Baseball players O.K. Steroids testing...

[Guest Downhome]

Here is the article...

 

"Baseball Players O.K. Steroids Test

Wed Aug 7, 7:56 PM ET

By RONALD BLUM, AP Sports Writer

 

NEW YORK (AP) - Baseball players ended decades of opposition to mandatory drug testing Wednesday by agreeing to be checked for illegal steroids starting next year.

 

 

 

Under the proposal, which addresses one of the key issues in contract talks, players would be subjected to one or more unannounced tests in 2003 to determine the level of steroid use. If the survey showed "insignificant" use, a second round of tests would be set up in 2004 to verify the results.

 

If more than 5 percent of the tests were positive in either survey, players would be randomly tested for two years.

 

The union did not say what penalties, if any, would be levied against players who test positive for steroids.

 

"We had an obligation to bargain on it. It was a serious issue," union head Donald Fehr said. "It took a lot of time and effort and thought."

 

It was unclear how management would react to the players' offer.

 

"We haven't had any feedback yet," Fehr said.

 

Owners, however, have proposed far more extensive testing.

 

Players would be tested three times a year for steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs, and once a year for illegal drugs such as cocaine.

 

Former MVPs Jose Canseco and Ken Caminiti admitted steroid use earlier this year, and Canseco estimated that up to 85 percent of all major leaguers took muscle-enhancing drugs during the years he played, 1985 to 2001.

 

"As players, we want to be able to clear our name from what Caminiti and Canseco said," Toronto's Vernon Wells said. "Unfortunately, we have to prove our innocence. If none of that happened we wouldn't have to do this."

 

Fehr wouldn't say how widespread support for testing was among players. USA Today reported last month that it surveyed 750 players in June and that 79 percent of those responding supported independent testing for steroid use.

 

The NFL and NBA test players for steroids and illegal drugs. The NHL has a policy similar to baseball's, testing players only if there is cause. For example, a player could be tested if he is convicted of a crime involving drugs or enters rehab.

 

Under the baseball union's proposal, players could also be tested for illegal steroids if teams showed "reasonable cause."

 

Both sides also discussed minimum salary, benefits and debt control.

 

The union's executive board is to meet Monday in Chicago and could set a strike date for what would be baseball's ninth work stoppage since 1972.

 

Players fear that without a contract to replace the deal that expired Nov. 7, owners would change work rules or lock them out after the World Series. The union wants to control the timing of a potential work stoppage, preferring late in the season, when more pressure is on the owners."

 

...and now, who would like to be the first to predict who will test positive, or better yet, who will refuse the tests, and would rather just retire?

 

Sincerely,

...Downhome...

[Guest Mad the Swine]

Whatcha wanna bet that there's only select players tested...

 

... such as Keith Lockhart, Kenny Rogers, and Rich Garces?

[Guest Downhome]

Whatcha wanna bet that there's only select players tested...

 

... such as Keith Lockhart, Kenny Rogers, and Rich Garces?

That makes me laugh because it's sad, and quite possibly true. If they pull sh*t like that, they just might loose a fan in me. I want everyone tested, especially those who are going mad ass home run hitting crazy.

[Guest bob_barron]

The next person to be randomnly selected-

Sammy So-

Ummmmmm let's pick another one.

Barry Bo-

Can't understand that name, let's pick another one-

Julio Franco- let's test him

[Guest meanmaisch]

( Sarcasm mode on) They should test Craig Counsell. We all know he's juiced. (Sarcasm mode off)

[Guest Downhome]

( Sarcasm mode on) They should test Craig Counsell. We all know he's juiced. (Sarcasm mode off)

Yeah, him and Otis Nixon damnit! (He is still active isn't he? :D )

[Guest meanmaisch]

I'm pretty sure Otis retired a few years back. Then again, he was about 80 years old back in 93. Speaking of old, I can't believe that Jesse Orosco is still pitching. He's 45 years old and can still pitch.

[Guest bob_barron]

Otis played for the Braves like in 99-2000 but has since retired

[Guest Phr33k]

Bud Selig will ask to "privately view" all of the samples. Everyone on the Expos and Twins tests positive, while no Brewers do.

[Guest Downhome]

Otis played for the Braves like in 99-2000 but has since retired

He was also on the Braves in the early 90's, and yes, he retired in '99. Oh well, he was always one of my favorites. Have it be he looked odd as hell, or he was quicker than a mother f*cker (he stole more bases than anyone else durring the entire 90's decade, 15 more than Mr. Ricky). Or maybe because it was funny as hell when he hit a rare homerun, *sigh*, the good ol' days indeed, back when I "loved" watching the game.

[Guest Shaved Bear]

Soriano is gonna be alone with A-Rod as the best hitters remaining

[Guest redbaron51]

Ricky Henderson

[Guest DrTom]

The important thing is, they're starting next year. That gives people who are juicing now eight months to get it out of their systems. Add in the possibility of a work stoppage, and it could give them even longer. Besides that, the provisions are very weak; it looks like the players agreed to this because of public opinion, not because they're sincere about getting rid of steroids in baseball.

[Guest The Man in Blak]

The important thing is, they're starting next year. That gives people who are juicing now eight months to get it out of their systems. Add in the possibility of a work stoppage, and it could give them even longer. Besides that, the provisions are very weak; it looks like the players agreed to this because of public opinion, not because they're sincere about getting rid of steroids in baseball.

I agree - that, as well as the stipulations of the testing possibly not lasting longer than two years (only if the results are 5% positive does the testing continue after 2004? Que?), betray the players' action of "good will". The fact that steroid testing was considered a bargaining chip in labor negotiations made me lose any last sliver of sympathy I had for these million dollar babies.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Here's a prediction

 

Crosses fingers...knocks on wood...finds a 4 leaf clover.

 

There will not be a strike. Donold Fehr might be a snake but is he an idiot? I don't think so.

[Guest jimmy no nose]

This means nothing until the punishment is determined. I bet they have little-no punishment for steroid abusers and just don't say anything about it.

[Guest Shaved Bear]

hell, they actually congratulate steroid users

[Guest Some Guy]

I think some of the guys on the Juice might be suprising and some who everyone thinks are on it aren't.

 

A guy like Soriano *could* be on it, but his frame is such that he wouldn't necessarilly gain freakish HHH like muscles. I don;t think Soriano is on Roids, I'm just throwing out a small guy who hits a lot of HRs.

 

Manny Alexander was caught with steroids (sort of) and he's a journeyman utility player with nearly no power. Rey Sanchez, Sox 2B is jacked for a guy his size and has 1 HR. Baseball is a strange sport in that huge muscles don't mean success, bat speed, eye sight, and coordination do.

Ted Williams was 6'3" 190lbs and hit 521 HRs.