While Players and Owners Debate Steroid Tests for MLB
Players, the Public Clearly Expects Players to Come Clean
New research by Harris Interactive shows a full 70% of
Americans feel Major League Baseball should test players for steroids
Rochester, NY—July 8, 2002—While disputes rarely emerge over high
altitude training chambers, the introduction of new materials to be used in
rackets and golf clubs, artificial turf, etc., players and owners continue to
debate the need to test Major League Baseball (MLB) players for steroids. There
is no debate among fans, however, who clearly want to watch a ‘clean’ game.
According to new research by Harris Interactive®, a full 70% of
Americans think that MLB should test its players for steroids.
Nadine Gelberg, executive director of sports and entertainment research at
Harris Interactive stated, "Technology disputes are usually couched within
the rhetoric of safety; but where steroids are concerned, safety is only one
issue. People recognize sports as business and accept the implementation of
training technologies that are meant to promote and enhance the quality and
success of sports. Steroids, however, are in a different class – they simply
taint the game."
The study shows that 39% of Americans with an opinion think that between 11%
and 50% of MLB players are currently using steroids. Would testing and banning
steroids increase the fan base? Only 12% says their interest would increase if
MLB cracked down on steroid use. The majority says their interest will remain
the same.
Interestingly, among the diehard and avid MLB fans, the problem is perceived
as much worse. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of the diehard and avid MLB fans
believe that 11% to 50% of MLB players are using steroids, and a full 10% thinks
the problem exists for more than 50% of MLB athletes. Virtually 80% of diehard
and avid fans believe the league should test its athletes, with 19% saying it
would increase their interest in the game.
This survey is part of Harris Interactive’s SportTainmentSM
Poll, a survey that includes more than 10,000 completed interviews conducted
during the last week of every month. The margin of error is plus or minus 2%.
About Harris Interactive®
Harris Interactive (www.harrisinteractive.com) is a worldwide market research
and consulting firm best known for The Harris Poll® and its
pioneering use of the Internet to conduct scientifically accurate market
research. We combine the power of unique methodologies and technology with
international expertise in predictive, custom and strategic research.
Headquartered in Rochester, NY, with offices across the United States, in the
United Kingdom, in Japan and a global network of local market and opinion
research firms, the Company conducts international research with fluency in
multiple languages. EOE M/F/D/V
To become a member of the Harris Poll OnlineSM and be invited to
participate in future online surveys, visit www.harrispollonline.com.
Press Contact:
Nancy Wong
Harris Interactive
585-214-7316 or 585-415-8931
nwong@harrisinteractive.com
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