The goalkeeper for Sheffield United Paddy Kenny has been suspended after his results were positive for ephedrine. The incident ocurred after the Championship Semi Final between Sheffield United and Preston in the previous season.

Ephedrine is an ingredient used in cough medication and can be used as a performance enhancer. The punishment for use of performance enhancers by the FA [Football Association] can range from between a reprimand and a two year suspension. The person who is accused of using performance enhancers have to prove that they did not use it.

Whether Kenny is guilty or not depends on his defense and the ruling of the Football Association. What must be dealt with in this article is the fact that sports and drugs do not mix. While there are people who play sports and do not use drugs, there are others who refuse to understand that drug abuse destroys sports.

While the person who mixes sports and drugs may exercise his right to do so, he or she should understand that they will be subject to disciplinary actions and that it hurts them as well as the sport. The underwriter applauds the decision of the People’s Republic of China and Great Britain to ban their athletes from competing in their national teams for life just for using drugs. It teaches athletes a lesson about drug abuse.