MLB MANAGEMENT TO THE DIRTY-DROPPING BOYS: SIGN THIS PERFORMANCE CLAUSE IN YOUR CONTRACT AND WE'LL CLOSE OUR EYES AND YOU DROP THAT NEEDLE INTO THE WASTE BASKET ON YOUR WAY OUT OF THE OFFICE

The NY Times reported today that Sammy Sosa tested positive for steroids in 2003. Article here. Shocker.

Sammy Sosa (A

LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

Of the players who were tested, 104 results came back positive. Keep in mind there are 750 active players in MLB, that means almost 14% of the MLB were injecting roids! (And if you think about it, the number is quite higher because the guys at the bottom of the totem pole are not the users - we are talking about the big-money ballers who are the users.)   

THE MANAGEMENT KNEW! IN FACT, THE MANAGEMENT ENCOURAGED USE!

Let me ask you this: if you gained 14% more weight in a year, would you notice? Hell yeah - of course you would notice! The answer seems so obvious. So you can't tell me that nobody knew these guys were bulking up, amassing major scoring records just all-of-a-sudden. I call bulls**t on that theory.

Cubs legend and Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins told ESPN, "I always thought he was clean and got bigger just with his hard work...I coached Sammy when he was a kid in the '90s and he became a 30-30 [homers and stolen bases] guy. As guys progressed, I guess he was on the bandwagon and used -- they did and so did he. Now it's coming out, who did what, when and where."

Even Jenkins, an old-timer, knew what was up, but wanted to believe differently. Back to the weight gain analogy. It's like wanting to believe a thyroid problem or a mysterious slowing of the metabolism caused your weight gain. Typical denial but you know the real reason: calories in = weight gain. Just like steroids in = more homeruns.

PROOF OF KNOWLEDGE OBVIOUS UPON A-ROD ANNOUNCEMENT IN FEB

Back in February, A-Rod took a lot of heat after it was leaked that his name is on the 2003 dirty drop list. A-Rod stepped up to the plate and admitted to his use. I wrote a few blogs about my belief that management knew he was using and condoned his use:

Feb. 17 blog: THE COCA-COLA ANALOGY A-Rod was a PRODUCT of the team; thus, the team knew of everything that went into his body to make him their thoroughbred racing horse. Just like Coca-Cola is a product. Scientists, chemists and investors and a businessman came together to make the best, secret-formula beverage that would make them the most amount of money and out-sell any other competitor's beverage. Turn that Coca-Cola into a player like A-Rod and turn the founder of Coca-Cola into the Texas Rangers. Both the Coca-Cola and A-Rod now look the same: both have secret "ingredients" that make them better than their competitors.We must stop blaming A-Rod entirely. (No, I'm not saying he shouldn't be scrutinized.) But until we shift the spotlight from the player to the organization as a whole, the pressures placed upon the players and the use of performance enhancing drugs (including vicodin, cortisone, as well) will continue forever.

Feb. 13 blog: Stop focusing on A-Rod and his actions. LISTEN TO WHAT HE'S SAYING. He clearly is signaling to his audience that the substances were given to him. He said he "failed to ask questions"...that he had nutritionists, doctors and trainers. These are the people who gave him the steroids, not his teammate who was competing for more money than A-Rod, and not the retail salesman at the local GNC. WAKE UP, PEOPLE! THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE ATHLETE! THIS IS ABOUT THE TEAM! Steroid use and drug abuse is 100% encouraged by the team and the team personnel. A-Rod says he wasn't sure what substances he used. Why? Because the nutritionists, trainers and doctors feed these athletes with drugs and steroids. Don't ask, don't tell. Just take your "medicine" and shut up or get cut. (Also in this blog, I talk about Brett Favre and his addiction to vicodin - how management encouraged his use.)

LAWSUITS? CHARGES?

I'm wondering why the players who were tested have not filed suit against the union.  This list was supposed to be destoyed.  Why was it not?  I'm sure the men had to sign an agreement for the test.  I have a serious problem with this list having not been destroyed.  What a clear violation of an agreement.  The men signed up for a confidential test. Nobody expected for it to be leaked out years later.  How disgusting.

Now I wonder if Sammy may be charged with perjury as well?  He testified before Congress, through a statement read by his attorney, that he did not use illegal performance enhancing drugs.  But wait, were the roid he was using illegal at the time of the test? Or did they not become illegal until after the testing?  Interesting language.  Notice he did not make a complete denial of usage.  Hmmmmm...

WHEN ARE WE GOING TO POINT THE FINGER AT THE GUYS WHO PAY THE MEN?

I am so sick and tired of all the blame being placed on the athletes.  Yes, they are grown-ass men who knew better.  But they are not treated like men. They are treated like horses. They are not paid like men. They are paid like superheroes. The management pay them on a performance basis and know they use substances to increase performance.  Do whatever it takes to rake in the money, sell the tickets, and create the fan base. If you don't do what it takes, you won't get paid. That simple. Hey, sign this contract and we'll just close our eyes as you drop that needle in the waste basket on the way out...

www.xpunged.com and www.tamaraholder.com