of which lives nearby.

That said, with the questionable values and weak moral beliefs of youth today, it wouldn't surprise me if some are in some fashion using drugs now, and more get caught for this or that. We have more sleaze balls in this country today then ever before.

[ragin cajun]

I read an Interview with Zach Johnson in Golf Magazine (november issue), in which when asked about the doping policy he said he had to stop taking Propecia while preparing for and playing in The Open Championship. He can take it while playing regular PGA tour events but Propecia is listed on the R&A's list because it can mask other drugs. He admits that he is still currently taking it.

[Australian_Blade]

I just think it's great that we aren't talking about a "big name" on this topic.

This is why golf is so great. When testing started in other sports you had some high payroll high profile guys getting suspended. Although anyone doing it reflects poorly on the sport at least it's a Nationwide player and not a spotlight player.

This is just what I was thinking as I read the posts.

Also I think it's important to point out not all performance enhancing drugs get you ripped. Look at a lot of the MLB guys that took stuff. They have a "gut" and don't look like roiders. As mentioned there are drugs that enhance focus and take away nerves. A drug like that would be just as if not more beneficial when playing on that level...

Just my opinion and perception

[KF_Tower]

I read an Interview with Zach Johnson in Golf Magazine (november issue), in which when asked about the doping policy he said he had to stop taking Propecia while preparing for and playing in The Open Championship. He can take it while playing regular PGA tour events but Propecia is listed on the R&A's list because it can mask other drugs. He admits that he is still currently taking it.

After all, they had that 'Sampson' historical performance to look back on. Wouldn't want a full head of hair causing him to destroy the field!

Drug testing is a joke!
Invasion of privacy and to be honest, no one but sports writers cares anymore!