Time To Release ALL The Names
It comes as no surprise that Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz are among the 104 players that tested positive during baseball's sample testing in 2003. I am still surprised that the rest of the names aren't out yet. They should be.
Depending on which report you believe, up to 7 names have been released. Among them Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez (who admitted to using) Jason Giambi, (who apologized for nothing specific) and Sammy Sosa.
I've said often that I have no sympathy for multi-millionaires who choose to damage their bodies to gain big bucks. Remember back in February? Ortiz said that everyone should be tested and banned for 1 season, if found positive. He also joked, "I've had to pee in front of people a lot." Ortiz comes off as stupid as Rafael Palmeiro. Palmeiro waved his finger at Congress claiming he NEVER used the juice-and tested positive in 2005.
As for Ramirez, he is cluelessly "being Manny" again. When he was suspended earlier this season, Ramirez claimed shock, saying, "I've been tested 15 times the last 5 years." Well Manny, 2003 is SIX years ago.
Obviously many of these guys NEVER expected to be caught for the 2003 results. That sample testing was supposed to, by agreement of the Players' Association and MLB, be kept anonymous. The union especially has quite a case against the government, who grabbed the list for their BALCO /Bonds investigations.
My point: Whoever is slowly releasing these names to the media or media frauds like Selena Roberts surely has the rest of the list. As a long time union supporter, I DON'T like saying this, but it's time to let all the names out and be done with it. I could care less that A-Roid and a few Roid Sox tested positive six years ago. But why should they take heat and another say, 100 guys not? That is not fair to the rest of the players, no matter what you or I think of their obvious lack of character. You know, it wouldn't be such a bad idea if George Mitchell issued a report on guys who are/were clean. Baseball and union honchos were so concerned with profits they looked the other way until Congress made them face facts.
Used car salesman turned commissioner Bud Selig turns 75 today. I'm sure while chirping that the sport has the best drug policy in sports, today's news may make him choke on his birthday cake. But if Selig really wants to "move forward", he should do what he can to make the rest of the 2003 names known.
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Comments: 4
Mark Texiera, Johnny Damon and Joe Girardi all said the same thing we believe here in the office...let's get all the names out already. One media day (okay, maybe a week) to talk, question, analyze and then we move on.
At this point, we can only work to make the sport cleaner and purer. Don't get me wrong-I am ashamed that athletes cheat! I worked my tail off to perform better or at least be competitive with others on the volleyball court and track who had more natural ability than me (i.e. height--I did the high jump too) It makes me sick that athletes in any sport cheat...is winning THAT important? Is that BIG salary rewarding if you know it wasn't received honestly? I will keep my values, thank you very much, because you know, if you cheat in one thing, you will cheat in other aspects of your life...and teach your children to do the same. Stop the cycle!
You are all for leaking information under a court order? You are all for having your Fourth Ammendment Rights violated? So you are all for "unreasonable searches and seizures?"
The release of this list must be done under court order, only!
Your premise makes no sense legally or morally.
The laws of this country are a little more significant than the steroid problem in Major League Baseball.
Just hope each of you have not done something and been promised confidentiality or "off the record" remarks.
Lolita showed concerns over what Omar did to Adam Rubin on Monday, yet she wants confidential records released.
Mark Texeira, Johnny Damon and Joe Giradi were all part of the Player's Union for years. The Player's Union blocked testing for years. Therefore, these three men have no right to speak on this topic.
I'm with James....and I made my point yesterday in the sports office. I DONT think the names should be released.
Put yourself in these guy's shoes. Like JP said, what if you took a survey about an embarrassing topic years ago and were told that your answers would be kept confidential.
I bet you'd be real upset if your answers came to light years later.
Obviously these guys did something bad, but at the time the survey was conducted to determine if there was a problem in the game. By being honest, they were theoretically doing their part to HELP the game by admitting their guilt. And now we're penalizing them? Not fair.
Keep the (remaining) names confidential.
I should have been clearer. I want the names released LEGALLY! The leaks are terrible and a shame really...but if the players union could get a vote from the players and say hey let's do this once and for all, I am for that! This is doubtful! But obviously the anonymous thing isn't working out. The players union needs to be in court threatening to take away the prosecution's key piece of evidence in their steroids case, that list! (using your exact argument, James) I just hate having to hear about another name and then another. I have already heard leaks about several guys not out there...YET. Whoever has this list, is playing some little game. In my utopia, the names come out, we report it and move on...we all know that will never be the case. As for not wanting things I have said repeated...you darn right!