Contrast in family relations

What happened to Benoit? Immediate speculation was that steroids were behind his irrational acts. Only drugs, we hope, could push a father to the point that he'd asphyxiate his young son in the very room meant to pay homage to his dad. Police found prescription steroids in the house, and his fellow WWE competitors admit there is intense pressure to use the drugs. Professional wrestlers are not alone as leagues try to get a handle on what has become a shameful reality. Former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski told 60 Minutes last year, "I compromised my morality to get ahead."

Apparently that's not all a person compromises when they opt to take steroids.

I have heard the arguments for using steroids, and most of them come from people who will do anything to compete, try anything to get an edge. And they may understand they're compromising their own health, but now we know they risk the safety of those who did not make the choice to take performance-enhancing drugs.

Steroid users haven't learned what Dick Hoyt knew instinctively. That the best inspiration comes from an athlete's heart. That the best performance enhancing drugs are desire, sacrifice and love.

So when league officials, players union representatives and even Congress get together to try to deal with steroids in their many different forms in these different leagues, they should remember these two fathers. They should remember that sports can be one of the most intimate bonds between fathers and sons, and now mothers and daughters.

They should not allow that experience to be poisoned.

Most importantly, they should stop looking the other way. As unpleasant, complicated and difficult as it will be to eliminate steroids from athletics, it has to be done.

Somebody's son is counting on these powerful people to do what they cannot.

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com