Why Selig Must Resign Today
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by user DNL
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| more "on the DL" opinions |
Jason Grimsley has more drugs in him than most rock stars. Uppers, HGH, 'roids, and probably a few things we have never even heard of would appear on his tox screen. And, even though Major League Baseball has a drug testing policy in place -- and has since the start of last year -- the only reason Grimsley isn't pitching is because he suffered from a much different affliction: a loose tongue.
Nevertheless, it's apparent that MLB's drug testing scheme sucks. (It's also apparent that Rafael Palmeiro is mind-bogglingly stupid, having managed to test positive.) The current regime is a farce, a scam, a red herring.
Over the past 18 or so months, Bud Selig has been talking a big game. Here's an article with some great comments, below, demonstrating Selig's public posture:
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[T]he [steroid-testing] programs have kicked in, and we're going to have to do whatever we have to do to eradicate steroids from our sport.
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All the right things. And, in fact, he said them in March. So, we're on the right path, right?
Nope. He said them in March . . . of 2005. 15 months ago. One full season ago. Now, it turns out that the testing scheme is a joke; that players are using the drugs as much as ever before; and that all Selig's done is turn a blind eye to a growing problem. Indeed, Selig told Congress, bluntly, that the testing regime was the solution: "Let me set one thing straight. I will suspend any player who tests positive. There will be no exceptions."
The trick?
Prevent people from testing positive by looking for the wrong things.
It gets better. In his official statement on the matter, Selig says the following:
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Until this point, I have primarily focused my efforts on trying to eliminate the use of performance enhancing substances from the game. My concerns about the allegations of steroid use among Major League and Minor League players were first and foremost for the health of the players and for the integrity of the game on the field. In 1994, before anybody was really talking about steroids in baseball, we proposed a program of testing for such substances to the MLBPA. As early as 1998, I began formulating a strategic plan to eliminate the use of performance enhancing substances from the game. After consultation with doctors and medical experts, we unilaterally imposed a strict drug testing regimen in the Minor Leagues in 2001. We lobbied vigorously in Congress for the passage of the Steroid Control Act of 2004. We developed and deployed educational programs for minor league players. And, at the Major League level, we achieved the toughest drug policy in professional sports through a series of negotiations with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). I am proud of the "three strikes and you're out" policy that we negotiated with the MLBPA. Our joint program gives fans confidence in the integrity of the game on the field. |
Indeed, Selig once said: "Nobody worries more about the image of the sport than I do. I'm proud of our players."
If that's true, Mr. Selig, save the image of the sport, and step down for someone who will do more than simply "worry."
Update: Benjamin Kabak agrees, but thinks Donald Fehr must go as well. In the comments below, others have expressed a similar sentiment. My take is mixed, as the comments suggest.
Date
Thu 06/08/06, 6:01 am EST
