Cheaters

In the wake of yesterday's MLB* report, the Hall of Fame discussion has begun. Do men like Clemens, Bonds & McGwire deserve to go? What does a Hall induction represent?

Unlike Olympic Medalists or Tour de France winners, the prize for winning in Baseball can not be returned or given to the runner up. How do we determine what games the Yankees should or should not forfeit? Keith Olbermann pointed out that the game would take care of itself. That records can exist and the record-holder not be recognized as one of the greatest to play the game.

I am a firm believer in the idea of justice. Justice in this case must call into account the general culpability of everyone involved, but move forward. Baseball must find a way to make restitutions to their fans and the players union must get their heads out of their asses and restore the integrity of the game. I say, leave the records but don't let them off the hook.

Mitchel is right, that active players implicated in this report shouldn't be penalized by baseball for past transgressions. BUT, the Hall of Fame voters should not give these men a free pass either. In order to be allowed into the Hall, they need to show contrition or proof of innocence. Yes, for the Hall, it should be guilty before proven innocent.

Pete Rose bet on baseball. These men cheated in the actual games. And we aren't talking about stealing a sign or having a little sandpaper in a glove, we're talking about the systematic use of drugs to improve daily performance.

Sorry, it just continues to make me sick that we've come to this. (I'm also pissed off at Floyd Landis and the entire cycling community, but that's another rant.)

And that my friends, is my final word on the whole ugly affair.