Why we shouldn’t allow performance enhancing drugs in sport Kjetil K. Haugen *†‡ April 1, 2011 Abstract In this short note, I enhance the discussion of legalizing performance enhancing drugs brought up by Savulescu, Foddy and Clayton through applying some simple economic theoretic arguments. I claim that Savulesu et al. fail to see some evident economic arguments, and hence very well may reach an erroneous conclusion. 1 My intention Present Oxford professor J. Savulescu and colleagues B. Foddy and M. Clayton, published a paper titled “Why we should allow performance enhancing drugs in sport ” [3] in British Journal of Sports Medicine back in 2004. The authors argued strongly, not surprisingly taking the title into account, for legalizing performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). I remember after reading their article, back in 2004, a somewhat awkward feeling to the contents in general, and my personal role in particular. I thought about writing a comment back then, but due to more urgent creative projects, I did not pursue the idea. However, the other day I witnessed professor Savulescu on national Norwegian TV and other media [2] arguing strongly for his case, and after this experience, I have decided to open my mouth on the matter. The reason for my personal interest is the fact that previous work of mine seems to play a certain part in Savulescu et al.’s arguments in the above referred article. My article, “The performance-enhancing drug game ” [1] published in Journal of Sports Economics in 2004, and cited by Savuelscu et al., may to some extent be perceived as a support for the conclusion of Savulescu et al. I agree on the fact that my article predicts problems in fighting PED-use among professional athletes. However, problems in fighting does not equate legalizing. My main point in writing this article was actually to help fight drug abuse, not legalize it. So, in order not to be associated with Savulescu’s personal international vendetta (at least that is what it seems like observed form outside), I use this opportunity to state that I do not agree that we should legalized PEDs * Corresponding author. E-mail: Kjetil.Haugen@himolde.no † Molde University College, Specialized University in Logistics, Box 2110, 6402, Molde, NORWAY ‡ Thanks to Prof. H. Gammelseter at Molde University College for reading through the manuscript. 1