MLB's hypocritical oath: selling legal supplements

When times in baseball aren't controversial enough, team owners and Commissioner Selig resort to low, soulless tactics fueled by greed. MLB now offers players supposedly legal drug supplements which will be available for sell in every clubhouse. What the hell is MLB thinking? This seems like asinine reverse psychology. Those at the top who approved this idea had to either be completely wasted or thinking only about money in their pocket. Yeah, this proposal is a real joke alright. It's not going to work.

First of all, when has any Major Leaguer ever been known to "use" legal drugs to enhance performance? The only exception is Rafael Palmerio, who is the former spokesman for Viagra before he got busted for crack pipe smoking...I mean steroids (What's the difference any more really? If players think they can get away with it they'll try anything). The point is athletes will look for any competitive edge they can get whether ethical or not. Just because a health supplement is legal doesn't mean dumb jocks won't have a trainer or supplier mix illegal substances with it when no one is around. That's the old routine until everyone becomes real suspicious and a player is later found guilty. The situation then plays out like this:

Player: Man, how dare you excuse me. I don't take steroids. I've NEVER taken steriods in my life.

Media: So you don't object to taking a drug test before the season?

Player: Not with a bunch of dudes hovering around while I take a piss. This is disrespectful; damn it I'm a professional baseball player who cherishes the game and have done nothing wrong.

Media: Have you ever used any other illegal substances such as heroine, speed, PCP, or cocaine? Let's just say, hypethically it got you high before a game. What effect did it have on your performance?

Player: I don't believe this sh-t! Of all the freaking...this interview is over. As far as I'm concerned you all can kiss my ass!

A couple weeks later the unfortunate news is released about the player.

MLB: We are ashamed to announce that another player has tested positive for steroids. This is truly a sad day in baseball. Punishment of a suspension and fine have been served. Through our continual efforts we will rid baseball of cheaters. There is no place in the game for steroids.

Cut to 2006

MLB: We need to make more money, but how? I know let's sell legal supplements to the players. By God, we might be on to something here. Wait a minute, what about moral values and making the new steroids policy sound self-defeating...yeah, screw that! Gentlemen, we may have just unveiled the business formula to becoming richer millionaires!

Drug Addicted Player: Did you hear about the great news Juan? The Commissioner has approved the selling of supplements. This is too good to be true. What were those fools thinking? (Whispering) Now I can get out my secret stash 'cruz while everyone is focused on the legal supplements I'll be back here in the clubhouse smoking that chronic and weed!

Okay, that is a extended version of the events that play out in my head. Actually to be fair, a player would also have a teammate inject him in the butt with a syringe. Then the blood would be wiped up unless a player is careless. I don't know why MLB thinks players will stop taking illegal drugs by offering them these supplements. The pills aren't a miracle formula for building muscles and upper body strength. Professional athletes are going to do whatever they want to if they feel desperate enough. It's a shame since their natural ability is usually what got them to the Bigs in the first place.

Bud Selig should feel like an incompetent ass for allowing this open drug distribution to become active. It's not acceptable to the fans nor should it be by the players. They all know good and well what will happen during the course of the season. Dietary supplements are tampered with on purpose, mixed up, steroids are slipped in behind closed doors, and a 180-pound Puerto Rican (or other nationality) transforms into a bulky 245-pounder with a mean streak. It's all because baseball brought further attention on a heated issue, going in the wrong direction by encouraging players to use drugs. Sure, it's suppose to be a healthy, safe alternative, but some players won't treat it that way. The Players Union needs to get involved and straighten this matter out before the season. Otherwise baseball could be in for another season of shame and lack of integrity.