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Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Lamar Odom Back With Champs
The Link Between Steroids and Achievements
As of today, July 30, 2009, three of baseball's most celebrated superstars have tested positive for steroids, performance-enhancing drugs, or whatever you call them. Not only are these three individuals celebrated, but they hold some of the most impressive achievements in baseball history and Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez were almost certain locks for the Hall of Fame. The third player's name released today being David Ortiz had a killer season stretch of 31 homers, 41 homers, 47 homers, and capping it off with an outrageous 54 homerun output in 2006. Starting with the 31 in 2003, Ortiz blasted 173 of his career 302 homers, accounting for about 57% of his career total in only 4 of his 12 major league seasons. These numbers are certainly staggering as it is reported that 2003 was when Ortiz tested positive. Ironically, Ortiz was interviewed this Spring Training saying anyone caught "cheating" should be banned for at least a season and if caught again should be banned from the game forever. Interesting how things sort of work themselves out and we will see where all this goes from here...
The real question remains however - is there a direct link between steroids and the enhancement of performance? While there is no clear answer, the accepted response is yes there is a link AND the usage of such illicit materials does in fact enhance performance. Until evidence shows whether or not this link is accurate, there ought to be some sort of reprimanding for these individuals and their clubs who are just as guilty because I am certain they turned the blind eye to it all.
While college football and professional baseball are not linked just stay with me on this one. In recent years in college football both at the University of Southern California and Florida State University, alleged recruiting and academic scandals have surfaced regarding some high-profile athletes and mediocre ones alike. These young men and their schools cheated off the field in the classroom or before even attending school. None of their acts are directly related to their on-field performance. What happened when this was discovered? People were questioning regular season wins, postseason wins, and even a national championship. If their proposed plan to strip the respected school of its achievement due to "cheating", then how can we not penalize a baseball organization where those player's "cheating" is supposedly directly affecting one's performance. If people can attempt to strip Bobby Bowden of up to 14 wins, can these same people strip the Boston Red Sox of a World Series title? Was it Michigan and their "Fab Five" who were caught up in a similar scandal and stripped of their on-court achievements? Would the loss of something like a championship be a legitimate penalty to organizations that win with players who "cheated?" It truly is a sad day in baseball as too many of the stars are tainting the game let alone their own reputations by attempting to shortcut their way into record books...
The real question remains however - is there a direct link between steroids and the enhancement of performance? While there is no clear answer, the accepted response is yes there is a link AND the usage of such illicit materials does in fact enhance performance. Until evidence shows whether or not this link is accurate, there ought to be some sort of reprimanding for these individuals and their clubs who are just as guilty because I am certain they turned the blind eye to it all.
While college football and professional baseball are not linked just stay with me on this one. In recent years in college football both at the University of Southern California and Florida State University, alleged recruiting and academic scandals have surfaced regarding some high-profile athletes and mediocre ones alike. These young men and their schools cheated off the field in the classroom or before even attending school. None of their acts are directly related to their on-field performance. What happened when this was discovered? People were questioning regular season wins, postseason wins, and even a national championship. If their proposed plan to strip the respected school of its achievement due to "cheating", then how can we not penalize a baseball organization where those player's "cheating" is supposedly directly affecting one's performance. If people can attempt to strip Bobby Bowden of up to 14 wins, can these same people strip the Boston Red Sox of a World Series title? Was it Michigan and their "Fab Five" who were caught up in a similar scandal and stripped of their on-court achievements? Would the loss of something like a championship be a legitimate penalty to organizations that win with players who "cheated?" It truly is a sad day in baseball as too many of the stars are tainting the game let alone their own reputations by attempting to shortcut their way into record books...
David Ortiz - Sports Center
David Ortiz - Sports Center
Notice "Wally's" facial expression. My thoughts exactly when I found out David Ortiz tested positive in 2003.
Notice "Wally's" facial expression. My thoughts exactly when I found out David Ortiz tested positive in 2003.
David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez reportedly tested for PED in 2003
Is that true? Can’t be. No way. Not possible. I can’t believe it. I’m shocked.
Not really.
Somehow this does not surprise me. I’ve had David “Big Papi” Ortiz on my “Mitchell Report” for years. It was only a matter of time before the announcement was made. Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez and now David Ortiz you know all of the names or do you? I could create my own Mitchell Report right now and accurately predict more then half of that list. I have 4 problems with the list:
1) Why aren’t all of the names being leaked?
One by one and month by month, the names on this “anonymous” report continue to be leaked. Why doesn’t baseball just release all of the names at once? That way everyone in the country will know the truth about their baseball “heroes”. That way every other week there won’t be another rumor about a suspected user. That way we can truly cherish the remaining baseball players we have left that DID NOT use. Because right now we’ll never know.
2) If you’re on the list, why not just admit it?
By now, we’ve heard all of the excuses.
Somehow this does not surprise me. I’ve had David “Big Papi” Ortiz on my “Mitchell Report” for years. It was only a matter of time before the announcement was made. Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez and now David Ortiz you know all of the names or do you? I could create my own Mitchell Report right now and accurately predict more then half of that list. I have 4 problems with the list:
1) Why aren’t all of the names being leaked?
One by one and month by month, the names on this “anonymous” report continue to be leaked. Why doesn’t baseball just release all of the names at once? That way everyone in the country will know the truth about their baseball “heroes”. That way every other week there won’t be another rumor about a suspected user. That way we can truly cherish the remaining baseball players we have left that DID NOT use. Because right now we’ll never know.
2) If you’re on the list, why not just admit it?
By now, we’ve heard all of the excuses.
“I didn’t know”Ya right, but there is no excuse for this one. You know in 2003, when the test was administered, if you were using steroids or not. Period. Point blank. You know. Mitchell knows. We should know as well.
“It was given to me”
“I only used to get back for my team”
3) It continues to ruin baseball in my eyes
I am an undergraduate civil engineering major at the University of Houston. Unfortunately for my great university, there exists a virus…CHEATING. I go into an exam, prepared or not, and give it my best with no attempt to cheat or “check my answers” or sheet in my calculator. In my future profession in designing bridges, roadways, or structures, if I cheat, people can be injured or die. This makes it very difficult for me to look at “professional” baseball players. Because of this list, I don’t know who has earned their living fairly or unfairly.
4) It ruins the legacies of current and recently past players…such as Albert Pujols.
Poor Albert Pujols, Poor Ken Griffey Jr., Poor Jeff Bagwell, Poor Randy Johnson, my list could go on and on. As of now, they are suspects in my “Mitchell Report”.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Michael Vick....back to NFL?
[[My thoughts on the Michael Vick situation]]
He committed a crime. He did his time and is now free. In many professions, you don't get a second chance. For example, 18 wheeler driver gets busted for DUI. Kiss his career good bye. Pharmacist caught with marijuana. See ya. Senator caught in a sex scandal. Resign. Lawyer commits a felony. Bar rescinds his license.
However, in our society, entertainers get a free pass. Anybody can study and pass the bar, run and get elected, drive a truck, or pass pharmacy school. But how many people can run a 4.2 40 and have a rocket for an arm?
[[[The Answer: Not too many]]
For reasons of pure entertainment Michael Vick will get another chance in the NFL. A circus will ensue. Eyes will be glue to the TVs. As ratings increase, advertisements increase, NFL dollars increase. Isn't that the bottom line?
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