Play Ball!

Amphetamines and Baseball are in the headlines once again. From what I have read recently, the use of “speed” is common throughout the major leagues. Everyone who plays is looking for an edge according to the stories. What is odd is the fact that the players (apparently) are resisting any change to the culture that would eliminate the use of amphetamines.

"Negotiators for baseball commissioner Bud Selig proposed banning amphetamines during the last round of labor talks on steroids. But union officials, who had taken the unusual step of reopening a contract that remains in effect until 2006, resisted, arguing they already had agreed to a major concession on steroid testing."

How do you negotiate with a group of athletes that think that giving up drugs (steroids) was a “major concession”?

And if drug use is common at the major league level, do we really think it begins and ends there, and never occurs in minor league circles? And below minor league? And take it a step further…if it’s common in baseball, wouldn’t there be a good chance that it happens in all the other sports as well? Aren’t all so-called athletes looking for an edge?

It would be very refreshing to see major league sports/athletes take a stand on a simple no drugs policy; a policy that would include the banning of all drugs including alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. Considering how much they are paid and how powerful their influence is on our youth; I don’t think it’s too much to ask.