We now have two more athletes claiming their innocence, in the face of failed drug tests. Tour De France winner Floyd Landis and Olympic Gold Medalist Justin Gatlin are now fighting for their sports careers. In the recent week, it has been reported that both of them have failed a drug test. Since an athlete's name is at sake, it is time that all athletes take personal responsibility for what goes into his or her own body.

I know that my tone sounds like one of a father. However, athletes need to stop trusting their personal coaches, when it comes to what goes into their body. If you test positive for drugs, your coach may reprimanded for his or her actions, but it is your picture and reputation on public display. While I am not judging Landis or Gatlin, these are two examples where their coaches may deserve just as much blame. Also, I believe that these individuals should be allowed to go through the appeal process without being presumed guilty.

Nevertheless, the court of public opinion remains suspicious of athletes. From Major League Baseball's steroid scandal to the shadow over the Tour De France, some athletes have made it harder on the honest ones, in their respective sports. It is up to current sports figures to change the perception of professional athletes around world. A good starting place would be knowing what is going into your body.

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