[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 91 (Friday, July 1, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7904-S7907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                ZIMBABWE

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise to express my shock and alarm 
over the most recent turn taken in Zimbabwe's deepening political and 
economic crisis. As my colleagues know, the ruling regime in Harare 
recently launched a massive campaign to destroy the homes of hundreds 
of thousands of urban Zimbabweans, evicting men, women, and children--
in at least one case reportedly evicting even AIDS orphans--under the 
auspices of ``driving out the rubbish.''
  Many analysts believe that the Government is attempting to forcibly 
relocate the urban population--which tends to support the political 
opposition--to rural areas in order to diffuse resistance to its 
repressive policies. The ruling party may also be attempting to 
revitalize the agricultural sector, which has been devastated by its 
policies, through this campaign of forced relocation to rural areas. 
What is certain is that this kind of deliberate displacement of people 
in a country where 3 to 4 million already need food assistance is an 
absolute outrage.
  Sadly, this is what we have come to expect from President Mugabe and 
his cronies. This same government has refused food assistance for 
hungry people; manipulated available food assistance for political 
purposes; systematically attacked the independence of the judiciary; 
silenced independent media voices; and created, often through coercion, 
brutally violent youth militias to terrorize civilians.
  I commend Chairman Martinez for speaking out so forthrightly on this 
issue. I am pleased to join him here today. I have also joined with my 
colleague, Senator Durbin, in working to encourage U.N. Secretary 
General Kofi Annan to treat this crisis with the urgency it deserves, 
and I also thank him for his leadership. And I recently joined with 
Senator McCain to assure Secretary of State Rice of the strong, 
bipartisan support that exists here for an energized Zimbabwe policy.
  But we can and must do more to oppose this campaign of abuse. We must 
continue to speak plainly to Southern African leaders about the toll 
that their silence about this ongoing crisis takes on their 
credibility, and about the loss of investor and donor confidence in the 
region that is a consequence of Zimbabwe's ceaseless downward spiral 
over the past 5 years.
  The administration has spoken out commendably regarding the Zimbabwe 
crisis, but more could be done to take action that would bolster their 
tough talk. Targeted sanctions could have more bite, and the U.S. and 
other key donors could more clearly link support for laudable 
initiatives such as the New Economic Partnership for Africa's 
Development to restoration of respect for civil and political rights 
and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
  Those of us who have followed the crisis in Zimbabwe often feel a 
sense of frustration as we watch so much of

[[Page S7905]]

