Tainted

For a time Jason Giambi was my favorite MLB player. That held true until he committed the ultimate sin and went to the New York Yankees. It wasn't that I didn't like him anymore, but I just couldn't cheer for a player on a team that spends an upwards of $200 million a year in salaries. But I know baseball is a business and he headed where the money was and who can blame him for that. Nobody. Atleast not for that sin. He was a quality first baseman able to make the defensive play and offered plenty of "pop" at the plate. Any team would have wanted a first baseman of his caliber. But now he will be paying the ultimate price and yes I have lost respect for him. He has now committed a "crime" that we all can blame him for. He knowingly used steriod and performance enhancement drugs. He revealed this information to a federal grand jury, that said he would not face any criminal charges if he told the truth. Otherwise he would face perjury charges. So he had to admit to using steriods or face criminal prosecution. And it was under this pressure he admitted his steriod use.

I'm not about to pretend that the other professional sports leagues are "clean" when it comes to steriods, but I will say they atleast have a system that for the most part works. Major League Baseball does not and therefore the environment allows for players to cheat. Competition is supposed to be an event where the playing field is balanced and you win or do well because of your own skill, ability, and overall hardwork. Even with in losing you should be able to feel good about your performance and know that with maybe a little work you can be better. It's supposed to be fair. That's why we have the Olympics and other professional sports. Sure it's entertainment, but its also competition. Which is the ultimate display of skill. But when performance enhancing drugs become involved, all that is thrown out the door.

The game is no longer fair. Players who are doing less work or practice are able to mantain at worst level consistent with the best players in the league. There are few things that piss me off more than a cheater. Anybody can cheat and succeed. It's in the hardwork that victory and lofty goals are best. It's clear that Jason Giambi is not the only baseball player, or for that matter athlete who is using steriods. But I know that for anybody who is using them, I have no respect for them.

I'm not about to say the whole league and game of baseball is tainted, but without a doubt, there are some questions that needed to be addressed. Why should I believe Barry Bonds when he says he didn't know the "stuff" provided by he trainer was steriods and performance enhancing drugs? I'm sure his arrogant self imagined he would never be caught. Maybe he shouldve worked on the whole being personable to the media and fans, so this would be easier to explain. But as a person only concerned with himself, his performance and hitting homeruns, Bonds failed to even tell us that he was using "something" but he wasn't sure what it was. Looks like a cover up to me. Ultimately every individual is responsible for what enters his body and the same holds true for Bonds. I don't know about you but I just wouldn't put something in my body because my trainer or for that matter a good friend or family member told me to.

When it comes down to it, the players who play fair and work their asses off are "hurt" more then the steroid users. But isn't that how it always works, a few spoil the fun for all. No matter if you are my favorite player or one I despise, if you cheat, I no longer hold any respect for you. You have committed the ultimate sin and you are tainted. Cheater!