The scandal surrounding baseball steroids has been in the news for a number of years. Players have used them since the 1960s. The use of performance-enhancing drugs is widespread among major league players, but few sources claim that any of these athletes were using them before the decade. Despite this, the widespread use of steroids in the game has led to many scandals. Regardless of the extent of the problem, the players who use these drugs must face the consequences.
First major scandal
The first major scandal involved the use of steroids by players. The World Series between the Yankees and Cubs brought international attention to the issue. While some players were suspended for using steroids, others were not. While it was difficult to prove guilt, the biggest name to be suspended was Rafael Palmeiro, who pleaded before Congress that he had never taken steroids. Another alleged victim was Jose Canseco, who claimed to have taken steroids and reported on his teammates Ivan Rodriguez, Mark McGwire, and Rafael Palmeiro. However, neither Ivan Rodriguez nor Mark McGwire were under investigation, but they did confess to using steroids.
As the scandal grew, MLB officials reacted quickly. The players’ union and commissioner’s office were critical of the players’ union. But in the end, Mitchell’s report was based on more than 100,000 pages of seized documents and testimonies of former players. It was also recommended that the league implement stronger testing protocols for players. And of course, MLB commissioner Bud Selig praised the work of Mitchell and the alleged PED users, and said he would review each player’s case individually to determine whether or not they should be punished for using the substances.
The Mitchell Report cited the names of several baseball stars, including Roger Clemens. He claimed to have never used steroids, but federal officials raided his home in 2006 and he admitted to using performance-enhancing substances in the 1990s. Although Clemens denied the use of steroids, Grimsley had admitted to using these substances in 1998. Afterwards, his ERA dropped by one run, which was enough to trigger an investigation.
In 2004, the baseball players’ union was outraged by the allegations of steroid use. The players’ union was not happy with the suspension of four players for failing to test positive for drugs. A perjury case involving the former baseball star’s honesty led to his suspension. While the suspensions ranged from ten days to a year, some people did not believe it was enough. In spite of the scandal, the era of steroids in baseball began with the Olympic games in 1988.
While the MLB is trying to protect its players, the issue of steroid use is a controversial topic. Many athletes have been accused of using illegal steroids. But in some cases, this practice is unavoidable. The fact that these steroids are illegal in baseball is a huge scandal. As a result, the sport has become more expensive. Ultimately, MLB is punishing cheaters with long suspensions and higher salaries.
Rules and regulations
Despite the scandal, baseball’s rules and regulations have changed. Now, players must be tested for illegal drugs. In addition, the use of illegal substances in baseball is a crime. The use of steroids has led to a number of suicides and is a cause for concern in the sport. The use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball is a major cause of injuries and death. It also affects the game’s reputation.
In 2004, a U.S. Senate committee criticized the baseball steroid scandal and called for year-round testing. As a result, the drug-testing rules are still controversial and players are still banned for the rest of their careers. The current suspension guidelines are not enough to prevent such use. Instead, the league must strengthen its testing program and conduct an investigation into the use of steroid in baseball. There are several ways in which the MLB should act.
Despite the controversy, MLB has not been able to prevent steroid use by players. The player’s union has long fought against any kind of drug-testing policy, calling it a privacy invasion. The players’ union, however, have refused to allow any drug-testing in the past, and are fighting the scandal head on. They are unlikely to be prosecuted for knowingly purchasing illegal drugs from high school students, but they are unlikely to be banned from the sport.