The MLB is about to take a giant step forward with the new proposed contract between players and owners as they come to agreement on HGH testing. That’s the report out of the New York Times in Michael Schmidt’s piece, New Contract Will Enable Baseball to Test for H.G.H.
As far as I’m concerned, this places Major League Baseball leaps ahead of the NFL’s washrag-type attitude where they can’t seem to finalize their plans to test for this substance. They just can’t seem to get it right yet.
Depicted in my last piece, California Representative Henry Waxman Calls Into Question NFL Union “Delay” Tactics Regarding HGH Testing, I discuss the NFL’s inability to have the guts to make a real commitment to testing for Human Growth Hormone. Oh sure, they can come up with a plan, but follow through on it, nah, maybe next year!!!
And questioning the validity of the test (the players union’s reasoning for not moving forward) holds absolutely no water whatsoever. Funny how the test seems valid for the Olympics (being used at that level for almost 10 years) and for Major League Baseball. No matter that scientists are saying it’s valid, the NFL players union just…isn’t so sure. I suppose they know something no one else does. Wonder what that is???
Significant as well is the reported 50-game suspension for a positive test, almost a third of the MLB season. That consequence definitely has some bite to it; however, I wonder if that comes with some financial penalty as well?
Me, I would make the first offense half the season and include financial punitive action as well. Second time, you’re done as a professional baseball player. Everything (possible fame, fortune, lifestyle, etc.) gone!!!
I commend baseball on its move forward and hope they continue to press hard against cheats. The NFL, well, let’s just keep an eye on them and see how all this plays out.
Technically it is illegal, because in the MLB if you use steroids, and you are found you can actually be brought before a federal court. Remember Mark McGuire? Congress held hearings on his steroid use at the time. So that tells me it is illegal and of course it is a banned substance. So I think testing the players (from the official standpoint) is only being done to abide by the various laws and regulations in place. Also there is the fact that the players should not have an added advantage which is cheating if it gives you a leg up on the competition.
As far as the players go, I can see what they are referring to. The players don't want to be tested because many players don't use HGH. Think of it this way. If you were a player, and you were demanded to be tested, and you were not using or abusing illegal substances, then you would most likely feel violated. Why? Simply because its not fair to you, to be tested for something you haven't done. Its like being tested for a disease. Why do it, if you know that you don't have a family history of a certian disease? The players have valid points here. I think many feel it is a breach of their privacy, and I many don't want to take the fall for a few players who are making bad choices.
Thanks for the response. Yes it is illegal to use PED's, but it is also unethical. It destroys the integrity of the game, any game, and it forces those not interested in that path to have to consider it as a possibility in order to stay competitive. And let’s face it, sports are competitive.
Regarding your last point. I would not mind at all, in fact I would probably volunteer, to take a blood test for HGH or any other illegal substance. I would not feel violated in any way and understand the greater good that this would represent.
There are jobs where drug testing is mandatory even for those who are not using. I, as an educator, would have no problem being tested for any illegal substance, if that is what they required of me.
Personally, based on what is going on, I DON'T believe the players have valid points at all. I am of the opinion that they don't want to be tested because they (the ones not wanting to be tested) are concerned about getting caught and they are afraid they won't be able to compete at the level they want without HGH - or any other PED.
Lastly, again, based on what is actually going on, the message pro sports is sending to our youth with the use of PED's, the fact that it puts pressure on honest, hardworking athletes to use in order to keep up, because it enhances the chances for a level playing field, and because it is for the greater good of all, it behooves us to make PED and HGH testing in professional and elite level sports mandatory.
That is my 2 cents!!!