what was promising about that country be systematically dismantled by 
the current ruling party. But we must not give up on the people of 
Zimbabwe, many of whom continue to fight against repression despite 
considerable risk. Once Zimbabwe's corrupt leadership finally releases 
its grasp on power, the country will require substantial international 
assistance to rebuild the institutions of democracy and regain its 
economic footing.
  I was pleased to work with the majority leader on the Zimbabwe 
Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, which became law in 2001. This law 
spells out Congress's commitment to come forward as a strong partner of 
a recovery in Zimbabwe when change finally does come and Zimbabwe's 
long, sad slide into authoritarianism and economic collapse has been 
halted. I still believe in the promise of that bill and look forward to 
the day conditions allow all of us to realize that promise, and to join 
with the people of Zimbabwe in rebuilding their country and 
safeguarding their democracy.
  Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, earlier this week I introduced the 
Professional Sports Integrity and Accountability Act. This is not a 
bill I relish introducing, and I wish Congress did not have to get 
involved in this issue.
  Unfortunately, this might be the only way to get professional sports 
to finally clean up their act. As a former major league baseball player 
and a member of The Baseball Hall of Fame, protecting the integrity of 
our national past time is a matter near and dear to my heart. I know it 
is near and dear to the hearts of so many fans across America.
  I do not have any personal experience with steroids. I never 
encountered them during my years in the major leagues. But I can tell 
you this--players who use steroids are cheaters. When I played ball, if 
you got caught cheating--whether it was by sharpening your spikes or 
corking your bat--you were suspended. The same should hold true for 
those athletes who use illegal performance enhancing drugs.
  Something needs to be done to strike out drugs in sports. Some sports 
leagues have taken baby steps in an attempt to implement a new or 
improve a current testing program. While I can appreciate their 
efforts, I just do not think they have done enough. For example, the 
penalties under baseball's current drug testing program are--at best--
puny.
  My bill would not only toughen baseball's standards, but it would 
apply to a host of professional sports leagues, such as Major and Minor 
League Baseball, Arena and National Football Leagues, men's and women's 
National Basketball Associations, Major League Soccer, and the National 
Hockey League.
  Under my legislation, players would be tested at least three times a 
year. Tests would be conducted randomly with no advance notice to the 
athlete. Substances tested would include all those substances that are 
prohibited for all sports by the Olympics. Players testing positive 
would be suspended without pay from all leagues for two years on their 
first offense. If they test positive a second time they are banned from 
all sports forever.
  These are the kind of hard-nosed penalties that will finally wake 
players up to the reality that the need to stop doping up and risking 
losing their entire livelihood. It is going to be up to the players. I 
do not think too many of them will risk playing with fire. Because if 
you play with fire, you will get burned.
  In this legislation, leagues would also be required to disclose to 
the public the names of those players who violate the testing policy, 
the penalty they receive, and the substances involved. Any athlete who 
refuses to take a drug test will be immediately penalized the same as 
if he or he failed the test. These penalties would also apply to anyone 
who assists in a violation of the drug testing policy.
  Tests will be conducted by an independent entity not controlled by 
any league. This is necessary to ensure the integrity of the tests. 
This independent entity will be responsible for the collection, 
transport, and analysis of all samples. Lab analysis will be conducted 
at a lab in the United States that meets Olympic standards. All leagues 
will be required to keep records of these tests which will be subject 
to inspection by the Federal Trade Commission.
  It is important that people realize this is not about conducting a 
witch hunt, and that is why my bill also includes some protections for 
these athletes. As a former player, I recognize that training and 
playing a sport can take a tremendous toll on the body. Therefore, my 
bill would allow athletes exemptions for substances prescribed by their 
doctor.
  My bill requires that leagues provide violators with a hearing and 
fair appeals process upon testing positive. These results must be 
disclosed to the public. However, no information about an athlete's 
health is required to be disclosed. In order to ensure that leagues are 
in compliance, the Federal Trade Commission is designated with 
oversight of the drug testing program. Leagues can be fined up to $1 
million per day if they do not enforce this testing policy.
  This legislation also encourages--but does not require--leagues to 
invalidate the records of any athlete who is caught using performance 
enhancing drugs. History is an important part of any sport and records 
should mean something. Yes, records are made to be broken. But it does 
not mean you should be able to cheat to do so.
  I was blessed to play 17 years in the major leagues. I never saw a 
player hit more home runs at age 40 than he was hitting at age 25. 
Unlike a good wine, professional athletes generally do not get better 
with age. The body breaks down and you become more prone to injury. You 
just do not recover as quickly from the grind of playing day after 
day--year after year.
  Some may ask why congress would be getting involved in the business 
of trying to regulate major league sports. Well, the answer is really 
quite simple. It is not just about the integrity of the game. It is 
partly about the health of the athlete. But really, it is about the 
kids.
  The game of baseball has been tarnished by the use of steroids. 
Unfortunately, this not only affects players taking these substances. 
But it also sends the wrong message to kids who see players as role 
models, and who also feel such pressure to perform so well at a young 
age. It is very important that we understand just how harmful steroids 
can be on a person's health.
  Side-effects of steroids include fatal liver cysts, liver cancer, 
kidney disease, blood clotting, and they can even lead to heart attack 
or stroke. Our children look up to players as heroes. And it is 
important that players set a good example.
  As Members of Congress we can play an important role in educating the 
public on the terrible health effects from steroids. Illegal 
performance-enhancing drugs have become a serious problem in 
professional sports and it needs to stop.
  Fans expect it to stop and former professional athletes expect it to 
stop. My friend and fellow baseball Hall of Famer--Dave Winfield--wrote 
me recently. He sent me a copy of an opinion piece he wrote on the 
steroid issue. In his piece, Dave outlines not only the negative 
physical health effects steroids cause. But he touches on the negative 
psychological effects, too. Dave also cites a recent survey by a 
national healthcare provider that nearly one million kids in America 
are using steroids and other substances to boost their athletic 
performance.
  Finally, he raises the important question to athletes: ``How do you 
want to play your sport--clean and fair, or by cheating with drugs?''
  The fans and former athletes do not want our national pasttime and 
favorite sports to end up with black eyes because of this mess. 
Everywhere I go I hear sports fans and former athletes whistling for an 
end to the use of drugs in sports. I and others in this body are 
listening. Players and leagues must be held accountable for the State 
of their respective sports. And this legislation demands accountability 
by putting real penalties on those who cheat.
  It is time to restore some integrity to the sports we all watch, pour 
our hearts out to, and love. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
supporting this important cause. I recognize that other senators, 
including Senator Stevens, Senator McCain, and Senator Rockefeller, 
have helped to highlight this issue, and I look forward to the Senate

