Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 2008 World Series, 50 game suspension, J.C. Romero, performance enhancing substances, Philadelphia Phillies, steroids
Surprisingly, I wasn’t tuned in to see Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper hosting “CNN’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Special.”
And even if I had, being a West Coaster, I would have missed this hilarity that got edited out in the rebroadcasts.
Damn Eastern Time Zone people…getting the good stuff, once again. Oh well – I’m still not moving.
And just what does that have to do with baseball, you may ask? Absolutely nothing. But I saw mention of it as I was perusing the papers looking for baseball stories, and it made me laugh when I saw it, and some days, you just need something to laugh about. Especially when it’s been raining all day, people are concerned about floods, and it’s 2:40 am.
As you may have heard, the Phillies’ J.C. Romero was one of two players who got suspended for violating MLB’s substance abuse policy.
But to me – or Mr. Schmidt – that’s not where the story is.
The issue at hand is MLB’s handling of the suspension, in particular the timing since it could have impacted the World Series. And nothing says MLB public relations fiasco like having to suspend a player during the World Series, especially when that player is playing in the World Series.
But isn’t that what it takes to get the point across that MLB is serious about fining and suspending players who break the rules?
Now I feel absolutely no sympathy for Romero – especially if all the facts in the article are true. I am so tired of players trying to excuse their behaviors by not knowing the ingredients in the supplements they are taking.
Here’s my suggestion…if you’re taking a supplement, figure out the ingredients. Ask someone. Do your homework. It’s part of the gig.
However, I am all for a player’s right to appeal a ruling – which Romero did in this case. I understand that those things can take time, so I can even live with that part of the story.
But how convenient for baseball to once again, sit on an issue that would be damning to its image and self-interest due to the time of year and game being played. To me – this is when baseball needs to step up and lay down the law, regardless of the PR mess it might create.
While I won’t contest the legitimacy of the Phillies’ World Series victory, it does leave a bit of a tainted story, as I’m sure the historians, journalist and chroniclers of baseball history will duly note.
What do you think – was baseball right to sit on the issue until after the postseason? Vote and voice your opinion in the comments.
Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment
Baseball On My Brain 