TheOtherView
Opinions from around the country

Major League Baseball weak on steroid usage

On Thursday, results of anonymous steroid tests among major league baseball players were released. To the surprise of very few, between 5 and 7 percent came back positive.

As a result of this year’s tests, Major League Baseball will begin mandatory steroid testing this upcoming season. Every player on a major league roster can be tested at least once, while a group of only 240 can be tested a second time at random.

But while baseball officials have taken the right step in requiring testing, the penalties players will have to suffer are sending the wrong message.

A first positive test will result in the player being required to undergo treatment, and a second positive test will result in a 15-game suspension or fine of up to $10,000. The punishment for a third positive test goes up to a 25-game suspension or a fine of up to $25,000, a 50-game suspension or fine of up to $50,000 will be the punishment for a fourth positive test. It isn’t until the player tests positive a fifth time is a year-long suspension or $100,000 fine allowed.

Even if a player tests positive, he isn’t automatically suspended. Baseball officials can either suspend a player or levy a fine, but not both. Fines won’t scare players as it is simple pocket change when compared to the multi-million dollar contracts. The fight against steroid usage has turned into a management-labor issue which means progress in the fight against steroid usage will be difficult. Baseball officials have realized steroid performance enhancing drugs are a problem in their sport, but questions remain on whether or not they are willing to launch an all out fight to stop usage of steroids.

Under the anti-doping agency’s code, which has been adopted by most Olympic sports, an athlete faces a minimum two-year ban for a first positive result on a steroid test and a lifetime ban for a second positive. These penalties are a real attempt to stop steroid usage unlike baseball’s lax penalties.

Major League Baseball officials have recognized the problem of steroid usage among players, but sadly it appears as if they are fearful of the effects a strict policy against steroid usage would have on the game. As long as fans continue to clamor for home run sluggers and high-scoring games, baseball leaders may never feel the need to fully eliminate the steroid problem.

This is a staff editorial from The Lantern at the Ohio State University. This editorial was distributed by U-Wire.