I am unsurprised that the NEW YORK media and NEW YORK Yankees fans are hypocritically claiming that the Red Sox 2004 and 2007 WS championships are tainted because Ortiz and Ramirez are on a list for having apparently tested positive for a PED in 2003. Clemens and Pettitte are also identified as PED users in the infamous Mitchell report, but I have not read or heard anything from these same bastions of professional and personal ethics about the Yankees four WS championships from 1996-2000 being similarly tainted. What about the Yankees dramatic 2003 ALCS triumph with a team that also included Giambi and Sheffield, yet two other players linked to PED’s? Is the Yankees win on Fri (Sat morning) in the bottom of the 15th inning on Rodriquez’ walk off 2-run homer tainted, too, since he is another admitted PED abuser? On what level and at what point does the invalidation of success end?
I am no less unsurprised that the NEW YORK Times released Ortiz’ name in the week leading up to this 4-game series in NEW YORK in order to create maximum damaging, distracting impact, compelling Ortiz to hold a press conference to address the matter while in NEW YORK. Of course, NEW YORKers have only the noblest intentions in undermining the credibility of Boston players and postseason triumphs, and the timing is mere coincidence. No hint of an agenda there — just more solid investigative journalism through unidenitified sources about purportedly sealed federal government records of supposedly anonymous drug testing results. Make no mistake, Boston media would be no less disingenuous were the roles reversed.
Let’s not be naïve. There are still nearly 100 more names unreleased, and it is not unreasonable to imagine that many PED’s were undetected. Every game for the last 15 years is tainted by the spectre of cheating through PED’s. There are few innocents in this ugliness. Ever since the McGuire-Sosa HR chase of 1998 in particular, the players, owners, MLB corporate, media, and fans alike have facilitated an environment conducive to the condoning and flourishing of PED’s. Cheating has improved interest and business: fantasy leagues, sports gambling, media coverage, talk radio, and viral blogging have never been more prosperous. It’s all demoralizing, so let’s cease all moralizing contrivance.
Like it or not, Jose Canseco has been the most accurate and truthful high profile public figure about this issue, however arguable the honorableness of his intentions. Like it or not, the problem is possibly and probably more a case of the many spoiling it for the few rather than vice versa. Like it or not, PED’s are here to stay because presumably we collectively like it and want it this way. Like it or not, the games on and off the field will continue.
