flynn@csd2.UUCP (Susan Flynn) (03/14/86)
Peter Ueberroth was more interested in serving his own political interests than in serving baseball when he made his decisions about drug use. Don't be surprised to see his name on the ballot of the upcoming Senate race in Califonia. I can see it now... Armed with the recent presidential commission report which estimates that there are 20 million current user of marijaunna and 5-6 million users of cocaine in America, Mr. Ueberroth proposes to the Senate a novel new plan to reduce the budget deficit. He recommends that all workers be tested for drugs. All those found guilty will contribute 10% of their salary to the budget deficit. He may even go so far as to prosecute anyone who has been rumored to have used drugs in the last six years. Of course the final verdict of guilty is up to him. ps. If fans are so concerned about the image of baseball players then why isn't there more outrage over displays of unsportsmanlike conduct ? (Speaking of Andujar: If the baseball 21 only testified under threat of jail terms, why isn't Andufar in jail ? He was impliacted and did't testify. Answer: The governmetnt would be wasting your money and mine if they went after every citizen rumored to have used drugs six years ago.) pps. I'll bet Mr. Ueberroth would get a nuch warmer wellcome in D.C. if he made sure that some baseball Senators were there to greet him.
jmh@ltuxa.UUCP (Jon M. Hanrath) (03/17/86)
> > Peter Ueberroth was more interested in serving his own political >interests than in serving baseball when he made his decisions about drug use. >Don't be surprised to see his name on the ballot of the upcoming Senate race >in Califonia. I can see it now... > . . . .etc First of all I am NOT a big Ueberroth fan, and I don't particularly like his style. However, I'm totally for his penalties on the players who took drugs. Not only have these players admitted doing something against the law, but these are men in the public eye who have a responsibility to "keep their noses clean". I think the biggest benefit of this whole saga is that OTHER players hopefully will think twice before getting into drugs. I'm sure there are plenty of players out there who are breathing a sigh of relief that they weren't implicated (at least yet). This is a sport where heros are born, not zeros. Ten percent of $XXX,XXX.XX which is tax deductable and 100 hours of service is a VERY small price to pay for someone who has commited a crime. In fact, I would go so far as to say that athletes are still being treated with kids gloves. Look at Scott Skiles the Michigan State hoops player twice convicted. Look at Keith Hernandez who is actually "insulted" at having to give up a measy 10% of a million (or whatever he makes) and having to do community service. He's lucky he's still in the game. Think back to when Paul Hornung and Alex Karras bet a few bucks on their own teams , and sat out a whole season for it (and were kept out of the Hall of Fame for years because of it). It's a bit sobering . . . Jon Hanrath ihnp4!ltuxa!jmh