Regis Philbin Sees Nothing Wrong With Steroids: 'I Like Having Roid Rage'

Most discussions of steroids begin with the premise that using steroids is always bad. But today on Live with Regis and Kelly, of all places, there was a discussion with a decidedly different twist:

Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa were discussing their own use of cortisone -- which is a steroid, but not an illegal anabolic steroid. Philbin then said, "But steroids have gotten a bad rap. I mean, boy, oh boy, everybody's condemning them and you're not allowed to have them.

When Ripa tried to draw a distinction between medical use of steroids and illegal use of anabolic steroids to build muscle, Philbin said, "What's wrong with that? What is wrong with that?" He then added, "I like having 'roid rage. I think it's funny."

Our nation has become so fanatical in its war on steroids that I'm sure Philbin is going to be criticized for such comments, but I'd like to see more such questions asked. If people want to use steroids to make their muscles bigger and stronger, why is it the government's job to stop them?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

6-19-2008 @ 3:25PM

Gary said...

It is naïve to think that steroids are harmless muscle building drugs. The side effects of steroids are significant and the negative impact on the persons overall health cannot be discounted. Some would argue that it is the prerogative of the individual to decide if the health risk is worth it, just as a smoker decides if lung cancer is worth the use of tobacco. However, anabolic steroids are frequently used to enhance sporting performance, and this causes the playing field to no longer be level. Consequently many young and talented athletes are faced with the prospect of being forced to use steroids just to be able to compete with their drug enhanced peers. In that regard, these young people may not otherwise have wished to use steroids, but are compelled to do so. They recognize that they might be ruining their health, but they must bulk up to compete. This is an ominous message to send to the young people of America. I believe Regis is wrong,and I think Michael David Smith is an irresponsible journalist for supporting the use of steroids.

6-19-2008 @ 5:36PM

Martin said...

MDS - Medical professionals have determined that steroids are very harmful to your health. Legalizing steroids forces athletes to make a choice between taking steroids so as to be able to fairly compete (and accept the resulting damage to their health in the process) or give up on their dreams of being able to compete at the highest levels. Athletes should not be placed in that kind of position.

Worse still is that the use of steroids by high school students is increasing. Perhaps either Mr. Philbin or MDS would like to go to the parents of the Taylor Hootons of this world and explain to them how wonderful steroids are.