[[Page S7906]]

moving this debate and legislation forward to clean this mess up in a 
bi-partisan way.
  Before I yield the floor, I want to share a letter I received last 
month from a young boy--Joseph Mattingly--from Louisville, KY. Joseph 
writes:

       Dear Senator Bunning, my name is Joseph Mattingly. I am a 
     Boy Scout from Troop 327. At this year's summer camp, I am 
     working on a merit badge that requires me to write a letter 
     to a Member of Congress representing my State--Kentucky. This 
     letter was required to be about a national issue which I 
     share the same view with you. I wrote you because I am a fan 
     of Major League Baseball and I would agree that Congress 
     should get involved in the steroids scandal. I say this for 
     many reasons. One is that Major League Baseball needs some 
     help. If they cannot clear up this problem, Congress could. 
     Another reason is that taking performance enhancing drugs is 
     cheating. Cheating should not be the American way of doing 
     things. A third reason is that steroids are drugs. 
     Performance enhancing drugs should be made illegal for sale 
     without a prescription. Finally, you are a Hall of Famer with 
     much baseball experience. For this reason, Major League 
     Baseball should let you help them with their problems. These 
     are my views on why Congress should get involved in bringing 
     down the steroids scandal in baseball and all other sports. 
     Sincerely, Joseph Mattingly.

  This is the voice from a young fan--a child who loves the game of 
baseball. He echoes the thoughts and words of so many others across 
America. There is passion in this young boy's heart, and wisdom in his 
words.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and 
editorial be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill and editorial was 
ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1334

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Professional Sports 
     Integrity and Accountability Act''.

     SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act shall take effect 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal 
     Trade Commission.
       (2) Off-season.--The term ``off-season'' for each 
     professional athlete means the period of time outside the 
     professional sports season.
       (3) Professional athlete.--The term ``professional 
     athlete'' means an individual who competes in a professional 
     sports league.
       (4) Professional sports event.--The term ``professional 
     sports event'' means any game, match, or competition 
     conducted in the United States between any teams, clubs, or 
     organizations of a professional sports league.
       (5) Professional sports league.--The term ``professional 
     sports league'' means Major League Baseball, Minor League 
     Baseball, the National Football League, the Arena Football 
     League, the National Basketball Association, the Women's 
     National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, 
     Major League Soccer, and any successor organization to those 
     organizations.
       (6) Professional sports season.--The term ``professional 
     sports season'' for each professional athlete means the 
     period of time beginning on the date on which the athlete is 
     eligible, invited, allowed, or required to report for 
     practice or preparation to compete in a professional sports 
     league and ending on the later of the date of the league's 
     last regularly scheduled professional sports event or the 
     date of the last professional sports event of the post-season 
     in which the athlete is eligible, invited, allowed, or 
     required to participate.
       (7) Protocol.--The term ``Protocol'' means the United 
     States Anti-Doping Agency Protocol for Olympic Movement 
     Testing and any successor to that protocol.

     SEC. 4. CONDUCT PROHIBITED.

       It is unlawful for a professional sports league to 
     organize, sponsor, endorse, promote, produce, or recognize a 
     professional sports event without adopting and enforcing a 
     testing policy that meets the requirements of section 5.

     SEC. 5. MINIMUM DRUG POLICY IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS.

