The Lamron

Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Associated Press/ Eugene Hoshiko Marat Safin has been a vocal critic of Andre Agassi's revelation in his autobiography about his use of methamphetamine in 1997.

Tennis player Andre Agassi admitted in his recent autobiography that he used crystal methamphetamine in 1997 while he was in the middle of his professional career.

When Agassi first failed a drug test, he lied and told the Association of Tennis Professionals that his assistant spiked a drink and he had not intentionally ingested the drug.

Agassi's drug use has caused him criticism from Marat Safin, who was formerly ranked the No. 1 tennis player in the world. According to an article by the Associated Press, Safin said he believes that by lying to the ATP, Agassi put himself in a position where he was able to win money and titles he shouldn't have.

Safin told the French newspaper L'Equipe that Agassi should "give his titles, his money and his Grand Slam titles" back. He also added that, "If he is as fair play as he says he is, he has to go to the end … the ATP has a bank account and he can give the money back if he wants."

Safin does have a valid point: According to the International Tennis Federation Anti-Doping Rules, Agassi took a banned substance and would theoretically have to give back his prize money, as well as face a two-year suspension.

But should Agassi really have to give back his money and titles back? The answer is no. The banned substance Agassi took was crystal meth, not a performance-enhancing drug like anabolic steroids or human growth hormone.

Agassi's use of meth is more similar to running back Ricky Williams' marijuana use during his first stint with the Miami Dolphins. Wins can't be taken away from the Dolphins 10-6 season in 2003. Williams was the NFL's leading rusher in 2002, rushing for over 1,800 yards; but LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers isn't complaining that he should have won the rushing title that year because Williams took a banned substance.

The problem for Agassi is that Safin is jealous of his opponent's tremendous accomplishments as a player and is simply looking for an opportunity to diminish his achievements.

Safin retired after last week's Paris Masters, while Agassi retired in 2006. Agassi has eight career-Grand Slam titles compared to Safin's two, and has over twice as many singles victories as Safin. Agassi's career record is 870-274 while Safin's is 421-266 - a winning percentage of .760 for Agassi and a mere .610 for Safin.

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