It has seemed that recent sports steroid controversies has NBC thinking ahead. NBC is testing both performers and contestants. An article in the New York Post reports:
NBC has been testing the 12 cast members of “American Gladiators” for performance-enhancing drugs, according to a report today in the authoritative trade magazine Broadcasting & Cable.
In addition, cast members’ contracts require them to submit to tests at any time during the competition.
I have to admit, I haven’t been able to make it more than 5 minutes watching the new ‘Gladiators’. But, I’m confused. What is next? Are they going to start testing WWE wrestlers? It’s not a real sport. It is a game show…it’s entertainment.
What do you think? Is it necessary? Does it make ‘Gladiators’ more enjoyable?
Comments
The point isnt that it is an official sport. They are attempting to avoid making a safe haven for juicers to aspire to.
If there are options for juicers to aspire to in a career, people would be more eager to take the drug in an effort to be accepted in that niche market.
This stand makes for a unified front against the use of enhancement drugs for any sport or entertainment.
I just found it curious. I always assumed that a large number of professional wrestlers took steroids. It appeared to be a choice/sacrifice they make to excel in their profession. I look at the gladiators as comparable.
I understand what it takes to maintain the physique that the gladiators have. It consumes your life. If they are expected to maintain that look completely naturally, I hope that they are paid well. Steroid use is stupid, but a choice. If NBC stops at testing for illegal steroid use, then that is different.
It is a game show. Are quiz-show contestants tested for mind enhancing drugs?
@Rodney:
I think the most important question your post brings up is…
So? So what if there’s an official sport-like ….thing that is a safe-haven for steroids?
I guess it’s a good thing not to allow it, but honestly I have never seen the show, and it doesn’t bother me either way.
[…] as the ratings were huge for the debut, but can those big numbers stay high? Would the producers be testing for steroids? I was planning on following up with this but I just kinda lost […]