The End of the Innocence

I've never been a big professional sports fan. I have nothing against them or their multitude of fans; I just prefer to do other things with my time than watch other people play a game. Maybe had I been active in a particular sport growing up instead of being a band nerd I would feel differently, but that's another story... Today's big news in the world of sports was Rafael Palmeiro being suspended for alleged steroid use. I only use the word "alleged" here because that's the courteous thing to do--I'm convinced that there is no question as to whether he did, indeed, use steroids. It saddens me that this is the same person whose 3,000th hit was just celebrated as a major milestone. It saddens me that this is the same person who testified before a congressional panel earlier this year that he had never used steroids. It even saddens me that Raffy happens to be the Oriole that my wife's grandmother thinks is "very handsome."

It is irrefutable that steroids are not only unhealthy but downright dangerous. It is also clear that millions of children admire professional athletes. As a role model, Raffy has clearly failed his fans of all ages. As a father, he should be downright ashamed of himself. Would he want his own kids to fall for the lure of performance-enhancing drugs? I think not.

On another note, the other thing that cracks me up about the wild world of sports is the insane amount of money professional athletes are paid and the wrist slaps they are given for breaking the rules. I can guarantee you that if I were to fail a drug test, my employer would not suspend me for ten days. No, mine would be undoubtedly a permanent suspension...an early retirement, if you will. Would anyone else's employer handle the drug issue the same way as pro sports leagues? My lovely wife has a wonderful suggestion for Major League Baseball in light of the Raffy scandal: test every player in the league tomorrow for steroid use and ban for life all those that test positive. I'd support that plan, but then I wonder, would enough players remain to even keep the sport alive?