       (a) Testing Policy Required.--Each professional sports 
     league shall adopt and enforce policies and procedures to--
       (1) proscribe the use of prohibited substances and methods 
     by each professional athlete competing in the league;
       (2) test for the use of prohibited substances and methods 
     by each professional athlete competing in the league; and
       (3) proscribe any person associated with the league from 
     complicity in a violation by a professional athlete competing 
     in the league.
       (b) Prohibited Substances and Methods.--At a minimum, the 
     prohibited substances and methods are as follows:
       (1) Professional sports season.--During the professional 
     sports season, all substances and methods in such amounts as 
     prohibited in-competition by the Protocol, excluding 
     substances or methods prohibited in a particular sport as 
     defined by the Protocol.
       (2) Off-season.--During the off-season, all substances and 
     methods in such amounts as prohibited out-of-competition by 
     the Protocol, excluding substances or methods prohibited in a 
     particular sport as defined by the Protocol.
       (3) Additional substances and methods.--Any other 
     substances or methods or amounts of substances or methods 
     determined by the Commission to be performance-enhancing 
     substances or methods for which testing is reasonable and 
     practicable.
       (c) Violations.--
       (1) Professional athlete.--The following constitute 
     violations of the testing policy under this section for a 
     professional athlete:
       (A) The presence of a prohibited substance or its 
     metabolites or markers in the bodily specimen of a 
     professional athlete, or evidence of the use of a prohibited 
     method.
       (B) Refusing, or failing without compelling justification, 
     to submit to a test. The absence of an athlete from the 
     United States shall not alone be a compelling justification 
     under this subparagraph.
       (2) Any person.--The following constitute violations of the 
     testing policy under this section for any person associated 
     with a professional sports league:
       (A) The administration or attempted administration of a 
     prohibited substance or method to any professional athlete.
       (B) Assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, covering up, 
     or any other type of complicity involving a violation by a 
     professional athlete.
       (d) Conduct of Tests.--
       (1) Frequency, randomness, and advance notice.--
       (A) In general.--Each professional athlete shall be tested 
     for the use of prohibited substances and methods no less than 
     3 times in each calendar year that the athlete competes in a 
     professional sports league.
       (B) Random.--Tests conducted under this subsection shall be 
     conducted at random intervals throughout the entire calendar 
     year with no advance notice to the professional athlete.
       (2) Administration and analysis.--
       (A) In general.--Tests under this subsection shall be 
     conducted by an independent entity not subject to the control 
     of any professional sports league.
       (B) Methods, policies, and procedures.--The independent 
     entity shall determine the methods, policies, and procedures 
     of collection, transportation, and analysis of bodily 
     specimens of professional athletes necessary to conduct tests 
     for prohibited substances and methods and shall conduct such 
     collection, transportation, and analysis.
       (C) Analysis.--Analysis of specimens shall be conducted in 
     a laboratory that meets the requirements for approval by the 
     United States Anti-Doping Agency and is located within the 
     United States.
       (3) Substances.--
       (A) In general.--Each professional athlete shall be tested 
     for all prohibited substances and methods at the time of the 
     administration of each test.
       (B) Limited exemption for medical or therapeutic use.--A 
     professional sports league may provide an individual 
     professional athlete with an exemption for a particular 
     prohibited substance or method if such substance or method--
       (i) has a legitimate and documented medical or therapeutic 
     use;
       (ii) is for a documented medical condition of such athlete; 
     and
       (iii) is properly prescribed by a doctor of medicine 
     licensed in the United States.
       (e) Penalties.--
       (1) Violation.--Subject to paragraph (3), a violation shall 
     result in the following penalties:
       (A) First violation.--A person who commits a violation 
     shall be immediately suspended from participation in any 
     professional sports league without pay for a minimum of 2 
     years.
       (B) Second violation.--A person who commits a violation, 
     having once previously committed a violation, shall be 
     immediately permanently suspended without pay from 
     participation in any professional sports league.
       (2) Disclosure.--
       (A) After notice.--Not later than 10 days after receiving 
     notice of a violation under this section, a professional 
     sports league shall publicly disclose the name of the 
     violator, the penalty imposed, and a description of the 
     violation, including any prohibited substance or method 
     involved.
       (B) Adjudication proceedings.--The league shall publicly 
     disclose the results of any adjudication proceedings required 
     by paragraph (3) within 10 days of notice of the termination 
     of the proceedings.
       (3) Adjudication.--
       (A) In general.--A professional sports league shall--
       (i) provide a violator with prompt notice and a prompt 
     hearing and right to appeal; and
       (ii) permit that violator to have counsel or other 
     representative for the proceedings.
       (B) Violator suspended.--A violator subject to this 
     paragraph shall be suspended without pay from participation 
     in any professional sports league during the proceedings.
       (f) Records.--
       (1) In general.--Each professional sports league shall 
     maintain all documentation and records pertaining to the 
     policies and procedures required by this section and make 
     such

[[Page S7907]]

     documentation and records available to the Commission upon 
     request.
       (2) Privacy.--With regards to any information provided to 
     the Commission under this subsection, nothing in this Act 
     shall be construed to require disclosure to the public of 
     health information of an individual athlete that would not be 
     subject to disclosure under other applicable Federal laws.

