MLB’s PED Policy Is Far Too Lenient

Jun 5, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun watches the game from the dugout during the game against the Oakland Athletics at Miller Park. Braun did not start the game because of a thumb injury. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Performance-enhancing drugs (PED’s) are a cancer to baseball.

Baseball has had its share of catastrophic events in its glorious, albeit tainted history. Two of the most scandalous would be gambling which has cost two of baseball’s best to be banned from baseball, not just for life, but apparently for eternity. Of course I speak of the dreaded “Black Sox scandal” of 1919, and the lifetime ban placed on all-time hits leader, Pete Rose.

Shoeless Joe Jackson was one of baseball’s finest hitters and was allegedly not guilty of the offense he was charged with, and banned by. Books have been written about this so I will leave it alone.

Cincinnati’s own Pete Rose, who had a gambling addiction, was tossed out on his ear and left to his own devices. MLB, more specifically Bud Selig, has shunned him and regarded him no higher than society would a miscreant, malefactor or murderer. Most murderers do not get life sentences (without parole) yet gambling on a baseball game will get you one.

This brings us to a hot topic. Which is worse, gaining an unfair physical advantage or betting on your team to win? If you want to go all ‘holier-than-thou’ and say gambling (on your team to win – not lose), I will use my preacher voice and tell you that “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Stepping down from my bully pulpit I will tell you the real reason I called you here. The penalty, or shall I say punishment does not fit the crime when it comes to steroids, or any PED’s for that matter.

We have at least two active MVP’s who have been found out regarding this, Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun. The two most celebrated baseball players of all time, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have had to go all the way to federal court because of their transgressions.

The Reds have had Edinson Volquez sit for 50 games because of this. Yasmani Grandal, a former Red just finished off a 50-gamer for the same thing with the Padres.

Fifty games for this rule misdemeanor is too small a price for a multi-millionaire to pay. I did read that Braun and Rodriguez who graced the pages of the BioGenesis fiasco, are facing up to a 100-game suspension. Is that it?

With all of the information that has been collected, and the testing being done, a man is foolish to do these types of things. He knows it is wrong and he should know by now that, “I don’t know what was in that drink, pill or injection” defense will not hold up.

This is what I would do. First offense for this crime – 100 game suspension without pay. The second offense, a ban from baseball.

I bet you it would stop pretty quickly then.

Let’s hear your thoughts.

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