Tuesday, February 13, 2007
MLB's Steroids woes continue.
What has become of America's favorite pastime? I'll tell you what has happened. Baseball has lost its lustre amid the growing concern of steroids among players.
The Associated Press has reported that MLB's Player's Association has asked a federal appeals court to reverse its decision allowing investigators to probe into the 2004 positive steroids test of over 100 players. The court's 2-1 decision was instrumental in helping to expose the major source of steroids distribution in the U.S.
The MLB obviously stands to plunge further into the depths of irrelevance and plummeting ratings if several of its stars are suspended or, at the very least, thrown into clouds of suspicion so it isn't surprising that the league is fighting to keep the identities of these athletes private. Several names have already been leaked, but since there is not proof of certainty, we can only speculate and not convict. But Barry Bonds shouldn't have to bear the weight of this steroids issue on his aching knees and back. The public deserves to know who these people are and leave them with the choice to convict or give any athlete a second chance. Afterall, the NFL's Shawn Merriman made it to the Pro Bowl after serving a four-game suspension for testing positive to steroids this past season.
Several months ago, I blogged about the fight two San Francisco Chronicle writers were undergoing to avoid prison time (the appeal is still ongoing) and addressed some of the comments that portrayed these writers as investigative heroes. This is a perfect way to expose these mess called steroids. Revealing these athletes proves that the MLB is ready to revamp its image and promote a drug-free sport. The MLB needs to take a cue from Track&Field. No one should be above reprimand. By protecting these athletes, the league is saying publicly that it is more interested in revenues and financial success. The problem is very soon, there just might not be any revenues coming in from the mostly empty stadiums.
The Associated Press has reported that MLB's Player's Association has asked a federal appeals court to reverse its decision allowing investigators to probe into the 2004 positive steroids test of over 100 players. The court's 2-1 decision was instrumental in helping to expose the major source of steroids distribution in the U.S.
The MLB obviously stands to plunge further into the depths of irrelevance and plummeting ratings if several of its stars are suspended or, at the very least, thrown into clouds of suspicion so it isn't surprising that the league is fighting to keep the identities of these athletes private. Several names have already been leaked, but since there is not proof of certainty, we can only speculate and not convict. But Barry Bonds shouldn't have to bear the weight of this steroids issue on his aching knees and back. The public deserves to know who these people are and leave them with the choice to convict or give any athlete a second chance. Afterall, the NFL's Shawn Merriman made it to the Pro Bowl after serving a four-game suspension for testing positive to steroids this past season.
Several months ago, I blogged about the fight two San Francisco Chronicle writers were undergoing to avoid prison time (the appeal is still ongoing) and addressed some of the comments that portrayed these writers as investigative heroes. This is a perfect way to expose these mess called steroids. Revealing these athletes proves that the MLB is ready to revamp its image and promote a drug-free sport. The MLB needs to take a cue from Track&Field. No one should be above reprimand. By protecting these athletes, the league is saying publicly that it is more interested in revenues and financial success. The problem is very soon, there just might not be any revenues coming in from the mostly empty stadiums.
