What Mark McGwire's Steroid Usage Means for the Innocent

The cat is out of the bag.  It's taken years to get to this point.  Finally though, Mark McGwire has come out and told the speculating world the truth about his baseball playing days.

The former first baseman of the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals admitted to using steroids during the time when he accomplished his most famous achievements in his career. 

The biggest shocker was that he was under the influence during the time of his record-breaking home run season 12 years ago in 1998.

Amidst all of the rumors and controversy of this story, Mark had this to say.

"I wish I had never touched steroids. It was foolish and it was a mistake. I truly apologize. Looking back, I wish I had never played during the steroid era."

Hopefully, unlike Gilbert Arenas, Mark actually meant that. 

Although this story has unfolded, believe it or not it still has an impact on today's Major League Baseball stars.

The Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals. Two classy teams that are known for their loyal fan bases and the way that they tend to stay out of the media, are now looking like frauds.

Growing up as a Cardinal fan, I was around when McGwire was the most feared hitter in the league.  During his years with the A's and Cardinals, one of the greatest managers in baseball was in charge, Tony LaRussa.

Whether this story that has unfolded deems to have a negative effect on Tony's magnerial career, we'll have to wait and see.  Expect some criticism and scrutiny though, particularly if LaRussa does end up commenting on the situation.

As for the players that Mark played with, well, the same is going to happen.  Jose Conseco may be clear for now, but don't be surprised to see him on Sportscenter next week after having an interview with members of the press.

By prolonging the inevitable, Mark has caused more damage than he has good.  Possibly setting up numerous players and managers for weeks on conferences, and more importantly putting their job at risk, is just like Mark. 

For those that are caught up in this whole controversy though, forget about it.  This story is meaningless.  It's in the past, this is the present.  All it is going to affect is Mark's Hall of Fame nominations, and it's not like he hasn't tried enough to make it there has he?