Steroid scandal won't end soon
IN the first tangible vote dealing with the steroid scandal, baseball writers have put the players on notice: If you aren't in a position to convincingly deny any involvement with this enhancement drug, you are going to find it extremely difficult to get into the Hall of Fame.
Good.
Slugger Mark McGwire just learned that the hard way. After belting 583 homers in his career and, at one point, holding the single-season record in that category, McGwire now has to deal with a sullied reputation. His refusal to talk about his past before a congressional hearing in 2005 has shattered his credibility. As a result, the Baseball Writerss Association of America rejected his induction into the Hall of Fame by an overwhelming margin, while two exemplary players on and off the field, Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn, will be enshrined.
McGwire, who received less than a quarter of votes in balloting, is the first test in what is sure to be many; some, in fact, will be more difficult. For instance, Barry Bonds seems destined to become the all-time leading home run hitter, but he has been linked to an investigation of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, accused of steroid distribution to various athletes. In the book "Game of Shadows," two baseball beat reporters detailed the alleged steroid-taking habits of Bonds and others. The books authors asserted Bonds started using steroids in 1998 to keep up with the home-run hitting prowess of other players, including McGwire.
Baseball executives were slow to react to the problem and didn't officially ban steroids until after the 2002 season. In waiting so long, they let down their fans and possibly aided in the endangerment of children in the process. That's because steroids artificially bulk up muscle and are considered a health risk, especially to growing children, who tend to idolize athletes and try to emulate what they do.
Shamelessly, it was only after the congressional appearance by McGwire and several other marquee players that baseball executives conceded a comprehensive, tough drug policy was needed. Now, first-time offenders receive a 50-game, followed by 100-game, ban if they test positive again, and a lifetime ban for a third violation.
Nevertheless, the players using the enhancement drug before the official ban certainly had to realize they were attempting to gain an unfair advantage in the sporting arena.
Baseball writers have every right, even an obligation, to take this in consideration when casting their Hall of Fame ballots
