Don’t sniff at drugs in sport

I know I shouldn’t compare eras in sport but the latest police drugs bust has just sat me on my behind.
Already players from three codes have been issued with ‘please explain’ requests and are set to appear in court soon.
The reports say the players involved have been well entrenched in recreational drugs and face cocaine supply offences.
The worst hit appears to be the Gold Coast Titians with up to five big name players including State of Origin players Greg Bird and David Taylor.
Let’s go back to the ‘70s where, in my case, drugs in sport was a rum and coke on a big night out.
International sport was being threatened by performance enhancing drugs with the Communist countries leading the way.
This type of drug was mainly used in the explosive sports with athletics, swimming, cycling, weightlifting participants being the main protagonists.
The East Germans were the early leaders in setting the standard with many of their athletes winning medals and breaking hearts of competitors like two-time Olympic silver medallist Raelene Boyle.
I remember one day sitting in the athlete bus heading to the morning swimming events in Moscow in 1980.
Being an avid swim fan and with the pool opposite the boxing venue, you could always find me there cheering on my team-mates.
I was with national coach Joe King and I commented on how big the three blokes in the seats in front were.
They had East German tracksuits, square heads and massive shoulders and what looked like a hair growth on the sides of their faces.
I said to Mr King: “Gee, those blokes look like the State of Origin back row.”
His answer floored me.
“Benny, they aren’t blokes, they are first, second and third in the women’s Gold medal 400 metre freestyle relay.’’
I can say confidently that there was not, or I didn’t see, any drugs at any time throughout my boxing career, in or out of the ring.
I suppose there will be a lot more information over the next few weeks.
And, of course, the named players are innocent until proved guilty.
Is there a way of stopping this epidemic? I’m not sure but I do believe these players make too much money and have far too much time on the side.
Again, comparing eras, in my day, imported or good players received winning bonuses but had to work during the week.
I also believe the sports reported AFL, Union and League in this latest bust get far too much publicity.
From a Coast point of view, every time you pick up the daily or watch local television news you can bet the Falcons Q Cup leads the coverage.
If sports received coverage based on performance, lifesaving, kayak, hockey, netball, surfing, soccer, boxing and lawn bowls would top the list.
Shortly, the biggest good news story will be the dedication of the Noosa national surfing reserve.
Fellow columnist Phil Jarratt has named most of his committee but I would like to add Matthew Horder.
The sport and recreation officer played a major role in the concept.
Until next time.