Thoughts on the A-Rod Scandal

Today, I had the opportunity to watch Alex Rodriguez’s news conference on CNN, as he was admitting his prior use of anabolic steroids. I have remained silent on this issue until now. As a die-hard New York Yankees fan and baseball lover, I do not feel that there is justification in attacking a man for his usage of a drug, as this is a private matter that should be dealt with the team and Major League Baseball. Instead of airing the dirty laundry to the public, this should have been dealt internally.

Truthfully, I have given great thought about the recent investigations into drug usage in professional sports. When Congress decided to open an investigation into the drug usage of Major League Baseball, I thought it was frankly a waste of time for their intervention, as they are supposed to draft legislation that would benefit the American people. Major League Baseball (and this would also apply to the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLS) should crack down on their players, as well as the team owners, to address this issue. Congress has no right intervening in a private matter or entity that could enact their own disciplinary and rehabilitation procedures. These disciplinary procedures include: suspending a player and docking player pay. Also, it is the League’s responsibility to provide counseling for drug abuse, as it is standard with most jobs to have Employee Assistance Programs that would assist the player.

This does not mean that I am condoning drug usage or being too easy on the players involved with this scandal. In fact, I believe in holding each player responsible for their own actions. If the League and each individual team enforced the “no excuses” policy with each player, this would create an environment where a player would be held accountable for their behavior. If a player chooses to abuse drugs or use steroids, then this player should leave the League with no questions asked.

As for A-Rod, I am disappointed in his actions. Many of our youth look up to him as a role model, and his actions no doubt lost him some fanfare. Right now, the New York Yankees and A-Rod should handle his admittance and move on with any disciplinary action. I respect A-Rod for coming clean, as it was the right thing to do.