ATLANTA -- Nick Markakis has often been asked whether he would have used performance-enhancing drugs had he played before Major League Baseball implemented the strict drug testing policy that has been in place over the past decade.
"I always tell them, 'No,'" Markakis said. "A lot of people believe you and a lot of people don't believe you. But I personally believe I don't need it. Anything I'm putting in my body I'm going to learn about, and you learn about what some of those things bring later in life. It's obviously not a smart and wise decision to put those chemicals in your body."
Knowing how outspoken Markakis has been regarding the use of PEDs, the Taylor Hooton Foundation approached the Braves outfielder this year and asked him to serve as the team's representative on the Foundation's advisory board.
Taylor Hooton's friends and family members created the foundation after he took his own life in 2003, when he was just 17. His death has been linked to the anabolic steroid usage he began while a high school athlete in Texas.
"These kids look up to us," Markakis said. "When you've constantly got guys getting busted, it's going to be national news, and these kids are going to see it. We've got to set as good of an example as we can and be good in that aspect of this game. It's always a touchy subject. But ultimately we play this game for the fans and the kids. We want to set good examples."
Major League Baseball has endorsed the Taylor Hooton Foundation Advisory Board since 2014. The players who are members partake in public-service campaigns and participate in educational activities throughout their communities.