Lots of hue and cry about Alex Rodriguez, who four sources claim [and Sports Illustrated published a story about it on their website] used steroids in 2003.
[1] Steroids have been prohibited for use by ballplayers under the national agreement, since 1991.
[2] Until 2004, there was no penalty for having done so.
[3] As part of the program for determining whether or not baseball had a drug problem [it did], an "anonymous" testing was done on players during the 2003 season. The results were to be kept confidential with regard to individual players - only percentages of players using steroids was to be monitored. The level of overall usage was high enough that baseball instituted random testing and penalties for usage.
[4] I am mildly annoyed that Alex Rodriguez would use steroids. He has marvelous talent, and is a known workout fanatic. Then again, he's an insecure numbnut. Alex, pull your head out of your backside! You don't need any artificial enhancement. Now, stop thinking too much - confess to using, apologize, ask forgiveness, get on with winning the World Series. Be Pettitte, be Giambi. Don't be Bonds or Clemens.
[5] I am not upset with Sports Illustrated. After all, four sources.... if SI.com did not spill the beans, someone else would have.
[6] Four sources. Four sources somehow were able to connect names and samples, which for security, had been kept separate [even in separate states!]. The feds accumulated the information as part of the Balco investigation, and I don't have a problem with that, either, except that it enabled four individuals to talk about something which they should not have. Four sources divulging information. Not only Alex Rodriguez, but many other players will be identified, all after an "anonymous" testing. I am sure the MLB Players Association is/will be livid. For one thing, Major League Baseball ownership, at the moment, has no credibility. Good thing profits are high, or there might be labor issues. Four sources who are cowardly and hide behind anonymity, the very anonymity they stripped from Alex Rodriguez. Let the investigation continue. I want to know who these sources are, and I want to see justice enacted.
[7] Some have mentioned that Gene Orza gave prior knowledge to Alex Rodriguez that he would be subject to an upcoming drug test. If that is true, did anyone actually expect anything different? The MLBPA is a union. Nothing more, nothing less. Members tend to make more money than members of most other unions. Why would we expect greater pay to somehow create more ethical behavior? I have witnessed many shenanigans from another union which I will not identify here; my point is, the union is beholden to itself and to a certain degree, its members. If you believe otherwise, you come from a very naive perspective. Mr. Orza, if it is proven that he is guilty of some rule violation, will indeed be punished. I do not necessarily believe that he will be fired, or even that he should be.
[8] Naturally, this will serve to fan the flames of all who hate the New York Yankees in general and one Alexander Rodriguez in particular. That's fine. It truly is not easy being the "Evil Empire". So, haters, crow on. Everyone knows you are doing so out of envy. Besides, controversy stirs interest, which leads to increased revenue. You're welcome.
[1] Steroids have been prohibited for use by ballplayers under the national agreement, since 1991.
[2] Until 2004, there was no penalty for having done so.
[3] As part of the program for determining whether or not baseball had a drug problem [it did], an "anonymous" testing was done on players during the 2003 season. The results were to be kept confidential with regard to individual players - only percentages of players using steroids was to be monitored. The level of overall usage was high enough that baseball instituted random testing and penalties for usage.
[4] I am mildly annoyed that Alex Rodriguez would use steroids. He has marvelous talent, and is a known workout fanatic. Then again, he's an insecure numbnut. Alex, pull your head out of your backside! You don't need any artificial enhancement. Now, stop thinking too much - confess to using, apologize, ask forgiveness, get on with winning the World Series. Be Pettitte, be Giambi. Don't be Bonds or Clemens.
[5] I am not upset with Sports Illustrated. After all, four sources.... if SI.com did not spill the beans, someone else would have.
[6] Four sources. Four sources somehow were able to connect names and samples, which for security, had been kept separate [even in separate states!]. The feds accumulated the information as part of the Balco investigation, and I don't have a problem with that, either, except that it enabled four individuals to talk about something which they should not have. Four sources divulging information. Not only Alex Rodriguez, but many other players will be identified, all after an "anonymous" testing. I am sure the MLB Players Association is/will be livid. For one thing, Major League Baseball ownership, at the moment, has no credibility. Good thing profits are high, or there might be labor issues. Four sources who are cowardly and hide behind anonymity, the very anonymity they stripped from Alex Rodriguez. Let the investigation continue. I want to know who these sources are, and I want to see justice enacted.
[7] Some have mentioned that Gene Orza gave prior knowledge to Alex Rodriguez that he would be subject to an upcoming drug test. If that is true, did anyone actually expect anything different? The MLBPA is a union. Nothing more, nothing less. Members tend to make more money than members of most other unions. Why would we expect greater pay to somehow create more ethical behavior? I have witnessed many shenanigans from another union which I will not identify here; my point is, the union is beholden to itself and to a certain degree, its members. If you believe otherwise, you come from a very naive perspective. Mr. Orza, if it is proven that he is guilty of some rule violation, will indeed be punished. I do not necessarily believe that he will be fired, or even that he should be.
[8] Naturally, this will serve to fan the flames of all who hate the New York Yankees in general and one Alexander Rodriguez in particular. That's fine. It truly is not easy being the "Evil Empire". So, haters, crow on. Everyone knows you are doing so out of envy. Besides, controversy stirs interest, which leads to increased revenue. You're welcome.
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