O/T - MLB says steroids against the rules since 1991

[kingjammy24]

On June 7, 1991, MLB commissioner Fay Vincent distributed a seven page memo entitled "Baseball's Drug Policy and Prevention Program" to all Major League clubs. A part of the memo read "The possession, sale or use of any illegal drug or controlled substance by Major League players and personnel is strictly prohibited ... [and those players involved] are subject to discipline by the Commissioner and risk permanent expulsion from the game.... This prohibition applies to all illegal drugs and controlled substances, including steroids....". Vincent says steroids were included in the 1991 memo because of rumors involving one player, Jose Canseco.
The seven-page document didn't cover random testing -- that had to be bargained with the union -- but it did outline treatment and penalties.

Here is the entire, original 1991 memo:
http://www.businessofbaseball.com/do...on_Program.pdf

Vincent emphasized that "There is no place for illegal drug use in Baseball. Their use by players and others in baseball cannot be condoned or tolerated. Baseball players and personnel cannot be permitted to give even the slightest suggestion that illegal drug use is either acceptable or safe. It is the responsibility of all Baseball players and personnel to see that the use of illegal drugs does not occur, or if it does, to put a stop to it."

On May 15, 1997, acting commissioner Bud Selig distributed a nearly identical version of the drug memo, again citing steroids and directing clubs to post the policy in clubhouses and distribute copies to players.

Joel, I'm unsure where you got the idea that steroid use was somehow permitted in baseball prior to 2002. Not only were they illegal in general but they were against MLB rules since 1991, as stated in the above memo.

Rudy.

[Yankwood]

I am SO glad you posted that because that very weak argument in support of all the MANY steroid abusers out there has been sickening to say the very least. And I will say it now, and we'll all know soon enough, there were many more than most people think.

[suave1477]

I think we should start a Ban againts Davids Sun Flower seeds. ever since Derek Jeter has become there spokesperson he hasn't been playing well. I think the seeds should be tested and they put too much dam salt in them lol lol lol

[sylbry]

Thanks for posting the link. I was looking for that.

I have been amazed by responses from baseball fans and people in general about this controversy. Particularly the people who don't believe it is a big deal. Yes it is just a game and yes there was no testing, therefore there may be no hard evidense to prove whether some people were using (even though anyone with an ounce of common sense know better.) What just bugs me is since when is cheating not cheating. Most people grow up hearing the saying that cheaters never win or that cheating is wrong. So why are people fine with it here. Afterall, using steriods after 1991 is cheating. Heck, if it wasn't cheating and it was within the rules then why did they have to sneak around to get and use their drugs?

What I have gathered is people seem to not care about cheating as long as their isn't a punishment. Afterall, if there isn't a punishment then it probobly wasn't that bad, right? Anyone else see this? In my opinion this is disturbing. You are just empowering the future Barry Bonds and the future Ken Lay, ect... to cheat in order to benefit themselves.

If proof is ever found, even if nothing can be done about Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and the rest of the steriod abusers as far as the record book goes, I would like to at least see them being called out for what they did just to show that American's still care about what is right. This appears to be just another example of the decline in moral values in the US. But that is an argument not fit for this board.

Once again this is just my opinion. I have no interest in arguing it. Just thought I would share to see if anyone else shares this view.

[Swoboda4]

Thanks Rudy for this important thread. Baseball is just not only a game, it's Americana,Father and Son...well you get the idea. Ruin it and you ruin alot. In the beginning I didn't blame the players as much as management,MLB. Some players,who didn't know better(believe me most are not brain surgeons) saw it as a high tech vitamins(In the very beginning)-but it went unchecked and WAS CONDONED by management. The gate was left open and things and competition got worse. Bonds couldn't stand seeing Sosa and McGuire become the kings. So while he saw baseball applaud he went full bore showing that at a level playing field -he was better. He's about to step to the next level and he confused that the same MLB executives applauding McGuire as he hugged Maris' sons are now pointing their finger at him and saying not so fast. BELIEVE ME THE PLAYERS ARE GUILTY BUT MANAGEMENT IS FAR WORSE. You should have seen Joe Torres disgust last week having been asked steriod questions again. He reminded me of a passenger in a stolen car who tells the cops,"I didn't know it was stolen." Oh-and Suave1477-I prefer unsalted pumpkin seeds.

[MVP]

Commissioner Bud spoke about the Vincent letter on the Dan Patrick/keith Olberman show today. He said that the letter was "irrelavent" because it was never something in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
-Henry