Interesting Article re: Justin Charles & Steroids
Boyle ire over Charles boast (The Age)
By Stathi Paxinos
December 12, 2004
Australian track legend Raelene Boyle yesterday described as "disgusting" comments made by former AFL ruckman Justin Charles that he felt no guilt about taking steroids to overcome an injury and would do it again providing he was not caught.
The former Western Bulldogs and Richmond ruckman Charles, became the first player caught by the AFL for using performance-enhancing drugs and was suspended for 16 matches in 1997 after he tested positive for the steroid Boldenone.
However, Charles told ABC Radio he did not feel any guilt about the measures he took to overcome the injury, which he felt was no worse than taking legal painkillers to get back on the field.
"Why would I feel guilt? I certainly don't feel guilt about doing something that would help my health," Charles said.
"I knew I was running a risk of getting caught and suspended and I took that risk, but guilt? No. Certainly not."
Charles, who retired in 1999 because of a hip injury, was used by the AFL in 2002 to talk to players about his story as part of drug-code education classes.
Charles said he made a "selfish" decision by taking the steroids and regretted "letting people down" among his family and teammates, but he did not feel that he did the wrong thing to try to get back on to the field.
In 2002, he was reported as acknowledging that his steroid use had not been justifiable.
"In terms of myself, I'd do it again tomorrow, because I don't feel anyone should tell any athlete or any worker for that matter, how to get back to doing your job. If there's something out there that can help you," Charles said.
"Look, when I say I'd do it again tomorrow that is, you know, provided I didn't get caught."
Charles also claimed many other AFL players had used steroids to overcome injuries.
Vocal anti-drug campaigner Boyle, who won three Olympic silver medals, two of which were behind Renate Stecher - a product of East Germany's performance boosting drug regime - said she was appalled by Charles' comments and the example they set for young athletes.
"I think that's disgusting that a man would say that as an example to the youth, and he's a bloke whose supposed to be preaching to the footballers and counselling them about not doing it," Boyle said. "It's a contradiction of interest and I would hope the AFL don't use him again.
"What a shocking example, saying to kids do what you want to just make sure you don't get caught."
This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/12/11/1102625585235.html
Boyle ire over Charles boast (The Age)
By Stathi Paxinos
December 12, 2004
Australian track legend Raelene Boyle yesterday described as "disgusting" comments made by former AFL ruckman Justin Charles that he felt no guilt about taking steroids to overcome an injury and would do it again providing he was not caught.
The former Western Bulldogs and Richmond ruckman Charles, became the first player caught by the AFL for using performance-enhancing drugs and was suspended for 16 matches in 1997 after he tested positive for the steroid Boldenone.
However, Charles told ABC Radio he did not feel any guilt about the measures he took to overcome the injury, which he felt was no worse than taking legal painkillers to get back on the field.
"Why would I feel guilt? I certainly don't feel guilt about doing something that would help my health," Charles said.
"I knew I was running a risk of getting caught and suspended and I took that risk, but guilt? No. Certainly not."
Charles, who retired in 1999 because of a hip injury, was used by the AFL in 2002 to talk to players about his story as part of drug-code education classes.
Charles said he made a "selfish" decision by taking the steroids and regretted "letting people down" among his family and teammates, but he did not feel that he did the wrong thing to try to get back on to the field.
In 2002, he was reported as acknowledging that his steroid use had not been justifiable.
"In terms of myself, I'd do it again tomorrow, because I don't feel anyone should tell any athlete or any worker for that matter, how to get back to doing your job. If there's something out there that can help you," Charles said.
"Look, when I say I'd do it again tomorrow that is, you know, provided I didn't get caught."
Charles also claimed many other AFL players had used steroids to overcome injuries.
Vocal anti-drug campaigner Boyle, who won three Olympic silver medals, two of which were behind Renate Stecher - a product of East Germany's performance boosting drug regime - said she was appalled by Charles' comments and the example they set for young athletes.
"I think that's disgusting that a man would say that as an example to the youth, and he's a bloke whose supposed to be preaching to the footballers and counselling them about not doing it," Boyle said. "It's a contradiction of interest and I would hope the AFL don't use him again.
"What a shocking example, saying to kids do what you want to just make sure you don't get caught."
This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/12/11/1102625585235.html
