by Rob Rowen

Created on: June 09, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

By Rob Rowen

I must disagree with the article writen by Dan Mason. While I am fully aware of the fact that the use of "performancing inhancing" drugs has gone on far longer that any of us realize, the simple truth is , they are illegal, and banned by baseball as well as federal and state law.
I was drafted in the 19th round by the Los angeles Dodgers in June, 1983. I played against both marc McGwire, Jose Canseco, and many other young players that went on to have great major league careers. While I have no doubt they were gifted players and athletes, the use of these drugs gave them an advantage over players that were not using them. This strikes at the heart of the word "integrity" and calls into question the historic "merit" of their accomplishments.

In almost all other sports, both professional and amatuer, the accomplishments of players that have used these type of drugs, are not recognized, and they are stripped of awards, and or banned for a period of time, up to and including life, from participation in their respective sport. The fact that baseball did not have a testing program in effect, does not mean that the players should not be held accountable for their actions.
Let us remember that these athletes are role models wether they want to be or not. The amount of money they make, demands that they be held to a higher standard. While I agree that people make mistakes, and are imperfect, I believe that all of us must pay the price for breaking the law. We live in a society governed by law, and codes of conduct in the workplace, exist at every level of employment.

Mr. Mason states that baseball is just entertainment, i disagree. All professional sports are not only "big business", but they are also an integral part of our history and culture. They are "beacons of light" for millions of children that live in a world of hoplessness and dispair. They are a dream, a goal, and finally a realization of all that is good in our society, for those that achieve their dream.
Finally, I believe that the only thing the players are sorry about, is the fact that this came to light in the first place. They used these drugs knowing full well, that they were both illegal and dangerous. They choose greed and the desire to "get paid" over what they knew was right, and in fact, their own health. I believe that those who cheated, should be banned from the hall of fame for life, just as Pete Rose, and Ty Cobb, and that they should be held accountable in a court of law, just like any other citizen would.

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