Roids & Senators

You would think that a steroids investigation led by a former Senator of the United States would involve more talking to people who are accused, rather than having to go solely on the word of an ex-trainer. Sure it helped that he had access to a lot of canceled checks from players, but when you look at the whole thing, you see a lot of hearsay.

Senator Mitchell's 20 month long investigation finally produced a report yesterday. At a 2 PM press conference, Mitchell said its time to forgive and forget, then presented us with a 400 page report detailing much of what we already knew -- many MLB players took HGH.

What a revalation!

Mitchell's report was good. Detailed -- the best he could anyway -- with pictures of shipping labels, checks, money orders, and other payment slips. The only real problem I had with it was he wasn't able to force the players to talk to him, and it seemed to be missing a few names we all thought would be on the list.

Still the fact remains that its a start. Bud Selig promised action, and one can only hope that fair "action" comes. You can be sure that there will be main more players other than Roger Clemens that will come out screaming foul play with the report. Many denials, and many harsh admissions.

I wasn't sure what to think when I first saw the report. I was both shocked, and sad at the same time. I was disappointed as much as the first time I saw stories breaking about players being on steroids. I asked people "how can I possibly root for people on the Tigers, but how can I not be a fan of the Tigers." In truth, to get past everything, we're all going to have to have to continue to support the team, and look past the players who are dirty.

Which brings me to Gary Sheffield. Sheffield signed on as DH last season. He had an immediate positive impact on the the line up. Sure, he had his usually interviews with the media that made people cringe, but hey, that's Sheffield right?

But he took roids!!!

Sure, but he also has maintained that he was given the cream for his knee while in rehab after surgey when he was with the Yankees. He said he even went to Bug Selig, and he did tell it to the media. Even so, Selig denies that Sheffield ever said anything to him.

Personally I've chosen to believe Sheffield all these years.

Bud Selig is as guilty as all the players who ever took HGH. He knew what was going on and he turned the away from it. He let it go on so that players could hit their way back into the hearts of many fans. Now here we are a decade later and we're regretting rooting for the likes of Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. Sadly, the greatest homerun race of this generation was juiced.

Now there's a report out that confirms what we already knew. What does that do for us? Not much. But with any luck, Selig and the boys will finally put in place an effective testing program, an effective discipline program, and force Fehr's hand with the collective bargaining agreement. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end of the steroid era.

Michigan Interviews Rodriguez

U of M AD Bill Martin met with West Virginia Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez today. Word is "no comment" from both sides. Rodriguez has a $4 million buyout in his contract at WV that could present itself as a problem if the Wolverines want him. Still, if he's worth it, they should pay it. He's a winner, and he's proven.

Mohammed Traded

Nazr Mohammed was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats for C Primoz Brezec and F Walter Herrmann. The trade is good for both sides. Charlotte gains a big man they've been after, and the Pistons free up salary. Both players contracts are set to expire after this season. I don't expect either player will make much of an impact.

Dupree Waived

The Pistons requested waivers on Ronald Dupree. Dupree showed promise at times, but with more recent additions, he appeared to be the odd man out. Like the Mohammed deal, salary cap relief is wrapped around this move. Totalling $20 million between the two deals, the Pistons can breath a little easier.