MLB: The Scandal Continues

[Omega]

Well the Mitchell Report was released yesterday stating that someone from every club both players and coaches were involved in the Stereroid's issue in MLB. Both Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds have been listed as those who did take steroroids, but again, this is just a report no charges have been filed, and people still need to see evidence aside from just testimony.

I don't know the level of ramifications this is going to have on Baseball and the American Pastime. But some shockwaves will be felt I'm sure. Many people are thinking to just ignore this whole era for the Hall of Fame, but that seems hard to do when so many players out there are innocent and never really did anything wrong.

It's a situation where, so many people are probably guilty, that it's hard to choose a punishment that doesn't affect everyone negatively.

Do you ever wonder if athletes in other sports are on drugs similar to these? Performance enhancing.

Is anyone concerned as to what type of a role-model this is placing on kids? I mean not only do kids choose to take illegal drugs, but now athletes in high school might see this as if they should use these types of drugs to get ahead.

Should the Major League impose heavier punishments for violation of substance abuse and should there be any legal consequences as well?

[Ophaniel]

Do you ever wonder if athletes in other sports are on drugs similar to these?

If one sport is doing it, we'd be naive to think that no one else does too. I'm sure in just about every sport there are those who take drugs.

Is anyone concerned as to what type of a role-model this is placing on kids?

Well, here in Aus, the problem has been with some of our AFL and Rugy League players. Ben Cousins and Andrew Johns were both in the spotlight over the past few months for drug abuse. Johns is retired now but admitted to being on drugs for at least ten years while he was still playing.

These people are the role models kids look up to. They might try to argue it's their life, they can do what they want, but they have made the choice to live a very public life and that brings responsibilities and consequences. They know they are role models and they choose to set a horrific example.

Should the Major League impose heavier punishments for violation of substance abuse and should there be any legal consequences as well?

Yes. Something needs to be done to stem drug abuse. Again, over here in the AFL apparently a player can fail a drug test three times before he gets kicked out for it. In fact the coach is not even told the guy failed a drug test until he's failed the third time. It should be a zero tolerance system.

I'm all for giving these guys a second chance. But when they are caught out with drugs they should be immediately suspended from their team and sent to rehab, and only allowed to continue playing if they are clean from then on.

[Omega]

I'd agree with Ophaniel that it's naive to believe that others aren't. However I agree with second chances, and don't think it should be zero tolerance, however I like her end thoughts on rehab for the users.

I don't know if it's so much addiction to the drug as it is to the benefits it provides. But come on, if you can't win fairly it's the same as losing in my book.

I think the punishment should eventually reach an end point where they have been given enough chances and are then kicked out of the league for good. But they do need to try to get better as getting better can not only restore but do much more for those that look up to them whether athletes themselves or not.

[Tabbris]

Is anyone concerned as to what type of a role-model this is placing on kids?
To tell you the truth, sometimes I think that the only thing these players care about is the fact that there being paid. I mean Money is everything when it comes to being famous. Not alot of Players care about being a role-model in my eyes, if they did they would think before doing this stuff.