Summary: Substance Abuse In Baseball

With players, franchises, and fans looking the other way when it comes to PEDs it is easy to see why more is not being done to counter the issue. But what about the person who is the judge of all substance abuse cases in the MLB? The recently retired Commissioner of Baseball, Bud Selig, was the previous enforcer of the MLB’s drug policy. The problem with the commissioner determining policy is that he collects paychecks from franchise owners, who obviously influence him to create and enforce policy in their favor. With this influence from the owners the former commissioner was either so naive, or so corrupt, that he did not believe there was a serious issue with PEDs in baseball. Bud Selig said in 2010, “The use of steroids and amphetamines

amongst today’s players has greatly subsided and is virtually nonexistent… the so-called steroid era, is clearly a thing of the past” (Schmidt). But, this “end of the steroid era”, as described by Selig, still has yet to come. Shortly after he was quoted saying this, 14 players were suspended for PED use in 2013 alone (Baseball Steroid Suspensions). This was the highest number of players suspended in any year from PEDs since the MLB started their drug testing program. Apparently, the steroid problem has not been solved as Selig previously thought. Dealing with the drug predicament will require unbiased action from someone not motivated by the checkbooks of owner. Fay Vincent, commissioner from 1989-1992, understands the commissioner's job is to enforce control over the MLB with deliberate actions. He led the investigation that resulted in Pete Rose's lifetime ban for gambling on games. Vincent believes the MLB should enforce the PED policy exactly like they do for gambling. "I would throw anybody out of the game after a failed test. That's why we did it with Rose. People knew that if we can throw out a guy like Rose, we can do it to anybody who gambles. So why not for steroids? Why give them three bites of that apple?" (Nightengale). Without the influence of the owners, Vincent is able to clearly judge the PED problem in the MLB. He knows from past experience that the best way to stop negative behavior, is not to tolerate it at all, contrasting Selig’s views that PEDs are a non-issue and everything should continue the way it is. It seems, sadly, that drugs have diminished the integrity of baseball, and corrupted those who have the power to make a change.
The MLB’s illegal substance policy is presently inadequate to combat PED use due to the union’s and commissioner's lack of commitment. The history of the MLB’s testing program began in 2004 where penalties would lead to a year suspension only after the 5th positive test (Associated Press). In 2005 penalties were changed to first offenses resulting in a 10 game suspension, second violations is a 30 game ban, third a 60 game penalty, and a fourth warrants a year suspension. Fifth violation punishments would then be determined by the commissioner. (Associated Press). These sanctions were still not enough though, and in 2014 the MLB revised the policy again to the current edition. The penalties were set at 80 games for a first positive test and a season suspension on the second. A third positive would result in a lifetime ban (Associated Press). The trend is that the MLB has slowly been increasing punishment on PED use. This tendency seems like a job well done on MLB’s part, but this is not the case. The only reason policy changes were made is because Congress threatened legislative action. Congress forced the MLB to institute stronger policies from fear of legislation mandating even stricter standards that would invade league profits. Representative Henry A. Waxman of California noted Congress's key role in strengthening the MLB’s integrity, "If it hadn't been for Congress looking at this issue, and being seriously concerned about it, there would not have been an impetus for them to come together as they have now” (Curry). Although, even with Congressional influence drug abuse still continues, and does not seem affected by stricter policies. Each new revision has led to less chances before a lifetime ban. Theoretically, the next revision to the policy would allow players one opportunity to stop using, but this is still not going to be enough. Why allow players a second chance when they knowingly used an illegal substance to cheat and gain an unfair advantage?
Looking at the current PED policy put in place by the league, one can see it is lacking.

The current discipline is not enough to quell the steroid problem in the MLB; especially since the MLB’s policy is different compared to other pro sports without PED problems. The National Hockey League (NHL), instituted their performance enhancing drug policy in 2005, the last major pro sport to do so. Yet, the NHL took a strong stance right away. The first positive leads to a 20 game suspension, or about ¼ the season. The next positive results in a 60 game suspension, or about ¾ of a season, and similar to the MLB, a third positive leads to a lifetime ban (NHL). The distinguishing factor between the two policies is that in the NHL if you test positive, you automatically are enrolled into their League Substance Abuse/Behavioral Health Program for evaluation, education and possible treatment (NHL). The NHL created this program to help avoid second time offenders. By educating the athletes on the effects of drugs, and treating addiction when necessary, the players are graced with an expansive support network and receive substantial help. The National Basketball Association (NBA), has a similar support network and substance abuse program for those caught using PEDs. Any player that enters the program must accept anything ordered by the medical director. If the NBA player does not comply with the program requirements it can lead to dismissal from the NBA, even if it was the player’s first positive test (NBA). By forcing the players to be educated about the health effects, they come to understand that consequences outweigh the advantages. The MLB needs to introduce a PED prevention program, which rookies are required to attend, and where players would learn about the adverse effects of drug use. Maybe then, the amount of positive tests could diminish to the levels seen in the NHL and NBA. Since the NHL’s policy was established in 2005 only 3 players have been caught using PEDs

(LeBrun). Also the NBA has only seen 9 suspensions due to performance enhancing drugs since the start of its testing program in 1999 (Wolfgang). Compare this to the 14 players suspended during 2013 alone in the MLB (Baseball Steroid Suspensions), and one sees the MLB is a bit behind the curve. Baseball is inferior to other sports in this category, and can explain why there are so many confirmed cases of PED use. Increase the player’s knowledge, and there will be a decrease in drug abuse.