Bud Selig, when asked if he would consider suspending Alex Rodriguez for his admission of steroid use, said, “It was against the law, so I would have to think about that.”
More from Selig's statement, released today: "We are fully committed to ridding our game of steroids and other performance-enhancing substances." ... "These drugs and those who use them and facilitate their use threaten (wrong word. barn's burned. horses dead) the integrity of our sport. It is disappointing that others may have acted to thwart or prevent a legitimate drug testing program from being implemented sooner (no introspection here? not even a little?). That only served to stiffen our resolve. We are very proud of the enormous progress we have made, and it is important to note that the recent revelations are at least five years old and a residue (CSI canvassed the scene) of pre-program behavior. But we will not rest or relax our efforts until the use of these illegal drugs are gone from baseball."
Go get 'em, Bud. Glad to know you are out in front, and think that you always have been. He also said his heart was broken. I'll send a pajamagram for V-Day.
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I just can't believe Bud is still the commish.
Posted by: walein | Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Best part: He'll also consider whether to rewrite the record books to reinstate Hank Aaron as the home run king.
Can we rewrite the record books to remove him as commissioner?
Posted by: Paul SF | Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 05:57 PM
I no longer think it's possible for Selig to open his mouth without embarrassing himself anymore. His statements are the press release equivalent of someone walking into a rake handle.
Thought this Slate article about possible remedies for fixing Baseball was interesting enough to pass along: http://tinyurl.com/a9z6lk
Bruce Reed isn't typically a sportswriter, so take his recommendations with a grain of salt (or maybe put more stock in them, come to think of it):
1. Punish teams NCAA-style by making teams ineligible for the postseason following a positive test, in addition to punishment for the player
2. Bar all proven users from the HOF
or, failing that, increase waiting time for first year ballot by 5 to 15 years
The second one is already up for debate, but I'm not sure if I see that first one talked about much. It's quite a doozy. Possible drawback: May be interpreted as a license for all Pittsburgh Pirates to take any PED they feel like.
Posted by: FenSheaParkway | Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 06:09 PM
"His statements are the press release equivalent of someone walking into a rake handle."
I really love that episode of the Simpsons.
Posted by: Nick-YF | Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 06:38 PM
at least we won't have tie all star games anymore...thanks bpud...that's worth $18m a year
Posted by: dc | Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 09:21 PM
It is inconceivable that MLB does not have someone who can write a better speech than that for him to put out as the face of Major League Baseball, for 1/100th of his annual salary. Strike that.. 1/1000th of his salary.
Posted by: attackgerbil | Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 09:45 PM
"I really love that episode of the Simpsons."
Sideshow Bud. (HEY! I like that.)
Posted by: I'mBillMcNeal | Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Selig is paid to get money to the owners. And he's done that remarkably well. To them, he's probably worth twice as much.
It's sad but the owners showed who was in control when they pushed Fay Vincent out. He wasn't great, but at least he tried to act as a mediator between the players and the owners. Problem is, the owners thought he screwed them in 1990 and never forgave him.
Posted by: Rob | Friday, February 13, 2009 at 07:04 AM
this bpud's for you...
selig was an owner rob, for many years...he didn't sell the brewers until 2005...not that i'm suggesting a conflict of interest or anything...heh, heh, brewers, funny name considering the topic...
Posted by: dc | Friday, February 13, 2009 at 07:48 AM
> Selig is paid to get money to the owners
Not what I was talking about, but sure.
> And he's done that remarkably well.
Yep. Ups and downs, but big ups lately.
> To them, he's probably worth twice as much
Yes, but not because the owners are grateful. Selig has amassed great power. And with great power comes aweso oh forget it.
Posted by: attackgerbil | Friday, February 13, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Sheesh, Gerb! Now I've got the words "pajamagram" and "Bud Selig" together in my head? On Valentine's Day?? What'd I ever do to you?
Posted by: soxgirl | Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 12:13 AM
> "pajamagram" and "Bud Selig"
Sorry, soxgirl.. it was a cruel pairing. But who doesn't think Bud might be a bit less prickly if he were making his decisions in a snuggy.
Posted by: attackgerbil | Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 11:14 AM