OK - So you all probably heard that Alex Rodriguez (NYY 3B) has admited to using steroids between 2001 & 2003. Now the "wonderful" MLB commissioner Bud Selig is saying that A-Rod has "shamed the game". I think this is BS. All of them on the juice has shamed the game. Although I'm a Yankee fan, I've never been an A-Rod fan. That said, I think Selig is way off base to take cheap shots at him. This steroid thing continues because Selig hasn't gotten the guts to take strong action against those who test positive for banned substances. I'm not say A-Rod shold face some sort of discipline. He should and so should all others. The thing that gets me is that they continue to talk about cleaning up the game and so on, but have these BS penalties for players using banned substances. They paid Selig $18M last year. For what, I ask? The only good (and bold) decision I known him to make was during last years' World Series when he suspended what became the decisive game when the conditions were getting more horrible by the minute. In my opinion - you want to stop the players from using banned substances??? Then hit them in the pocket with some serious penalties and get rid of that silly 3 times rule. The players union didn't want to agree to random testing. I bet they didn't. Which union would agree to such a thing without a fight.
That's my two cents on this. Probably why each year I like MLB less and less.
I thought the union had tipped him off that he was going to be tested again? A-Rod is a first rate jerk. He has no place in baseball. All of them Clemens, Canseco, Bonds especailly, they all are ruining what once was such a great game. Baseball was always my favorite sport because it was just such a natural game. I mean I like a lot of the other sports, but this was a game played purely on skill not how hard you can tackle someone, not how high you can jump when slam dunking the ball, just pure skill.
The one player I was so disappointed in was Palmeiro. He was basically a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame then he got busted. The thing is he never looked juiced up, he was always just a very consistent ballplayer.
Such a shame. I still like the game, I just hope that all the dope heads get the heck out of there and make way for those that want to play for the sport of it.
The whole situation is just one big mess. Seilig and the union ignored the problem for a long time, and now the reuptations of players are being unfairly ruined when the players are told they can't discuss their tests but then the results and other details get leaked to the media. Also, in the case of A-Rod, he did nothing illegal at the time he tested positive since his steroid was apparently allowed, even if in hindsight, MLB should have had tougher drug policies.
Personally, I think the records from the steroids era should stand and players such as McGwire, Bonds, Palmeiro, and A-Rod should ultimately be elected to the HOF since it is too hard to figure out who was doing what in those years.
And on a brighter note, I'm glad spring training is starting, only 6 weeks until Opening Day...