At Least Alex Said ONE Thing Right- Whether He Meant It Or Not

Like most of us, I've had time to digest Alex Rodriguez' mea culpa press conference from yeaterday. Yeah, I still think he was fighting crocodile tears during that 37 second pause before thanking his teammates fior their support. I still think this 'cousin' is the fall guy. I still think there is a lot more here than meets the eye regarding A-Cheat. But whether it was a PR ploy or a genuine comment, Rodriguez brought home a point that everyone should hear.

A-Rod said, "I hope kids don't make the same mistake I did." He says he will be joining forces with the Taylor Hooton Foundation to help fight steroid use by young people.

Taylor Hooton was a 16 year old from Plano, Texas who committed suicide after his hard core use of steroids led to depression, roid rage and yes, his death. Taylor's cousin was former big leaguer Burt Hooton, and his brother was a star athlete in high school. Dad Don Hooton has testified before Congress on the dangers of PED's and has dedicated his life to saving the lives of children.

Now, you and I may not give a damn about A-Rod, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Marion Jones or the other athletes we know of that used the juice. A few more: Lyle Alzado, Florence Griffith Joyner, Chris Benoit. Of that last group, all are dead due in large part to steroid use. Former NL MVP Ken Caminiti is gone too.

So while we debate Rodriguez' transgressions, his Hall of Fame legacy and whether he'll finally be a part of a Yankee title winner, ponder this. Steroids at their very least mess up people's minds and bodies to the point of short term, long term illness and/or disease. At most, particularly in young people still growing or bodies under constant stress while using steroids, they lead to an early death.

I wonder: Do guys like Barry Bonds have loved ones who sit at home wondering if he'll be dead or incapacitated in 10-15 years? Does Debbie (Mrs. Roger) Clemens ever think about whether the Rocket's fervent denials will matter in a few years if he's dead-no matter how rich, how many Cy Youngs and how many Hall of Fame plaques he thinks he's entitled too?

Maybe we don't care about today's athlete, or what complete hypocrites sports leaders like Vince McMahon and Bud Selig are as they play dumb, then get all bent out of shape when pressure is put on them to clean up, in this case, wrestling and baseball.

BUT: We ALL have sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins. siblings and friends who see sports 'heroes' high step through life. Maybe you're reading this while feeling the pressure of trying to get to a good college or even some level of pro ball to earn an education and make ends meet. Maybe you just want to look good. But is screwing up your health worth it? To a teenager, when you think you're young and invincible, or a middle aged guy trying to squeeze another year of the Fountain of Youth, it may be.

Now, I am not a parent,but I have been blessed as an uncle and friend to adults whose children I love. From New Jersey thru Westchester and all through Long Island, all those who are close to me know that I would do all I could to help their kids.

I ask my loved ones, and all of you, to check out the Taylor Hooton Foundation website. Heed the information there. If your kids are athletes, keep a close eye on them . Do everything you can to make sure they don't end up like A-Rod-or worse, Taylor Hooton. If you're a kid tempted to try going on the juice, send an e-mail or make a call to Taylor's dad Don. I'm sure he'd love the chance to speak to you-a chance he won't have with Taylor this side of eternity.