Drug Testing and Major League Baseball

The real issue is if the players have nothing to hide, then why are they complaining? These policies are criticized a being ineffectual yet, with the scandal that has surrounded the use of steroids in baseball, these new policies are what is needed to turn the negative perceptions around. These new policies are long overdue and are more than appropriate for many reasons.

Up until now Major League Baseball was the only one of the major sports that did not have mandatory drug testing. The main reason for this is that the union of major league baseball players was refusing to change its stance and become more receptive to drug testing. The union finally softened their stand on the issue largely due to the possibility that Congress would step in and decide to institute a drug testing legislation campaign of their own.

Under the new guidelines, all major league players will be tested each year at the beginning of their training period and then randomly tested throughout the playing season. What makes the new policy so unique is that the players are subject to possible testing on a year round basis irregardless of where they live. he new measures will include a 10 day suspension for the first positive test; 30 days for the second; 60 days for the third; and one year for the fourth. These suspensions will be without pay. After a fourth offense, baseball Commissioner Allen Selig will have authority to punish a player in a manner that is consistent in relation to the offense.

Many feel that the suspension policies themselves portray a tolerant attitude stating that in their own careers, a positive test is grounds for dismissal, leaving the question of why major league players should have such lenient penalties. In a letter to baseball fans dated May 16, 2005, Commissioner Selig is quoted to say “The eradication of performance-enhancing substances from all of professional baseball is my top priority. This priority is and always has been shared by the owners of all 30 Major League Clubs. They have reiterated their long-standing determination to rid our game of these substances by a unanimous resolution passed during our recent MLB owners’ meetings in New York.”

Tony Clark, who played with the New York Yankees in 2004, said the game’s credibility has suffered greatly, however he further states that there will be no long-term damage. In Players want steroid problem solved, Mel Antonen quotes Clark as saying “Am I worried? No. I believe that we have extremely talented people that are more than capable of putting quality and integrity on the field.” This clearly indicates that the issue of whether or not steroids are being used is not always taken seriously. Even though there are a lot of players who have no problem with steroids and can indeed use integrity. Yet to leave them where they must blow the whistle on their teammates for using steroids puts them in a difficult situation. It is unfair to expect this type of whistle blowing. Not only that, it leaves room for a great deal of controversy and hostility between team members. These kinds of feelings would leave a team at a disadvantage when it comes to team spirit.

Even though league officials and players do not take this issue seriously, there are many who do. Over 60% of all fans go so far as to say they don’t feel the new policies go far enough in addressing steroid use. Two big concerns are the damage of long term use and the unrealistic image that is conveyed to the fans who are children. Many fear that by continuing to sweep drug use under the rug, it basically tells these children that using steroids and even other drugs is acceptable under certain conditions. Not only that, without a valid and effective drug testing policy new players seeking to join major league would be doing so under a huge disadvantage. Realistically, they would trying out and competing with veteran players who would have performance levels far superior due to their use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs.

Up until now, Major League Baseball has had no drug testing in effect. The old policy simply had the players complete a survey and required only 2 tests per year. These tests, according to insider were easy to get around and even if a player tested positive, no fines or suspensions were levied. Anyone who believes the new policies are unfair should consider the steps being taken by the International Baseball Federation. Under their new guidelines, all players are subject to testing no matter what country the team is from.

However, these new policies will more than likely affect other sports as well. Congressman floats idea of all-sports test plan quotes Rep. Cliff Stearns, chairman of a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee as saying “Our elite athletic organizations, both professional and amateur, should establish uniform, world-class, drug-testing standards that are as consistent and robust as our criminal laws in this area. Nothing less should be tolerated.”

With such widespread drug use today, these new policies are necessary to protect our nation on many levels. Not only will they ensure the reputation of professional sports figures and their respective leagues, it will give our young a more solid role model to follow and aspire to emulate. Without this type of role modeling, it is frightening to think of the consequences.