Steroids in Baseball: Who's To Blame

The events of the past week involving Alex Rodriguez's admitted use of steroids, have no doubt shocked the nation.  Although steroids have been an ongoing problem in baseball for the past decade, recently it seemed that the "steroid era" was finally coming to an end.  Most of the marquee names associated with steroid usage in the past (McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Clemens) are now retired and Major League Baseball seemed ready to move on.  

However, this new revelation that one of MLB's biggest stars was using performance enhancing supplements in the season he won both the Home Run Title and the American League MVP, has thrust steroid usage back into the national spotlight.  This past week I have heard people blame everyone from the players to the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the drugs, but who really is to blame for the steroid problem in baseball?  The answer is everybody.  Instead of leading a witch hunt to try and find a scapegoat, it is time everyone stood up and took responsibility. 

Firstly, it is the individual player's fault.  I understand that professional athletes are under tremendous pressure to perform, but that does not excuse breaking or bending the rules.  Furthermore, these athletes need to remember that they are role models for millions of kids.  Steroid usage is becoming a problem at younger and younger ages and part of being a "professional" is understanding accountability and responsibility.  It is their job to set a good example for future generations.

Secondly, any player in the majors who knew someone using steroids and said nothing is almost as guilty as the player using them.  As anyone who graduated High School knows, peer pressure is one of the most powerful forces of persuasion.  If the majority of athletes in the Major Leagues had called out their teammates for their actions, I can almost guarantee that the problem would not have escalated as it did. Sometimes being a good teammate and friend means standing up for what is right, even when its an incredibly hard and unpopular decision.

Thirdly, much of the blame rests on the Commissioner's Office.  Steroids have been an ongoing problem for over a decade and nothing substantial has been done by management to address this crisis.  Baseball instituted a series of convoluted tests with no real consequences, and more importantly has been dishonest with both the players and the public about the results.  Also, when players were found guilty, they were not punished accordingly and although the problem may not have started with upper management, it should have ended there.

Finally, we are to blame.  Fans everywhere who wanted to see more home runs and higher slugging percentages.  While it is true that we did not stick a needle in anybody's arm, we were the driving force behind the steroid problem.  As more high energy, faster paced sports like football and basketball began to gain popularity, baseball found itself on the decline.  Fans wanted more action, they wanted more drama.  Then came the home run race of 1998.  There is no way to know who, if anyone, knew which players were using steroids at the time, but I think it is safe to say that no one really cared.  Fans got their action, management got their ratings, and players got their glory.  

So instead of trying to lay the blame on one entrenched commissioner or crucify a single superstar, its time we all stepped up and took responsibility.  The only way this problem is going to be solved is a change in attitude; together we can finally put an end to the steroid era.  Baseball was once America's past-time, and while some people might rather watch more "exciting" sports, those of us who are true fans understand that the beauty of our game is in the anticipation of the moment.  So while towering home runs and record breaking seasons may be intriguing story-lines, they should not detract from the integrity of America's greatest game.