     SEC. 6. ENFORCEMENT.

       (a) Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices.--Except as 
     provided in subsection (b), this Act shall be enforced by the 
     Commission as if a violation of this Act or of any regulation 
     promulgated by the Commission under this Act were a violation 
     of section 18 of the Federal Trade Commission Act regarding 
     unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
       (b) Enhanced Civil Penalties.--In addition to the penalties 
     provided in subsection (a), the Commission may seek a civil 
     penalty not to exceed $1,000,000 for each day a professional 
     sports league is in violation of this Act.
       (c) Promulgation of Regulations.--The Commission may 
     promulgate such regulations as necessary to enforce this Act 
     as if the relevant provisions of the Federal Trade Commission 
     Act were incorporated in this Act.
       (d) Delegation.--The Commission may delegate the 
     administration of this Act or any part of this Act to any 
     appropriate agency of the United States Government.

     SEC. 7. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.

       (a) United States Anti-doping Agency.--Nothing in this Act 
     shall be construed to deem the United States Anti-Doping 
     Agency an agent of or an actor on behalf of the United States 
     Government or impose any requirements or place any 
     limitations on the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
       (b) More Stringent Policies.--Nothing in this Act shall be 
     construed to prohibit a professional sports league from 
     adopting and enforcing policies and procedures more stringent 
     than the requirements of this Act.

     SEC. 8. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COORDINATION WITH THE UNITED 
                   STATES ANTI-DOPING AGENCY.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the United States Anti-Doping Agency is the Nation's 
     leading expert on testing for and research on performance-
     enhancing substances and methods; and
       (2) professional sports leagues should consult with and 
     follow the recommendations and standards of the Agency in 
     developing their testing policies and procedures.

     SEC. 9. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PROFESSIONAL SPORTS RECORDS.

       It is the sense of Congress that the individual records of 
     athletes achieved while using performance-enhancing drugs 
     should be invalidated.

     SEC. 10. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON OTHER PROFESSIONAL SPORTS 
                   ORGANIZATIONS.

       It is the sense of Congress that all professional sports 
     organizations not covered by this Act should adopt testing 
     policies that meet the requirements of the Act.
                                  ____


              [From the Los Angeles Times, Apr. 17, 2005]

                   Baseball Needs Cleaned-Up Hitters

                           (By Dave Winfield)

       Performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball are 
     the topic du jour, but I'm writing this article primarily 
     because I have succeeded at the game without use of drugs. I 
     have seen and heard many opinions, but few (if any) offered 
     on having success without performance-enhancing drugs.
       The view from some in the Baseball Hall of Fame is this: 
     Acknowledging that no one is perfect, there is no one in the 
     Hall of Fame who used steroids. Overall there is a dim view 
     of those who have padded their statistics by steroid use. No 
     one likes their historic performances and careers 
     marginalized by those who have an unfair advantage, whether 
     the drugs were legal or not. Longtime records fall in time 
     (that's what records are for), but with the advent of these 
     drugs you destroy the integrity of the feat. The issue here 
     is how to compare the achievements of baseball greats from 
     different eras.
       More important, I am a parent who cares about children and 
     the game of baseball, and will continue to be a role model to 
     others I work with, whether it is Little League 
     International, the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program, 
     or with collegiate, or professional baseball players.
       In this era of immediate gratification, let me give a 
     perspective on achieving long-term success and gratification. 
     Let me be one of many who take the side of advocating success 
     and enjoyment in sports without pharmaceutical enhancements. 
     Hopefully, I may cause others to speak up and give young 
     people a positive path to follow.
       Here are reasons you should not use anabolic steroids: 
     Although they are known to make athletes stronger and faster, 
     they do not improve athletic skill, and the health risks are 
     numerous. They can cause acne, hair loss, blood-pressure 
     changes, nausea, vomiting, aching joints, testicular 
     shrinkage, urinary problems and impotence or sterility. Other 
     effects include shortening of adult height; paranoia, violent 
     behavior (in some notable cases suicide) and increased risk 
     of developing heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer.
       I can't recommend harming your body to try to improve your 
     athletic performance. Those short-term goals can lead to 
     long-term physical, legal and career problems.
       It's frightening and dismaying to hear that recent surveys 
     by a national health-care provider indicate that nearly 1 
     million kids in America are using steroids and other 
     substances to improve their sports performance. You can gain 
     a competitive advantage in so many other ways and not risk 
     your health. Yes, there is an allure to participate and be 
     successful in sports because of the adulation, the potential 
     attractiveness to the opposite sex, scholarship opportunities 
     and a possible professional career, with all the money and 
     fame and security that go with that. But it comes down to 
     risk and reward, right and wrong--the values you live by.
       How do you want to play your sport--clean and fair, or by 
     cheating with drugs? I live in California, where our governor 
     used steroids for years to compete in and win many 
     bodybuilding championships. Today there are separate 
     competitions for users and nonusers. Baseball should be the 
     same--where there are no drug users.
       In the major leagues, when you approach the game 
     incorrectly or illegally, you injure your health, reputation, 
     family, fans, the sport itself, and all the young people who 
     want to be just like you.
       I played Major League Baseball a long time, and left after 
     the 1995 season. I heard back then that some people were 
     using performance-enhancing drugs, but it was never apparent 
     or evident in the clubhouses I played in.
       Because people look for shortcuts to success, I talked to 
     my friends who succeeded the right way: Rickey Henderson, Don 
     Mattingly, Eddie Murray, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. They 
     an achieved the heights of this game without performance-
     enhancing drugs.
       Henderson, the all-time stolen base leader, said, ``I 
     advocate nutrition, flexibility and exercise.''
       He understood his speed, eyesight and patience at the plate 
     could help him become a great player.
       Gwynn, an eight-time batting champion, said, ``My success 
     came from knowing I'm a singles hitter.''
       He had no desire to try to hit the long ball to be 
     successful. Speed and defense made him an all-around player.
       Ripken played more consecutive games than anyone in the 
     history of baseball. He never led the league in home runs, 
     runs batted in or stolen bases, but said, ``It was my 
     defense, long-term health, stamina and consistency that gave 
     me success on the diamond.''
       Murray possessed the ability to switch-hit with power, 
     enabling him to hit more than 500 homers and drive in more 
     than 1,900 runs. He played superb defense and was the 
     consummate team player. He said the hallmarks of his success 
     were ``my baseball instincts, competitiveness and love of the 
     game.''
       Mattingly, the 1985 American League MVP, didn't have the 
     height; weight or strength of others, but what made him a 
     great player was his knowledge of the fundamentals and 
     techniques of hitting. ``I listened and learned from coaches 
     about using my body to maximum effectiveness, and how to 
     solve pitchers,'' he said.
       The primary things these guys had in common were their 
     understanding of the game, their work ethic and a tough 
     mental approach that gave them longevity in the game.
       People might think the only reason I didn't entertain drug 
     use was because I already had size, strength, speed and 
     versatility by playing other sports. Sure, it helps to start 
     with ability, but I wouldn't have had the career I did if I 
     didn't listen to the voices of baseball telling me to learn 
     how to play and make adjustments to grow and improve.
       When I entered the majors, I was not a polished, consistent 
     player. I wasn't an All-Star until my fifth season, and 
     certainly wasn't a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. It takes 
     time to integrate the knowledge, instincts, training, and 
     experience as a player to become all you can be; that's 
     called maturity.
       I stress that you work to become a complete player. There 
     is too much emphasis today on only hitting the long ball; 
     many feel that is the sure way to a large payday. Learn to 
     play every part of the game well. There are fewer five-tool 
     players (who can run, hit, hit for power, field and throw) 
     than ever; with a virtual elimination of infield practice 
     before games, the ranks of those without strong arms and good 
     gloves grow every year.
       I hope the proceedings of the last few months--the first 
     suspensions for steroid use in the major and minor leagues, 
     with better regulation and enforcement--bring the game back 
     to the way it was meant to be played.
       This is an issue that may test the character of many, but 
     think about your life and lifestyle. Drugs might help you for 
     the short term, but can you imagine anyone taking them for 10 
     or 20 years? It may bring short term success, but no doubt a 
     shorter life. Choose a lifestyle of nutrition, fitness, 
     dedication and hard work in whatever you do. Don't risk 
     losing your health, career, reputation, freedom or your life 
     from dealing in illegal drugs. It's very simple. It's not 
     worth it!

                          ____________________