The baseball fan in me is happy that Congress is putting pressure on baseball to pierce the veil and the silence around this plague. The fact that everyone associated with baseball except Jose Canseco and Ken Caminiti have refused to say anything of value to Mitchell and his investigators. I would like to know who was doing what when, so there is a more accurate picture of the steroid era for a historical perspective.Congress is monitoring George Mitchell's investigation of steroids in baseball and could intervene if he doesn't get more cooperation, two lawmakers told the former Senate Majority Leader.
The leaders of a House subcommittee that held hearings on steroids in 2005 pledged their support for Mitchell in a letter sent to him Tuesday and released to the media Wednesday.
"We sincerely hope that all relevant parties will work constructively to facilitate the completion of your investigation and your ongoing efforts to clean up the sport," wrote House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection chairman Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) and ranking Republican Cliff Stearns of Florida.
Stearns proposed the Drug Free Sports Act in April 2005. That bill called for a two-year suspension for a first offense and a lifetime ban for a second, while leagues that failed to comply would have been fined at least $5 million.
It was one of several pieces of legislation about steroids in pro sports that lawmakers stopped pushing after baseball introduced wider-ranging and more stringent drug rules in November 2005.
"Hopefully, similar legislative initiatives will remain unnecessary," Rush and Stearns
wrote.Mitchell told baseball's owners on Jan. 18 that he intends to interview active players and raised the possibility that Congress could compel testimony -- something he can't do. Mitchell was hired by commissioner Bud Selig last March after more than a year of allegations against Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and other stars.
"We appreciate your warning to team owners and concur with your recommendation for better cooperation with your independent investigation," the congressmen wrote.
On the other hand, the libertarian portion of my soul is not sure what business Congress has in regulating the drug and testing standards for sports in this country. They are independent businesses and regulating these leagues is the business of the owners, the players and to less extent the fans.
7 comments:
i with you on the dilemma there but which weighs heavier for you?
Honestly, I believe the congressional pressure is good, because it might bring some to the surface and start singing like a canary about who did what and when, but when push comes to shove I prefer Congress stay out of it.
There I took a stand
you know what...baseball has proven that when it comes to keeping their game clean they're clueless so I'm glad someone is going to do it for them. Gov't or otherwise, as long as it gets done.
I am sure you already know what I am going to say-Congress is going to monitor Steroid use in baseball but they can't put a leash on Dubya?
Dr-
Are they clueless, or just very smart and savvy at marketing the game. I honestly have to believe that the owners have known exactly, or at least had serious suspicions about what was going on, but they chose to look the other way so they could make money and put fanny's in the seats, buying concessions.
My biggest issues about this whole issue is the historical perspective and how all these long time records are coming crashing down and how once unobtainable numbers (500 HR's, 62 HR) are being surpassed with relative ease.
I know Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire and Fred McGriff have never tested positive (since there were no tests) for steroids, but they have already been convicted in the court of public opinion.
Carol,
You know my opinions and you know that I am generally in agreement with you. But I believe (hope) that Congress is giving Bush a long leash in the hopes that he ultimately gets caught in the noose and hangs himself.
At least that I would like to believe, the cynic in me says otherwise.
Jeff makes a good point that if congress exerts some pressure on the game . . . something may pop out. The pressure that can change the environment for the better can only come from the customer . . . the fans. The fans need to demand a change . . . have you seen www.livetrue61.com?
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