One last point has really bothered me about this entire process. I discussed it with a friend of mine and we came to the same conclusion. Athletes are being privileged in a way that is reprehensible.Professional athletes get paid millions of dollars a year to play something that is based on abilities God gave them (I understand it is more complex than that). They have plush locker rooms, access to whatever they need and celebrity status around the world. That is fine....I suppose.
But that does not mean they are subject to the law any differently than anyone else. A stockbroker's job is to make money for himself and his clients. If he breaks the law to gain an edge, he loses his job and faces jail time and federal fines.
Professional athletes get CAUGHT using steroids, and not only do they not go to jail, they play again that season.That is unacceptable, and that we, the fans, do not speak up louder about penalties for such actions is equally wrong.
The stories of Clemens and Bonds have remained headlines because they are two of the greatest to step onto the diamond. However, we must hold accountable every person from little league to the majors to keep the integrity of the game intact.
We have to now move forward and look for solutions, not necessarily punishments. Is putting Barry Bonds in prison going to stop the next person caught in a lie from continuing to live that lie? My guess is no.
As fans, we want to see greatness. We want to see A-Rod take down Bonds' records and then maybe see Albert Pujols take them down shortly after. When greatness becomes tainted, regardless of lawful guilt or innocence, fans sense it.
The NFL, MLB, and NBA need to stop disrespecting their respective fan bases by underestimating their intelligence. Clean up your games, from performance enhancing drugs to late-night club fights and DUI's. It is your job to make money, but it is the fans who put the money in your pocket.
You owe it us, and to yourselves, to hold your athletes, managers, and administrators accountable.
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